LA Tech Bulldogs (3-7) vs Sam Houston State Bearkats (1-8)
Game Info: Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 3:00 pm (Joe Aillet Stadium)
Betting Odds: LA Tech Bulldogs -7 -- Over/Under: 48.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Sam Houston State Bearkats will head to Ruston to face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs from Joe Aillet Stadium on ESPN+.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Preview
Sam Houston State enters at 1-8 defeating Kennesaw State at home by three, 24-21. The Bearkats rallied in the fourth quarter to pin their first win of the season, and they’ll attempt to double down here in Ruston. The Sam Houston offense is scoring 16.9 ppg, while passing for 214.3 ypg, rushing for 83.8 ypg, and converting 31.8% of their third downs.
SHSU Player Notes
Keegan Shoemaker had his best game of the year, going 30/38 for 242 yards with three touchdowns to one interception. The senior quarterback has weathered the storm this season, and he’s slowly come along behind center. Shoemaker has passed for 1,766 yards, with 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions through eight starts.
Sophomore back John Gentry scored in the loss to UTEP, and he leads SHSU in rushing with 286 yards.
Junior wideout Noah Smith has caught seven passes or more in six straight games, and he leads the team in receptions (61) and receiving yards (544).
The Sam Houston defense is allowing 26.5 points per game.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Preview
Louisiana Tech dropped to 3-7 after losing to Liberty in Lynchburg, 56-30. The Bulldogs couldn’t get any stops, and they’ll look to avoid being the first FBS team to fall to Sam Houston in over 13 years. The Louisiana Tech offense is scoring 26.3 ppg, while passing for 242.6 ypg, rushing for 140.2 ypg, and converting 46.3% of their third downs.
LA Tech Player Notes
Hank Bachmeier had a solid outing against New Mexico State despite the final result, going 20/27 for 238 yards and a touchdown. The former Boise QB has been serviceable thru two starts since returning from injury, but it’s going to take a massive effort to knock LU off here. Bachmeier has passed for 1,172 yards, with seven scores to two interceptions on the season.
The Bulldogs have lost their two leading rushers, and Charvis Thornton only gained 38 yards on twelve touches last week versus NMSU.
Senior wideout Smoke Harris had a pair of 115-yard outings prior to last weekend’s loss, and he’s first on the team in receptions (62) and receiving yards (637).
Sophomore receiver Cyrus Allen is second on the team with splits of 29/487/2.
The Louisiana Tech defense has allowed 27.4 points per game.
Sam Houston State vs Louisiana Tech Trends
SHSU is 2-6 against the spread, with a 5-3 O/U record.
LT is 3-7 ATS, with a 5-5 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Sam Houston State broke through last weekend, but that success may be short lived, as they’ll face a Louisiana Tech team that needs a win badly. The Bulldogs have dropped four straight games, with three of those coming by one possession, so there will be a sense of urgency to tack a victory on here. Throw in the fact that it will be senior day, as this marks the Bulldogs’ home finale, so I like backing a strong effort from them against an inferior opponent.