Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston State Prediction College Football Picks 10/16/24

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Sam Houston Bearkats meet Wednesday in week 8 college football action at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. Here’s a Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston State Prediction. This article will include a Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston State Pick.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers lost to Boston College, beat UTEP, and they play Kennesaw State next. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have split their last 8 road games. Caden Veltkamp is completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,147 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Kisean Johnson and Easton Messer have combined for 816 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while River Helms has 16 receptions.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ground game is averaging 120 yards per contest, and Elijah Young leads the way with 278 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Western Kentucky is allowing 23.8 points and 385.7 yards per game. Anthony Johnson Jr. leads the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with 27 tackles, Darius Thomas has 2 sacks and Devonte’ Mathews has 2 interceptions.

Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview

The Sam Houston Bearkats beat Texas State and UTEP, and they play Florida International next. The Sam Houston Bearkats have won 4 straight home games. Hunter Watson is completing 59.1 percent of his passes for 859 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Qua’Vez Humphreys and Ife Adeyi have combined for 458 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Simeon Evans has 14 receptions.

The Sam Houston Bearkats ground game is averaging 228.8 yards per contest, and Watson leads the way with 370 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Sam Houston is allowing 23.8 points and 338 yards per game. Caleb Waver leads the Sam Houston Bearkats with 38 tackles, Chris Murray has 3.5 sacks and Jaidan Scott has 1 interception.

Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win

• Sam Houston State has won each of its last four games at Bowers Stadium.
• Western Kentucky has lost each of its last six October games as a road underdog.
• Sam Houston State has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Five of Western Kentucky’s last six road games in October have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Sam Houston State’s last three games at Bowers Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Sam Houston State ranks T18th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (3.7).
• Sam Houston State ranks T24th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (8.5).
• Western Kentucky ranks 103rd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (120.0).
• Western Kentucky ranks T38th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (4.7).

Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston State Prediction

You can make a case for both sides, as Western Kentucky and Sam Houston have been moneymakers for CFB bettors. Sam Houston has covered 8 of its last 10 games, and WKU has covered 7 of its last 10 games. The difference here is Sam Houston is the more trustworthy offense, it’s at home, and it’s had an extra week to prepare. You can argue the Bearkats should be bigger favorites in this spot. I’ll lay the small chalk with the Bearkats at home.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Sam Houston State -2.5