Quarterback Maverick McIvor‘s 401-yard showing under the Saturday night lights powered the Hilltoppers past the Sam Houston Bearkats 41-24 at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

In his Hilltopper debut, the graduate student threw 33-51, totalling 401 yards and 3 touchdowns. 

Before McIvor, the Bearkats hadn’t let a quarterback pass for 400 yards since Cam Ward in 2021. He became the first Hilltopper to hit the 400-yard mark since Austin Reed on December 21, 2022.

“I thought the coaching staff called a really good game,” said McIvor. “I think they put me and my offense in the best position to win.”

Matthew Henry emerged as McIvors’ leading weapon, posting a touchdown and 148 yards, the most in a Hilltopper debut since Lucky Jackson in 2017.

“It’s been good, coming together to know the guys,” said Henry. “Just staying close as a unit.” 

First-year running back Marvis Parrish got the start for the Hilltoppers, totaling 62 yards on the night.

“We’ve been excited about him. He had a really good camp,” said coach Tyson Helton. “He’s been a real pro since the day he got here.” 

Despite the 10-point Hilltopper lead going into halftime, Sam Houston followed up a touchdown drive with a 43-yard fumble return touchdown coming out of intermission.

McIvor was not phased by the change of momentum, leading three straight unanswered touchdown drives. He tacked a 2-yard rushing touchdown to his impressive night, putting the Hilltoppers up 17 late in the fourth. 

The Hilltopper defense would not surrender another point for the rest of the night. As a whole, the defense had a successful performance, allowing 382 yards but holding the Bearkats to just 17 points in a shootout. 

The win is the third straight 1-0 start in conference play for the Hilltoppers. 

“It was really good to get out here and play after all the hard work since January,” said McIvor. 

The Hilltoppers will return to Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m..