Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Sam Houston Bearkats Prediction, 10/16/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Sam Houston Bearkats

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, TX

TV: ESPN2

Odds/Point Spread: Bearkats (-3.5)

Total/Over-Under: 55.5

The Sam Houston Bearkats (5-1) host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-2) at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Western Kentucky opens this game as 3.5-point dogs from oddsmakers. The betting total is set at 55.5.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers come into this game with a record of 4-2 for this season. In their last matchup, the Hilltoppers played against the UTEP Miners and earned the victory with a final of 44-17. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ran the rock 42 times and amassed 218 yds, which is an average of 5.2 yards per tote. When all was said and done, they tallied 69 plays which converted into 482 yds. Western Kentucky conceded 14 pass completions on 24 tries for a total of 178 yards, and a completion rate of 58.3%. When it came to stopping the run, the Hilltoppers gave up 152 yards on 41 attempts, which is an average of 3.7 yards per rush allowed.

When talking about putting points on the board, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are sitting at 28.3 points per contest. As a team they're averaging 119.0 yards via the ground game which ranks them 105th in college football. The Hilltoppers have attained 2,387 total yards for the season. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, Western Kentucky has earned 13 touchdowns through the air and 8 touchdowns on the ground. Western Kentucky has accounted for 121 first downs as a unit, and they have been flagged for 30 penalties for 299 yds. They have given the ball to the opposition 10 different times.

When it comes to yards via the pass, the Hilltoppers are giving up 1,344 yds which puts them in 84th in D-1. They have surrendered 224.0 yards per contest through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 62.7%. For the year, they have yielded 385.7 yards per contest which ranks them 93rd in the nation. They have yielded 10 touchdowns by air in addition to 9 touchdowns on the ground. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 4.3 yards per rushing attempt and 161.7 rushing yards per game for the campaign. For the year, they have given up 970 yards via the running game in 6 games. The Hilltoppers sit in 70th in the nation in terms of team defense, allowing 23.8 PPG.

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The Bearkats head into this game 5-1 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Bearkats got the win with a final of 41-21 against the UTEP Miners. Sam Houston rushed for 5.7 yds per attempt, finishing the contest with 293 yards on 51 carries. The Bearkats finished the contest with a total of 517 yds while they ran 82 plays (6.3 yds per play). The Bearkats pass defense gave up a completion percentage of 51.7%, surrendering 204 yards on 15 out of 29 passing. Sam Houston allowed 34 running attempts for 119 yards (3.5 yards per carry).

The Sam Houston Bearkats maintain an average of 401.2 yards per game, which ranks them 61st in Division 1. The Sam Houston offense has racked up 240 yards of penalties on 28 violations, which is 115th in the nation in terms of giving up free yards. They are averaging 228.8 yards per game via the rush and have rushed for 1,373 yards for the season. They have thrown 5 interceptions while conceding 3 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 129 1st downs. When looking at putting points on the board, the Bearkats are sitting 45th in D-1 with an average of 31.8 points per outing. For the season to this point, the Bearkats currently have a total of 1,034 yards through the air not to mention holding an average of 172.3 passing yards per game, ranking them 118th in D-1.

The Bearkats are conceding 23.8 points per game, ranking them 69th in the nation. Sam Houston has given up a total of 775 yards rushing (129.2 yards/game) as well as 9 touchdowns rushing this year. This season, they have surrendered 143 pts. They have given up 7 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 208.8 yards/outing, which has them sitting 58th in D-1. The Bearkats defense has taken the field for 386 plays, which is good for 55th in the nation. Their defense has 5 fumbles and 7 picks on the campaign.

Who will win tonight's Hilltoppers/Bearkats college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Hilltoppers +3.5

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