Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/16/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers hit the road to face the Sam Houston State Bearkats.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +114 (DraftKings) / Sam Houston State Bearkats -135 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -2.5 - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -110 (ESPN BET) / Sam Houston State Bearkats -110 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 56.5 - Under -112 (BetRivers) / 56.0 - Over -110 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 10/16/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium (Huntsville, TX)
TV: ESPN2

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats Preview

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Sam Houston State Bearkats are set to clash in a pivotal Conference USA matchup that could have significant implications for the conference standings. Both teams have demonstrated their prowess in league play, with the Hilltoppers boasting a 4-2 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in conference games, while the Bearkats have surged to a 5-1 record, also undefeated in conference play.

Western Kentucky enters this contest riding high after a commanding 44-17 victory over UTEP. The Hilltoppers' offense, orchestrated by sophomore quarterback Caden Veltkamp, has been a force to reckon with, leading Conference USA with an impressive 278.8 passing yards per game. Veltkamp's accuracy has been a highlight, completing nearly 70% of his passes for 1,147 yards and 11 touchdowns, though his five interceptions remain a concern. His connection with senior wide receiver Kisean Johnson, who has amassed 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns, will be crucial against a Bearkats defense that has shown vulnerability against the pass.

On the other side, Sam Houston State has been a revelation in their second year of FBS play. The Bearkats have transformed from a struggling team to a conference contender, largely due to their potent rushing attack. Junior quarterback Hunter Watson has been the catalyst, not only leading the team in passing with 859 yards and seven touchdowns but also spearheading the ground game with 370 rushing yards and four scores. The dual-threat nature of Watson, combined with the contributions of running backs Jay Ducker and D.J. McKinney, who have each rushed for 348 yards, makes the Bearkats' offense a formidable challenge for any defense.

Defensively, both teams have areas to exploit. Western Kentucky's secondary has been porous, ranking 126th in Pass Success Allowed, which could be a significant factor if Watson can exploit these weaknesses. Meanwhile, Sam Houston's defense has struggled against the run, ranking 118th in Rush Success, though Western Kentucky's ground game has not been their strong suit.

This matchup promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard. The Bearkats, playing at home in front of a raucous crowd, will look to leverage their home-field advantage and maintain their momentum in the conference race. As both teams vie for supremacy in Conference USA, this game could very well be a preview of the championship clash later in the season.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats Pick: Sam Houston State Bearkats Moneyline

In this highly anticipated Conference USA matchup, the Sam Houston State Bearkats are poised to capitalize on their home-field advantage and continue their impressive run in the 2024 season. The Bearkats have been a revelation in their second year of FBS play, transforming from a team that struggled to find its footing to a legitimate conference contender. With a 5-1 record and a perfect 2-0 in conference play, Sam Houston has demonstrated resilience and growth, particularly in their offensive strategy.

One of the key factors favoring the Bearkats is their potent rushing attack, which ranks 11th nationally with an average of 228.8 yards per game. Junior quarterback Hunter Watson has been instrumental in this success, not only leading the team in passing with 859 yards and seven touchdowns but also spearheading the ground game with 370 rushing yards and four scores. His dual-threat capability poses a significant challenge for the Western Kentucky defense, which has shown vulnerability, particularly in their secondary. The Hilltoppers rank 126th in Pass Success Allowed, a weakness that Watson and his receivers, including Qua'Vez Humphreys, who has 281 receiving yards and four touchdowns, are well-equipped to exploit.

Moreover, the Bearkats' defense, while not without its flaws, has been effective enough to support their high-scoring offense. They have allowed an average of 23.8 points per game, which matches Western Kentucky's defensive performance. However, the Bearkats' ability to maintain offensive pressure, scoring 31 or more points in four consecutive games, gives them an edge, especially at home where they have averaged 31.0 points per game while allowing just 12.0 points.

Playing in front of a raucous home crowd at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, the Bearkats are expected to leverage their momentum and the energy of their supporters to secure a victory. The Hilltoppers, despite their strong passing game led by Caden Veltkamp, face the challenge of overcoming a short rest period and the pressure of playing on the road. With Sam Houston's balanced offensive attack and the strategic advantage of a bye week to prepare, the Bearkats are well-positioned to emerge victorious in this pivotal conference clash.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston State Bearkats Top Player Prop Picks

Caden Veltkamp Over 1.5 Passing TDs -140 (bet365)

Caden Veltkamp has been a standout performer for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, leading Conference USA with an impressive 278.8 passing yards per game. His accuracy, completing nearly 70% of his passes, has been a key factor in his success, and he has already thrown for 11 touchdowns this season. Despite his five interceptions, Veltkamp's ability to connect with his favorite target, Kisean Johnson, who has 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns, makes the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns a strong play. The Hilltoppers' passing attack is their primary offensive weapon, and against a Sam Houston defense that has shown vulnerability against the pass, Veltkamp is poised to find the end zone multiple times.

Hunter Watson Over 56.5 Rushing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Hunter Watson's dual-threat capability has been a cornerstone of Sam Houston's offensive strategy. Leading the team with 370 rushing yards and four touchdowns, Watson's ability to make plays with his legs is crucial for the Bearkats. With Western Kentucky's defense ranking poorly in Pass Success Allowed, Watson will likely exploit this by using his mobility to create opportunities on the ground. Given his consistent rushing performance, including two 100-yard rushing games this season, the over on 56.5 rushing yards is a compelling choice, especially as the Bearkats look to maintain their strong rushing attack, which ranks 11th nationally.

Kisean Johnson Over 71.5 Receiving Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Kisean Johnson has been a reliable target for Caden Veltkamp, already recording two 100-plus-yard games this season. With 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns, Johnson's ability to stretch the field is a significant asset for the Hilltoppers. Facing a Sam Houston defense that has struggled against the pass, Johnson is well-positioned to surpass the 71.5 receiving yards mark. His chemistry with Veltkamp and the Hilltoppers' reliance on their aerial attack make this over a strong proposition, as they aim to exploit the Bearkats' defensive weaknesses in the secondary.