| MATCHUP | Nicholls State Colonels | Sam Houston State Bearkats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-1 | 0-2 |
| Where | Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX | |
| When | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Nicholls Colonels Betting Preview
The Nicholls Colonels lost to Kansas State, beat UT Rio Grande Valley, and they play Lamar next. The Nicholls Colonels have split their last 10 games. Ean Rodrigue is completing 55 percent of his passes for 530 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Jordan Smith and Greg Donaldson have combined for 260 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Jackson Dufrene has 6 receptions.
The Nicholls Colonels’ ground game is averaging 115.7 yards per contest, and Tamaj Hoffman leads the way with 116 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Nicholls allows 36.3 points and 371.3 yards per game. Kennon Loftin leads the Nicholls Colonels with 24 tackles, Kasai Jones has 2 sacks, and Jhamal Shelby Jr. has 1 interception.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview
The Sam Houston Bearkats lost to Troy and Tulsa, and they play Texas Tech next. The Sam Houston Bearkats have lost 12 of their last 14 games. Landyn Locke is completing 67.5 percent of his passes for 651 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Grady O’Neill and Chris Reed have combined for 293 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Jerrian Parker Jr. has 2 receptions.
The Sam Houston Bearkats ground game is averaging 46.5 yards per contest, and Alton McCaskill leads the way with 99 yards on 27 carries. Defensively, Sam Houston is allowing 23.5 points and 354.5 yards per game. Railyn Adams leads the Sam Houston Bearkats with 13 tackles, Elijah Groves has 2.5 sacks, and Ishmel Atkins has 4 pass deflections.
Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win
- Sam Houston State has won six of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams at Bowers Stadium.
- Sam Houston State has covered the spread in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Nicholls State Colonels will win
- Sam Houston State has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Sam Houston State’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams at Bowers Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Landyn Locke has recorded the longest passing touchdown in a single game this season (94 yards vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Week 2).
Matchup/League Facts
- Sam Houston State ranks 137th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (46.5).
- Sam Houston State ranks T2nd among FBS teams for sacks this season (9.0).
Nicholls State vs Sam Houston State Prediction
I considered the points with Nicholls as this is a look-ahead spot for the Bearkats with Texas Tech on deck. However, Nicholls got rocked 3-71 by Kansas State, and Sam Houston State has held its own twice as double-digit underdogs. A bounce here or bounce there and Sam Houston State outright beats Tulsa and Troy. Sam Houston State is possibly the most impressive winless team in the country at the moment. This game should be a breeze. I’ll lay the points with the Bearkats.