Air Force vs Sam Houston State Prediction - College Football Picks 9/9/23

Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-1) vs Air Force Falcons (1-0)

Game Info: Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 8:00 pm (NRG Stadium)

Betting Odds: Sam Houston State Bearkats +14.5 -- Over/Under: 36.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Air Force Falcons will head down to Huntsville to take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats in non-conference action this weekend from Bowers Stadium.

Air Force Falcons Preview

Air Force comes in at 1-0 after opening the season with a 42-7 win over Robert Morris at home. The Falcons came out in annual bruising form and pounded the Colonials, and they’ll now look to avoid being the first team to fall to Sam Houston after their promotion to the FBS. The Air Force offense racked up 469 total yards, gaining 95 yards through the air, while rushing for a massive 374 yards on the ground.

AFA Player Notes

• Zac Larrier’s first start went well, as he led the team with 99 yards rushing, and he accounted for three scores (2 rush, 1 pass).

• Air Force will have to replace one of their top rushers in school history with the departure of Brad Roberts, and it will be a collective effort early.

• John Lee Eldridge III returned after rushing for 701 yards in 2022, and he gained 72 yards on four touches in the opener.

• The AFA defense held Robert Morris scoreless for three quarters, while giving up only 156 yards of offense.

Sam Houston State Bearkats Preview

Sam Houston State enters at 0-1 after beginning the season with a 14-0 loss to BYU in Provo. The Bearkats gave up an opening possession touchdown, and locked to the Cougars in a defensive war, covering the 19-point margin along the way. The Sam Houston offense only gained 185 yards on offense, passing for 147 yards, while rushing for 38 yards on the ground.

SHSU Player Notes

• Keegan Shoemaker returned as the starter, but he looked very uncomfortable against BYU’s defensive unit, going 18/33 for 147 passing yards, and tossing three interceptions. Shoemaker will search for better results here at home, but he’ll also face another stiff test with a sturn Air Force D.

• Sophomore back John Gentry found little room to run, turning eleven touches into just 25 yards in the Week 1 loss.

• Junior wideouts Noah Smith and Ife Adeyi both caught three passes, with the former leading the way with 44 yards.

• The Sam Houston defense held BYU to 5/17 on third downs, while only allowing 257 yards of offense.

Corey’s Free Pick

Sam Houston State fought in a hostile environment last week on the defensive end, but their offensive woes look their going to be the Achilles heel this season, and those struggles will likely continue here with Air Force. The Falcons picked up where they left off with the 35-point win over RMU, and they’ll likely have more success on the ground than BYU, as that is simply their bread and butter. Air Force will likely win what should be a low-scoring contest, so let’s back the Under for the Week 2 matchup.