The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-0) take on a fellow CUSA foe when they host the Sam Houston Bearkats (0-0) on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

The Hilltoppers are expected to win by at least two scores (currently -10) against the Bearkats. The over/under for this matchup is 60.5 points.

Below you’ll find our betting primer for this this matchup between the Hilltoppers and the Bearkats, and discover all of our predictions here, too!

Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston betting lines

• Spread favorite: Hilltoppers (-10)
• Moneyline: Hilltoppers (-376), Bearkats (+295)
• Total: 60.5 points
• TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
• Live Stream: Fubo

Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston betting info and stats

• Western Kentucky was 7-7-0 against the spread last year.
• Western Kentucky had two wins ATS (2-3) as 10-point or greater favorites last year.
• There were six Western Kentucky games (out of 14) that went over the total last year.
• Sam Houston had seven wins in 13 games against the spread last season.
• Sam Houston won once ATS (1-1) as underdogs of 10 points or greater last season.
• Last season, four of Sam Houston’s 13 games went over the point total.

Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston key players

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Caden Veltkamp’s previous season stat line: 3,108 passing yards (222.0 per game), 258-for-389 (66.3%), 25 touchdowns and 10 picks. He also ran for 150 yards on 113 carries with seven rushing TDs.
• Last season, Elijah Young ran for 883 yards on 201 carries (63.1 yards per game) and scored three times. Young also collected 47 catches for 384 yards and two scores.
• George Hart III ran for 206 yards on 43 carries (14.7 yards per game), with two rushing touchdowns last year.
• Kisean Johnson hauled in 75 catches for 925 yards (66.1 per game) while being targeted 111 times. He also scored seven touchdowns.
• Easton Messer also impressed receiving last season. He collected 55 receptions for 793 yards and four touchdowns. He was targeted 83 times.
• Dalvin Smith grabbed 30 passes on 52 targets for 397 yards and four touchdowns, compiling 28.4 receiving yards per game.
• Darius Thomas did his thing last season with an incredible stat line of 4.0 sacks, 5.0 TFL and 49 tackles.
• Devonte’ Mathews was a wrecking ball on the field, collecting 82 tackles and two interceptions last year.
• Anthony Johnson Jr. intercepted two passes last year while also totaling 41 tackles, 4.0 TFL, and two passes defended.

Sam Houston Bearkats

• Hunter Watson averaged 150.9 passing yards per outing and threw 12 touchdowns last season. In addition, he tacked on 647 yards on the ground with nine touchdowns.
• Jevyon Ducker racked up seven rushing touchdowns on 57.3 yards per game last season.
• Simeon Evans averaged 43.0 receiving yards and racked up six receiving touchdowns over the course of the 2024 season.
• Qua’Vez Humphreys caught 20 passes last season on his way to 385 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
• Noah Smith caught 40 passes on his way to 313 receiving yards a season ago.
• Last year Chris Murray put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with 5.5 sacks, and added 8.0 TFL and 24 tackles.
• Caleb Weaver had a stellar defensive performance last season with 73 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and four interceptions.
• A year ago Jaylon Jimmerson tallied 47 tackles, 4.0 TFL, one sack, and four passes defended as well as four interceptions.