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

HomeAwayVenueMatch Day TV/Streaming Highlights
University Stadium (New Mexico)
Albuquerque, NM - -
Husky Stadium
Houston, TX ESPN+ -
Panther Stadium
Prairie View, TX - -
Guidry Stadium
Thibodaux, LA - -
Husky Stadium
Houston, TX - -
Strawberry Stadium
Hammond, LA - -
Husky Stadium
Houston, TX - -
Benson Stadium
San Antonio, TX - -
Turpin Stadium
Natchitoches, LA - -
Husky Stadium
Houston, TX - -
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.