Briscoe has 3 TDs, Sam Houston State beats Lamar 44-31

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) Jeremiah Briscoe threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns to lead Sam Houston State to a 44-31 win over Lamar Saturday in the Southland Conference opener for both teams.

The Sam Houston State defense slowed Kade Harrington, who finished with 76 yards on 25 carries and no touchdowns. Last year, Harrington ran for 230 yards and two scores as Lamar bested the Bearkats 49-46.

Sam Houston State jumped out to a 30-3 lead at the break as Briscoe was 14-of-19 passing for 236 yards and two scores in the first half.

Yedidiah Louis finished with eight catches for 113 yards and Corey Avery rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries for the Bearkats (2-0, 1-0).

Lamar (0-3, 0-1) outscored the Bearkats in the second half 28-14 but could not catch SHSU.

Andrew Allen threw for 178 yards and two scores in his debut as Lamar's starting quarterback.