The Sam Houston Bearkats and Houston Cougars meet Saturday in week 4 college football action at TDECU Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Sam Houston BearkatsBetting Preview
The Sam Houston Bearkats are still looking for their first win of the season. Sam Houston has lost each of its last 4 games. Keegan Shoemaker is completing 55.3 percent of his passes for 191 yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Noah Smith and Ife Adeyi have combined for 104 receiving yards on 12 carries, while Malik Phillips has 1 reception. The Sam Houston Bearkats ground game is averaging 37.5 yards per contest, and Zach Hrbacek leads the way with 30 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Sam Houston is allowing 13.5 points and 258 yards per game. Trevor Williams leads the Sam Houston Bearkats with 27 tackles, Chris Scott has 1 sack and Da’Veawn Armstead has 2 pass deflections.
Sam Houston State Bearkats Team Facts
- Sam Houston State has lost each of its last nine games.
- Sam Houston State has covered the spread in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
- Sam Houston State has lost the first half in each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Four of Sam Houston State’s last five games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars need a win here to get back to a .500 record. Houston has split its last 8 home games. Donovan Smith is completing 56.8 percent of his passes for 718 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Samuel Brown and Joseph Manjack IV have combined for 495 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Matthew Golden has 13 receptions. The Houston Cougars ground game is averaging 108.3 yards per contest, and Stacy Sneed leads the way with 103 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Houston is allowing 31 points and 483.7 yards per game. Malik Robinson leads the Houston Cougars with 23 tackles, Nelson Ceaser has 3 sacks and Malik Fleming has 3 interceptions.
Houston Cougars Team Facts
- Houston has won each of its last six games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- Houston has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Houston has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
- Houston has won the first quarter in 13 of its last 17 games against non-conference opponents at TDECU Stadium.
- Each of Houston’s last five games against opponents from the Conference USA have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston was one of only two FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing at HT last season.
- Houston ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (11.0).
Randy’s Pick
The Sam Houston State Bearkats have only played two games, but they’re the worst offense in the country, scoring a combined 3 points, and they’re 133rd in total offense, rushing offense and scoring offense. The Houston Cougars aren’t as talented as they’ve been in past years, but they’ve shown far and away more life than the Bearkats. I’m not sure how anybody can get behind Sam Houston State given what we’ve seen through 2 games. I’ll lay the chalk with Houston.