Tulsa vs Sam Houston Prediction 9/12/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Tulsa vs Sam Houston prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 12th at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 2 matchup. 

Tulsa Golden Hurricane Betting Preview

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 1-0 this season after they defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 24-10 last week. Tulsa led 10-3 at halftime and only allowed seven points in the second half for the upset win. The Golden Hurricane were out gained by a total of 368-361, went 1-11 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 4-1 in the game. Baylor Hayes threw for 227 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Oran Singleton Jr caught four passes for 99 yards and one score. Damari Alston rushed 15 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

Last season, Tulsa went 4-8 (1-7) last season and they finished second to last in the American standings. Tulsa started the season with a 35-7 win over Abilene Christian, but they lost seven of the next eight games, but did defeat Oklahoma State 19-12 in week four. The Golden Hurricane also defeated Oregon State and Army, but it was a disappointing season. Tulsa allowed 31+ points in seven of their last ten games, but the offense wasn’t awful. The Golden Hurricane scored 23.2 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 28.9 points against per game on defense. 

Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview

The Sam Houston Bearkats are 0-1 this year after they lost to Troy by a score of 24-21 last week. Sam Houston was tied 14-14 at halftime, but they didn’t score again until one minute left in the fourth for the loss. The Bearkats out gained Troy by a total of 373-342, went 6-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Landyn Locke threw for 335 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Grady O’Neill caught seven passes for 86 yards and one score. Alton McCaskill rushed 13 times for 51 yards in the loss. 

Last season, Sam Houston went 2-10 (1-7) last season and they finished tied for last in the CUSA standings. Sam Houston started the season with a 41-24 loss to Western Kentucky, which was followed up with a 38-21 loss to UNLV. The Bearkats lost their first eight games, but did get wins against Oregon State and Delaware by a combined seven points. Sam Houston finished the campaign with losses to Middle Tennessee and FIU. The Bearkats gave up a ton of points last season, as they allowed 29+ points in 10 of their 12 games. Sam Houston scored 17.8 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 37.8 points against per game on defense. 

Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win

• Tulsa has lost three of its last four games as a favorite.
• Sam Houston State has won six of its last seven games at Bowers Stadium.
• Tulsa has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite.
• The underdog has covered the spread in six of Tulsa’s last seven games.
• The home team has won the first half in 10 of Tulsa’s last 13 games.

Why the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will win

• Sam Houston State has lost 10 of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Tulsa has won each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
• Tulsa has covered the spread in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
• Tulsa has won the first half in five of its last six September games as a favorite.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Tulsa’s last seven road games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Sam Houston State’s last six 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 2, Landan Brown ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 2, Javon Ross ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Sam Houston State ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
• Sam Houston State ranks 132nd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (38.0).
• Tulsa ranks T1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (100.0).
• Tulsa ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (9.1).

Tulsa vs Sam Houston Prediction 

Tulsa was able to upset Oklahoma State for the second year in a row in week one and they will look to build on that effort here. The Golden Hurricane played great defense last week, but this will be another tough test. Sam Houston lost to Troy in week one, but they moved the ball very well and the passing attack was strong. I was surprised with how the SHSU offense looked, so I will take them with the points here.

David Racey's Pick: Sam Houston +13.5