HUNTSVILLE -- The Sam Houston State football team opens up the '08 campaign Thursday night when East Central Oklahoma visits Huntsville at 6pm.

The Bearkats will be looking to win their sixth straight game dating back to last season, as well as their sixth season opener dating back to a loss to Central Michigan in 2002.

Todd Whitten lost six all-conference starters off last year's 7 and 4 squad. The head coach feels if his team can gain some much needed experience along the offensive line and in the secondary position at safety, then the Kats would be ina position to challenge McNeese State for the Southland Conference crown.