It’s rare for fans to see games with major conference championship implications during Week 0. But that’s the case with this matchup.
Western Kentucky is one of the favorites to win Conference USA this year behind only Liberty. The Hilltoppers were in the CUSA Championship last year, where they lost to Jacksonville State, and are poised to make another conference title run with Tyson Helton at head coach.
Sam Houston was 10-3 overall last year and 6-2 in league play, nearly making the conference championship game. The Bearkats will be in their first season with Phil Longo as their head coach, though.
Two CUSA championship contenders will face off this weekend, and many expect it to be exhilarating.
Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Betting Odds
Western Kentucky is a -10.5 college football betting odds favorite against Sam Houston at BetMGM, with the Over/Under being 61.5.
The moneyline for Sam Houston is +320, while it’s -425 for Western Kentucky.
Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky On TV
The matchup between Sam Houston and Western Kentucky will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23. The contest is taking place at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Prediction
I predict Western Kentucky will win and will cover the 10.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 61.5 total points.
I don’t think Sam Houston is going to be bad this season, even if the Bearkats will be without former head coach KC Keeler for the first time in a decade. I just think WKU is going to be better.
Yes, the Hilltoppers lost some talent, including star quarterback Caden Veltkamp. But I still think WKU has some standout players on the offensive side of the ball.
Maverick McIvor joined the team as a graduate student after previously playing at Abilene Christian and Texas Tech. In three years at Abilene Christian, he threw for 8,012 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. His final season there, he threw for 3,828 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while leading his team to a United Athletic Conference title and an appearance in the FCS playoffs.
The Hilltoppers also have the top-ranked transfer class this year, according to 247Sports. So while they don’t have many players back from last season, especially on defense, I also don’t think this team will take much of a step back.
In fact, WKU is my preseason pick to win Conference USA. And I think the Hilltoppers start the season on a high note with a two-touchdown win at home over Sam Houston.
