In its transition from FCS to FBS, Sam Houston had an interesting first season in Conference USA. The Bearkats were 3-9 overall and 2-6 in CUSA, but that doesn’t begin to tell the entire story.
Despite being in its first CUSA season, the Bearkats were highly competitive. Five of the CUSA losses were by a touchdown or less, including an overtime loss to Jacksonville State and a double overtime loss to FIU.
Now with an experienced team returning, the key for head coach KC Keeler’s Bearkats is winning some of those close games.
Sam Houston Football’s Conference USA Title Odds
Sam Houston’s odds to win Conference USA are +1800, via BetMGM.
Sam Houston Football’s Betting Odds and Over/Under Win Total
Sam Houston’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Over 4.5 at -130 and Under 4.5 at +110.
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Sam Houston Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 at Rice
9/7 at UCF
9/14 vs Hawaii
9/21 vs New Mexico State
9/28 vs Texas State (in Houston)
10/33 at UTEP
10/16 vs Western Kentucky
10/22 at FIU
10/29 vs Louisiana Tech
11/16 at Kennesaw State
11/23 at Jacksonville State
11/30 vs Liberty
Bold indicates CUSA contests
Key Sam Houston Football Returners
All-CUSA Honorable Mention
WR Noah Smith
Sam Houston Football Has Depth At Quarterback
Keeler feels that he has three quarterbacks capable of winning in Conference USA.
Jase Bauer is a transfer from Central Michigan. Last season, he completed 56.79% of his passes for 1,881 yards, 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 365 yards and 10 touchdowns. Grant Gunnel was the Sam Houston backup last season who saw action in one game. Hunter Watson joins Sam Houston after winning a junior college championship with Iowa Western Community College.
While the quarterback situation will be the big story in fall camp, the return of wide receiver Qua’Vez Humphreys is another big development. He broke his foot three days before the season opener and was out for the year. Humphreys has big-play potential as does Ife Adeyi, who was limited to just three games last year by injury, but in 2021 had his best season with 54 receptions for 783 yards and 10 scores. Noah Smith returns after catching 79 passes for 742 yards and six touchdowns last year. If healthy, this is a formidable receiving trio.
The running game looks to improve. John Gentry led the team last season with 391 yards rushing while scoring three touchdowns. The offensive line is experienced, led by center Ethan Hagler.
The defensive leader is linebacker Kavian Gaither, who was second on the team with 72 tackles last season. Fellow linebacker Issiah Nixon returns after recording a team-high five sacks.
2024 Sam Houston Season Prediction
I project Sam Houston won’t win Conference USA. The prediction here is that the Bearkats will win five games. Besides winning the close ones, the other keys are staying healthy and improving an offense that averaged just 20 points per game last year.
The quarterback situation must be solidified, and Keeler suggested that it’s possible more than one can see action early in the season. What will really lead to potential improvement is the return of Humphreys and Adeyi, who should add plenty of speed and big-play ability.
Sam Houston enters the season with momentum, having won three of their final four games in 2023. The Bearkats also return a veteran squad. Last year, Sam Houston showed it could definitely compete with virtually every team on its schedule.
The opener at Rice will be an important tone setter and could determine if the Bearkats will show improvement in the win column.
