Sam Houston State (1-1) vs Hawaii (1-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Elliot T. Bowers Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: Sam Houston State PK / Hawaii PK — Over/Under: 52.5
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and the Sam Houston Bearkats meet Saturday in college football action from Bowers Stadium. Here’s a Hawaii vs Sam Houston prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Hawaii vs Sam Houston pick. We will examine:
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors’ recent form and player performance
The Sam Houston Bearkats’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Sam Houston Bearkats
Recent betting trends in games played between Hawaii and Sam Houston
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Hawaii vs Sam Houston game
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview
Hawaii kicked off their season with a win over Delaware State. The Warriors scored 14 points in both the first and fourth quarters in a 35-14 outcome. QB Brayden Schager had 203 pass yards with a pair of TDs. Schager also rushed 10 times for 38 yards and two more scores.
In game two versus UCLA, Hawaii took their first defeat. Despite leading 10-0 at the break, the Warriors would limp to a 16-13 result. Schager had 227 pass yards, one TD, and two picks this time. Pofele Ashlock had nine catches for 112 yards and the score to lead the receivers.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview
Over on the Sam Houston side, they opened up the year versus Rice. The Bearkats took a 24-7 edge into the second half on the way to a 34-14 win. QB Hunter Watson had 229 yards with two scores while also leading the rush with 14 carries for 57 yards.
In their second matchup versus UCF, the Bearkats were down 24-7 by the end of the first half. Sam Houston didn’t get any closer in a 45-14 blowout loss. Watson had 82 yards and two picks in the defeat, while Simeon Evans had three catches for 89 yards and a TD.
Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win
- Hawaii has lost 11 of its last 12 road games.
- The home team has won three of Sam Houston State’s last four games.
- Hawaii has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- The home team has covered the spread in four of Hawaii’s last five games.
Why the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will win
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Sam Houston State’s last four games at Bowers Stadium.
- Sam Houston State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Six of Hawaii’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Sam Houston State’s last five home games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Hawaii ranks T1st among FBS teams for H1 win percentage this season (1.000).
- Hawaii ranks T19th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (3.5).
Hawaii vs Sam Houston Prediction
I’m going to lean toward Sam Houston. The Bearkats need a big turnaround after their rough blowout loss against UCF, though. Sam Houston came up with 286 total yards (219 passing) in that one along with just 12 first downs, two picks, and a 5-of-12 rate on third-down tries. Coming back home to play at Bowers for the first time this year should certainly help, but the Bearkats will have to play much better.
As for Hawaii, they get a little extra time to prepare for this one. That’s a much-needed luxury after a rough outing versus the Bruins. Hawaii had just 278 total yards (227 passing), three turnovers, 10 penalties, and a 4-of-14 rate on third-down tries. I like Hawaii to look better here but I don’t quite think they’ll cover. I’m probably not touching this one.