2021 FCS Season Preview: Houston Baptist Huskies
With the transfer of Bailey Zappe, Houston Baptist (1-3, 0-0) will have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2017.
Blaise Bentsen will compete for the job after being the primary backup for the past two seasons. Bentsen will compete against Desmond Young and freshman Orion Olivas.
The winner of the job will have a new set of wide receivers, where the coaching staff expects big production from D.J. Dormeus, Vernon Harrell, and Jaylon Johnson.
The defense predictably struggled against FBS competition last year. New coordinator Shane Eachus will transition HBU from a four-down front to multiple fronts to slow down opposing offenses.
Impact Players
S Patrick Wolfe: Had 32 tackles last fall (16 solo, 16 assisted) with one fumble recovery and an interception; had four pass breakups.
WR D.J. Dormeus: Had 10 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown last fall.
QB Blaise Bentsen: Bentsen appeared in three games as a true freshman in 2019, completing 6-of-16 passes for 82 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Key Game: November 13 vs. McNeese
Houston Baptist
| Home | Away | Venue | Match Day | TV/Streaming | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Houston Christian  |  New Mexico | University Stadium (New Mexico) | Albuquerque, NM | - | - |
Northern Colorado  | Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | ESPN+ | - |
| Houston Christian |  Prairie View A&M | Panther Stadium | Prairie View, TX | - | - |
| Houston Christian |  Nicholls | Guidry Stadium | Thibodaux, LA | - | - |
Northwestern State  | Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | - | - |
| Houston Christian |  Southeastern Louisiana | Strawberry Stadium | Hammond, LA | - | - |
| Nicholls | Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | - | - |
| Houston Christian |  Incarnate Word | Benson Stadium | San Antonio, TX | - | - |
| Houston Christian | Northwestern State | Turpin Stadium | Natchitoches, LA | - | - |
McNeese  | Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | - | - |
| Incarnate Word | Houston Christian | Husky Stadium | Houston, TX | - | - |
Worst Case: The winner of the preseason QB competition is no Bailey Zappe, and the Huskies struggle to adjust.
Best Case: The next Bailey Zappe emerges, and the abbreviated fall 2020 schedule with all those FBS teams pay off with a fresh, prepared team that contends for the Southland title.
Rob Butler is a lifelong Texas A&M football fan – his family is full of A&M graduates. He graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas with two degrees – a BBA in Finance and an MBA. His hobbies include jogging and reading books pertaining to college football.
