The Wildcats defeated the Bearkats 17-10 Saturday evening in Huntsville, making it the first win against Sam Houston State since 1983.

ACU picked up their fifth conference win, the most since transitioning to Div. I in 2013. Their record improves to 5-3 in conference, and 6-4 overall, while SHSU was knocked out of contention for post-season play, their record now 5-5 and 4-4.

Redshirt junior running back Tracy James ran for 111 yards and one score, and redshirt backup quarterback Sema’J Davis ran the ball nine times for a total of 81 yards.

Though the Wildcats gave up 375 yards to the Bearkats, they ran the ball 48 times for 189 yards.

ACU ran out the clock on the game for the victory after an interception by sophomore linebacker Jack Gibbens.

The Wildcats are guaranteed a winning season for the first time since 2013.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Anthony said the Wildcats held themselves to a high standard both offensively and defensively to take the win over the Bearkats.

“Just knowing where we were at this point last year by coming up short to those guys, this year we just showed our program was headed in the right direction,” Anthony said.

ACU plays their last game of the regular season against Central Arkansas Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Wildcat Stadium.