Sam Houston Football 2024 Prediction and Preview with Betting Odds, Schedule, Key Players and Outlook

In its transition from the FCS to the FBS, Sam Houston had an interesting first season in Conference USA. The Bearkats went 3-9 overall and 2-6 in CUSA, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Despite being in their first season in CUSA, the Bearkats have been very competitive. Five of their CUSA losses have been by a touchdown or less, including an overtime loss to Jacksonville State and a double-overtime loss to FIU.

Now that an experienced team is back, the key for head coach KC Keeler’s Bearkats is to win some of those close games.

Sam Houston’s odds to win Conference USA are +1800, via BetMGM.

Sam Houston’s Over/Under win total is 4.5, with the Over 4.5 at -165 and the Under 4.5 at +110.

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31/08 at Rice

9/7 at UCF

September 14 vs. Hawaii

September 21 vs. New Mexico State

9/28 vs. Texas State (at Houston)

10/33 at UTEP

October 16 vs. Western Kentucky

22/10 at the FIU

10/29 vs. Louisiana Tech

11/16 at Kennesaw State

11/23 at Jacksonville State

30/11 vs Liberty

Bold indicates CUSA competitions

CUSA All-Around Honorable Mention

WR Noah Smith

Keeler believes he has three quarterbacks capable of winning in Conference USA.

Jase Bauer is a transfer from Central Michigan. Last season, he completed 56.79 percent of his passes for 1,881 yards, 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 365 yards and 10 touchdowns. Grant Gunnel was Sam Houston’s backup last season and appeared in one game. Hunter Watson joins Sam Houston after winning a junior college championship with Iowa Western Community College.

While the quarterback situation will be the main topic of fall camp, the return of receiver Qua’Vez Humphreys is another big story. He broke his foot three days before the season began and was out for the year. Humphreys has big-time potential, as does Ife Adeyi, who played in just three games last year due to injury but had his best season in 2021 with 54 receptions for 783 yards and 10 touchdowns. Noah Smith returns after catching 79 passes for 742 yards and six touchdowns last year. If healthy, this is a formidable trio of receivers.

The running game appears to be improving. John Gentry led the team last season with 391 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line is experienced, led by center Ethan Hagler.

The defensive leader is linebacker Kavian Gaither, who was second on the team with 72 tackles last season. Teammate Issiah Nixon returns after recording a team-best five sacks.

Sam Houston 2024 Season Prediction

I predict that Sam Houston will not win Conference USA. The prediction here is that the Bearkats will win five games. Aside from winning the close games, the other keys are staying healthy and improving an offense that averaged just 20 points per game last year.

The quarterback situation needs to be shored up, and Keeler suggested there’s potential to see more action early in the season. What could really lead to a potential improvement is the return of Humphreys and Adeyi, who should add plenty of speed and big-play ability.

Sam Houston enters the season with momentum, having won three of its last four games in 2023. The Bearkats also have a veteran team. Last year, Sam Houston showed that it could certainly compete with virtually any team on its schedule.

The opener at Rice will set the tone and could determine whether the Bearkats show improvement in the win column.