Courtesy: Paul Ridings, Jr., SHSU Sports Information

Sam Houston State is ranked No. 4 in both the Sports Network and NCAA Coaches FCA national polls this week.

North Dakota State remains the top team in both polls after stunning defending Big 12 champion Kansas State on the road 24-21.
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Eastern Washington moved No. 2 in both boths after its 49-46 upset win over No. 25 Oregon State. The Eagles used 518 total yards from quarterback Vernon Adams to become first FCS team to knock off a ranked FBS opponent since James Madison defeated Virginia Tech 21-16 in 2010.

Sam Houston and Eastern Washington will meet in a showdown at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium on Saturday Sept. 28.

Montana State stands No. 3 in both ratings.

Sam Houston has been ranked among the FCS top 25 for 26 consecutive polls since debuting in the national rankings on Sept. 9, 2011. During an 11-0 regular season in 2011, the Kats rose all the way to No. 1 at the end of the regular season.

The Bearkats have finished No. 2 in the past two final FCS national rankings after consecutive Southland Conference championships and trips to the NCAA Division I National Championship game in Frisco.

The No. 4 ranking this week after a 74-0 victory over Houston Baptist in SHSU’s season opener Saturday marks the 22nd consecutive week Sam Houston has stood among the nation’s Top 10 FCS programs.

Two other Southland Conference teams are rated among the top 25 this week.

Central Arkansas is No. 5 in the coaches’ poll and No. 7 in the Sports Network rating. McNeese tabbed at No. 18 by Sports Network and No. 20 by the coaches.

Sam Houston travels to College Station to face Cotton Bowl champion Texas A&M this Saturday at 6 p.m.