Sam Houston vs UTEP Odds, Spread & Prediction (Oct. 3)

Published: October 2, 2024 at 9:02 am EDT

Sam Houston vs UTEP odds — Sep 7, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Sam Houston State Bearkats quarterback Hunter Watson (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Sam Houston battles UTEP in CFB Week 6 action
The Bearkats are 10.5-point favorites in this Conference USA matchup
Dive into the Sam Houston vs UTEP odds & predictions

Sam Houston face off against UTEP in a college football Week 6 Conference USA showdown on Thursday, October 3 from the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Sam Houston are aiming to continue their winning ways after roaring out to a 4-1 start to the 2024 CFB season. While the UTEP Miners look to dig themselves out of an 0-4 hole.

Look for all the Sam Houston vs UTEP odds and our best bests, below.

Sam Houston vs UTEP Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Sam Houston	-10.5 (-108)	-410	Over 50 (-110)
UTEP	+10.5(-112)	+320	Under 50 (-110)

Sam Houston go into Thursday’s contest as a 10.5-point favorite in the latest college football odds. The Sam Houston vs UTEP total is currently an even 50 points.

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Odds as of October 1 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Browse the best College Football Betting Apps for Kentucky vs Ole Miss.

Is Sam Houston a MWC Contender?

Sam Houston sits second in Conference USA after overcoming Texas State last week.

The Bearkats squeaked by the Bobcats, winning 40-39 after a 24-yard Christian Pavon field goal put them ahead with six seconds left.

Kats capitalize to get within 8️⃣#EatEmUpKats https://t.co/VfV8sHxo5j pic.twitter.com/zp4Tyid07U

— Sam Houston Football (@BearkatsFB) September 28, 2024

Crucially, Sam Houston sits in the top-63 in the FBS in both offensive yards per game, and yards per play. In comparison, their defense sits 50th in opponent yards per play allowed.

Quarterback Hunter Watson is more of a rushing threat than he is a passer. He’s put up nearly 1000 total yards on the year, with 338 of those coming on the ground on his 70 carries. As a team, the Bearkats dominate on the ground, rushing for over 1,000 yards and averaging a stellar 4.6 yards per carry.

The latest NCAAF betting trends are all in favor of Sam Houston. The Bearkats have won five of their last six games.

UTEP Looks For First Victory

UTEP have been awful this season. The Miners were blown out by Nebraska 40-7 in Week 0 before suffering losses to Southern Utah, Liberty and Colorado State.

Concerningly, head coach Scotty Walden’s offense has scored just 11.3 points per game, and averaged just 4.3 yards per play, both outside of the top 110 teams in the NCAA. Quarterback Skyler Locklear has been hot and cold while tossing for 710 yards and more interceptions (4) than touchdowns (3).

𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 😮‍💨#PicksUp | #WinTheWest pic.twitter.com/MhQ23shvf8

— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) October 1, 2024

On the defensive side, the Miners have allowed 5.9 yards per play (90th), and surrendered a conversion on 43% of opponent third downs (92nd). UTEP have surrendered 350+ offensive yards to every opponent so far this season. When you’re playing the likes of Southern Utah, that’s a problem.

Most concerningly, the Miners have allowed 4.8 yards per carry this season. They’ll need to tighten up defensively to have any hope of stopping Sam Houston’s dominant rushing attack.

Bettor beware, the Miners are 0-6 SU in their last six games at home. UTEP have lost seven straight games and failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home contests against non-ranked teams. They’ve also lost the first half in four of five games against Conference USA opponents.

Sam Houston vs UTEP Prediction

Ultimately, Sam Houston are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games. They’re the better squad by nearly every metric and boast the far more explosive offense in this game.

Even with the 10-point spread, its tough to back a struggling UTEP squad. However, the 10.5-point hook is reason for pause. Back Sam Houston on the first-half line, and buy down the full-game spread for the best value in this Sam Houston vs UTEP Conference USA clash.

Pick: Sam Houston 1st-Half spread -6.5 (-108), Sam Houston -9.5 alternate spread (-132)

Nick Holz

Sports Content Writer

A sports betting aficionado and graduate of Toronto Film School, Nick covers the NFL, NBA, Soccer, and MMA for SBD. He is also an avid NBA podcaster, and sports betting TikToker. Nick's work has been featured on Bleacher Report.

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