At 4-1 overall and undefeated in Conference USA play, Louisiana Tech was looking like a true contender in the league.
But the Bulldogs (4-3, 2-2 CUSA) have lost their last two games, and they’ve dropped all the way to 25th in this week’s HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 Media Poll. They likely can’t afford another loss against a CUSA team if they want a chance of making it to the conference title game.
This week, the Bulldogs host a program that is still seeking its first win of the season. Sam Houston (0-7, 0-4) is not only winless but hasn’t been extremely competitive in Phil Longo’s first year as head coach. The Bearkats have only been in one game decided by less than 17 points.
But the Bearkats will be desperate to not end the season 0-12.
Sam Houston vs. Louisiana Tech Betting Odds
Louisiana Tech is a -16.5 college football betting odds favorite against Sam Houston, with the Over/Under being 48.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Sam Houston is +575, while it’s -800 for Louisiana Tech.
Sam Houston vs. Louisiana Tech On TV
The matchup between Sam Houston and Louisiana Tech will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 31. The contest is taking place at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana.
Sam Houston vs. Louisiana Tech Prediction
I predict Louisiana Tech will win and cover the 16.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 48.5 total points.
I’m not really all that discouraged by Louisiana Tech’s last two games. They were against a Kennesaw State team which is now emerging as a frontrunner to win the CUSA Championship, and Western Kentucky, which was one of the preseason favorites to win the league and has a good amount of talent on both sides of the ball.
The Bulldogs’ defense has been stellar this season, and I believe they will thrive on that side of the ball in this matchup. Louisiana Tech is first in CUSA in scoring defense (18.7 points per game allowed) and second in total defense (353 yards per game allowed). The Bulldogs also defend the run well, as they have given up 107.4 rushing yards per game, which is the fewest in the conference.
And after LA Tech quarterback Blake Baker threw for 340 yards, one touchdown, and one interceptions while rushing for 49 yards against Western Kentucky, I think he can have another great game against Sam Houston at home.
