Get set for a terrific Conference USA battle when the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs meet the Sam Houston Bearkats tonight.
Bearkats quarterback Hunter Watson is set to return from a two-game absence, but my Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston predictions expect the defenses to outshine the respective offenses.
Read on as I explain why I like the Under with my free college football picks for October 29, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m., live on ESPNU.
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston prediction and best bet
My best bet
Under 46.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The defenses in this C-USA battle will lead the way.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs allow the fewest points per game in the conference. They also surrenders the fewest rushing yards per game (113) and the second-fewest passing yards (194).
The Bulldogs’ stop unit has also surrendered the second-fewest TDs (17) with the second-best red-zone defense in the conference. They’ve allowed fewer than 22 points in three of their previous four, too.
They meet a Sam Houston Bearkats offense that’s struggled without QB Hunter Watson under center. The Bearkats have scored 24 points across the past two, but Watson is probable for Tuesday’s clash.
Watson’s offense ranks third in the conference in rushing yards per game (207). RB Jay Ducker has rumbled for the eighth-most rushing yards in C-USA, but Watson is more of a runner than a thrower, and the Bearkats offense likely won’t reach its fourth-best 27 points per game.
The Bearkats' defense is opportunistic. They are one of the nation’s leaders in takeaways (14) while surrendering the third-fewest rushing (129) and passing yards (201).
That’s led to a fourth-best 23 points allowed per game. That defense will make life interesting for a Bulldogs offense to get anywhere near their season average (24 ppg), and they’ve only cleared that mark in two of their last five.
Louisiana Tech freshman QB Evan Bullock slings for big yardage and hasn’t thrown an interception yet. He’s also been sacked 15 times across his previous five, which won’t work against a Bearkats D-Line with 16 sacks.
That’s why I am playing the Under. The defenses excel at what their opponents excel at. Each offense does struggle at times, but the respective defenses have been consistent, and I expect a hard-hitting and low-scoring affair on Tuesday.
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 46.5
Louisiana Tech team total Under 16.5
Sam Houston team total Under 28.5
I like the respective defenses much better than I do the respective offenses.
Louisiana Tech has been held to Under 17 points in two of its previous five games. Bullock may have a clean interception mark, but he spends too much time on his back and is up against one of the most aggressive defenses in C-USA play.
The Bearkats love to rush the football, but they will have a tough time making things happen against the best-rushing defense in C-USA.
Louisiana Tech has allowed more than 29 points in two of their last three. Watson is likely less than 100%, and his offense won’t scamper for big yardage or outscore their team total unless he is.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston odds
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston live odds
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston opening odds
- Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston spread: Sam Houston -10
- Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston moneyline: Louisiana Tech -320, Sam Houston -395
- Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston Over/Under: 45.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston spread and Over/Under analysis
- Louisiana Tech is 1-4-0 ATS across their last five and failed to cover in their 2023 meeting with Sam Houston.
- Watson is expected to play, which is likely why so many favor Sam Houston. The Bearkats are 4-1-0 ATS with Watson under center this season.
- The total ballooned to as high as 47.5 (-110) before dipping to as low as 45.5 (-110).
- Both groups have an Over/Under mark of 3-2-0 to the Under across their previous five C-USA clashes.
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston betting trend to know
Sam Houston has hit the Under in four of their last six games at home (+1.80 Units / 27% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston.
Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston game info
| Location: | Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX |
| Date: | Tuesday, 10-29-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPNU |
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