CUSA foes meet when the Sam Houston Bearkats (5-1) and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-2) square off on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.

The Bearkats are favored, but by less than a field goal (-2.5), versus the Hilltoppers. The over/under for this game is 55.5 points.

Read on for our betting primer for this this contest between the Bearkats and the Hilltoppers, and uncover all of our predictions here, too!

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky betting lines

• Spread favorite: Bearkats (-2.5)
• Moneyline: Bearkats (-135), Hilltoppers (+113)
• Total: 55.5 points
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Live Stream: Fubo (Watch for free)

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky betting info and stats

Sam Houston has a 5-1-0 record against the spread this season. Sam Houston has covered the spread in three of the games this season when a favorite of at least 2.5 points (3-0 ATS). Sam Houston has been favored on the moneyline three times this season, winning every game. Western Kentucky has won five games against the spread this season (5-1-0). When Western Kentucky is an underdog by 2.5 or more points, it has covered the spread twice (2-1 ATS). Western Kentucky has a 1-2 record this year in games it hs played as an underdog on the moneyline.

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky recent stats and trends

Sam Houston Bearkats

• Sam Houston is a perfect 3-0 against the spread over its last three games, and has a 3-0 straight-up record in those matchups.
• Sam Houston and its opponents have combined to hit the over two times in those games.
• The last three Sam Houston games averaged 50.2 total points, 5.3 fewer points than this matchup’s point total.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Western Kentucky has covered the spread in each of its last three contests while putting up a 3-0 record straight-up in those games.
• Western Kentucky and its opponents have combined to hit the over once in those games.
• The past three Western Kentucky games averaged 0.3 fewer points (55.2) than this matchup’s over/under.

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky key players

Sam Houston Bearkats

• Hunter Watson has thrown for 859 yards, completing 59.1% of his passes and collecting seven touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He’s also run for 370 yards (61.7 ypg) on 84 carries with four rushing touchdowns.
• This season, DJ McKinney has carried the ball 57 times for 348 yards (58 per game) and two touchdowns.
• Qua’Vez Humphreys’ team-leading 281 yards as a receiver have come on 12 receptions (out of 27 targets) with four touchdowns.
• Ife Adeyi has caught 17 passes while averaging 29.5 yards per game and scoring one touchdown.
• Simeon Evans’ 14 catches have turned into 174 yards and two touchdowns.
• Chris Murray has racked up 3.5 sacks to lead the team, while also recording three TFL and 11 tackles.
• Kavian Gaither is the team’s leading tackler this year. He’s amassed 28 tackles and one TFL.
• Caleb Weaver has a team-leading three interceptions to go along with 27 tackles, one TFL, and three passes defended.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Caden Veltkamp has racked up 1,147 yards on 69.6% passing while recording 11 touchdown passes with five interceptions this season. He’s also rushed for 71 yards with four scores.
• The team’s top rusher, Elijah Young, has carried the ball 79 times for 278 yards (46.3 per game) with two touchdowns. He’s also caught 21 passes for 166 yards.
• George Hart III has compiled 114 yards on 16 carries.
• Kisean Johnson paces his team with 474 receiving yards on 34 receptions with four touchdowns.
• Easton Messer has collected 342 receiving yards (57 yards per game) and two touchdowns on 26 receptions.
• River Helms’ 25 targets have resulted in 16 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown.
• Kylan Guidry has two sacks to pace the team, and also has one TFL and eight tackles.
• Hosea Wheeler, Western Kentucky’s tackle leader, has 16 tackles, one TFL, and one sack this year.
• Devonte’ Mathews has picked off a team-high two passes. He also has eight tackles and two passes defended to his name.