- Matchup: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Sam Houston Bearkats
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Bearkats favored by 1.5 points
- Total Points (Over/Under): 50.5
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The Sam Houston Bearkats (1-4) are set to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-4) at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Sam Houston enters this contest as 1.5-point favorites with the total points line set at 50.5.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers arrive at this game with a record of 2-4 this season. In their most recent appearance, they faced the New Mexico State Aggies, suffering a defeat that ended 34-13. On the ground, the Hilltoppers rushed 31 times, gaining just 46 yards—averaging 1.5 yards per carry. Overall, they executed 75 plays amassing 361 yards. Defensively, Western Kentucky allowed 15 completions on 26 attempts, giving up 146 passing yards, with a completion rate of 57.7%. In terms of run defense, they conceded 206 yards on 34 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per rush.
In terms of scoring, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers average 22.2 points per game. They currently have a rushing average of 134.7 yards, placing them 100th in the nation. Across the season, the Hilltoppers have generated 2,199 total yards. In the red zone, they have recorded 8 touchdown passes and 9 rushing touchdowns. As a unit, they have achieved 113 first downs but are also burdened by 30 penalties totaling 258 yards, along with 9 turnovers.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers are ranked 132nd in FBS football, surrendering an average of 35.2 points per game. They allow 6.0 yards per carry and 204.0 rushing yards per game, totaling 1,224 rushing yards over 6 games. In the passing game, Western Kentucky has given up 1,224 yards, ranking them 83rd nationally, with an average of 204.0 passing yards conceded per game and a completion rate of 57.9%. Overall, they allow 408.0 yards per game, placing them 121st nationally, with 12 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns allowed.
The Bearkats are entering this matchup with a 1-4 record for the season. In their last outing, they suffered a heavy defeat against the Liberty Flames, finishing with a score of 35-3. Sam Houston accumulated 243 total yards on 59 plays, averaging 4.1 yards per play. Rushing-wise, they generated 105 yards on 29 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per rush. Defensively, they allowed 39 rushing attempts for 297 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry, while their pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 71.4%, surrendering 114 yards on 10 of 14 attempts.
The Sam Houston Bearkats average 375.0 yards per game, placing them 85th in college football. Offensively, they have incurred 304 penalty yards over 38 infractions, ranking them 59th nationally for penalties. Their ground game averages 101.0 yards per game, totaling 505 rushing yards this season. They’ve thrown 4 interceptions and lost 1 fumble while securing 91 first downs. On the scoring front, the Bearkats rank 104th nationally with an average of 22.8 points per game. They’ve achieved a total of 1,370 passing yards, averaging 274.0 yards through the air, which puts them 24th in the nation.
Defensively, the Bearkats concede an average of 26.2 points per game, ranking 95th in college football. They have allowed 1,058 rushing yards this season (211.6 yards per game) and 10 rushing touchdowns. In terms of passing, they have given up 6 touchdowns and 139.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 4th in FBS. The Bearkats have participated in 317 defensive plays, putting them 21st in the nation. This season, their defense has recovered 2 fumbles and intercepted 5 passes, conceding a total of 131 points.
Who will prevail in tonight’s college football showdown between the Hilltoppers and Bearkats?
Recommendation: Bet on the Bearkats -1.5
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