Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Prepares for Bowl Eligibility with Upcoming Matchup Against Sam Houston State Bearkats
5. On Saturday, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) will host the Sam Houston State Bearkats (2-8, 1-5 C-USA) at Houchens-Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The
Game outlook
5. On Saturday, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) will host the Sam Houston State Bearkats (2-8, 1-5 C-USA) at Houchens-Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The Hilltoppers need a victory in one of their last two games of the regular season to become bowl eligible, and the Bearkats are riding a two-game win streak after their upset over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Western Kentucky is without WR Michael Mathison and LS Rex Robich, and the Bearkats are missing numerous players due to injuries. Western Kentucky is the betting favorite with a current line of -13.5.
Game Info
When: Saturday, 11/18/2023 @ 3:30pm EST
Where: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium Stadium Betting Odds Moneyline: Bearkats +373 | Hilltoppers -498
Spread: Bearkats +13 (-110) | Hilltoppers -13 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 52.5 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Western Kentucky will win straight-up is 83%.
Sam Houston St. Bearkats
In their first full season playing at the FBS level, Sam Houston State has struggled with scoring, averaging just 19.4 points per game (119th), and 309.7 yards per game of offense (128th rushing, 76th passing). Quarterback Keegan Shoemaker has passed for 2,038 yards with 14 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, and John Gentry has rushed 283 yards with one touchdown. Noah Smith is the leading receiver with 67 catches for 660 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, they allow 26.6 points and 392.7 yards (118th rushing, 43rd passing) per game, and Trevor Williams leads the team in tackles with 109. Issiah Nixon has 4.0 quarterback sacks and Da'Marcus Crosby has three interceptions. With a power ranking of 0, and a 2-8 (4-5-1 ATS) record, Sam Houston State ranks poorly in offense (0 points per game on average) and defense (allowing 0 average points to be scored against them).