- Game: Sam Houston Bearkats vs Missouri State Bears
- Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium, Springfield, MO
- Broadcast: ESPN2
- Betting Odds: Bears -5.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
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The Missouri State Bears (2-5) are set to clash with the Sam Houston Bearkats (1-6) at Robert W. Plaster Stadium on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Missouri State enters the matchup as 5.5-point favorites according to sportsbooks, with the total set at 48.5.
Sam Houston Bearkats have a challenging season so far, sporting a record of 1-6. In their previous game, they faced off against the New Mexico State Aggies, resulting in a narrow defeat by a score of 30-24. The Bearkats struggled defensively, allowing 203 yards on 42 carries, which translates to 4.8 yards per rush. They also surrendered 19 completions out of 29 attempts for a total of 160 passing yards, marking a completion rate of 65.5%. Overall, their offense managed to execute 53 plays, accumulating 246 total yards. While attempting to run the ball 20 times, they generated only 11 yards, averaging a mere 0.6 yards per attempt.
This season, the Bearkats have accumulated 2,298 total yards. In terms of scoring, Sam Houston has registered 13 touchdowns through the air and 4 on the ground, while committing 8 turnovers. The team has gained 112 first downs and accrued 60 penalties for a total of 522 yards. They are averaging only 83.0 rushing yards per game, ranking 138th nationally. When it comes to scoring, the Bearkats are averaging 20.1 points per game (PPG).
Defensively, the Bearkats rank 81st nationally, conceding 25.3 PPG. Opponents have averaged 5.1 yards per rush and 200.7 rushing yards per game against them this season. In total, they’ve allowed 1,405 rushing yards over 7 games. On the passing front, they’ve given up 987 yards, ranking second in the nation. Their passing defense allows an average of 141.0 yards per game, with a completion percentage against of 52.7%. Collectively, they permit 341.7 yards per game, positioning them 55th in the country, having succumbed to 9 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing touchdowns.
The Missouri State Bears enter this game with a 2-5 record. Their latest outing resulted in a heavy defeat, falling 61-38 to the Delaware Blue Hens. The Bears amassed a total of 431 yards, completing 58 plays at an average of 7.4 yards per play. Their rushing game averaged 4.1 yards per carry, yielding a total of 94 yards on 23 attempts. Defensively, they struggled against the run, allowing 232 yards on 42 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per rush. Their pass defense faced challenges, allowing a completion percentage of 66.7% and giving up 250 yards on 22 completions out of 33 attempts.
In terms of offensive efficiency, the Bears rank 98th in the nation, averaging 24.4 PPG. Missouri State’s offense is generating 367.6 yards per game, placing them 90th nationally. This season, they’ve accumulated 494 penalty yards due to 62 infractions, ranking 15th in Division 1 for penalties. With 6 interceptions thrown and 3 fumbles lost, they’ve also recorded 134 first downs. So far, they’ve thrown for 1,685 yards, averaging 240.7 passing yards per game, which ranks 55th in college football. On the ground, they’re averaging 126.9 yards per game, having tallied a total of 888 rushing yards this year.
Defensively, the Bears are conceding a staggering 34.9 points per game, ranking 130th in Division 1. They have surrendered a total of 1,291 rushing yards this season (184.4 yards per game), along with 15 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, they’ve allowed 16 touchdowns and 250.1 yards per game, positioning them at 116th in Division 1. The Bears have participated in 502 defensive plays, ranking 104th at the Division 1 level, and have recorded 4 fumbles recovered with 3 interceptions this year, giving up a total of 244 points so far.
Who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated matchup between the Bearkats and Bears?
Expert Prediction: Take the Bears -5.5
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