The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-4, 1-1 Conference USA) and Sam Houston Bearkats (1-4, 0-1) clash on Wednesday for a midweek Conference USA matchup. Kickoff from Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas, is at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
After getting blown out in 4 of their first 5 games, the Hilltoppers picked up a conference win last Thursday, beating the Missouri State Bears 34-13 at home as 1.5-point underdogs with the Under (56.5) cashing. RB Ajay Allen rushed for 105 yards and 2 TDs, while QB Brock Glenn passed for 231 yards and a TD and rushed for 95 yards and another score.
They never trailed in the game.
The Bearkats don't have an FBS win under their belt so far, and it's coming off a blowout 35-3 loss to the Liberty Flames as 13.5-point road underdogs with the Under (53.5) cashing last Thursday to open conference play. They allowed 297 yards and 4 TDs on the ground.
These teams have met 4 times previously, with Western Kentucky winning the last 3 meetings, including 41-24 last season as 10.5-point home favorites with the Over (59.5) cashing.
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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston name odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:34 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Sam Houston +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky -2 (-108) | Sam Houston +2 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -118 | U: -110)
Western Kentucky at Sam Houston picks and predictions
Prediction
Western Kentucky 27, Sam Houston 20
Moneyline
Sam Houston has not beaten Western Kentucky since 2004. The Bearkats have allowed 84 points in their last 2 games, and the 297 rushing yards they allowed last week are troublesome considering Allen and Glenn combined for 200 rushing yards and 3 TDs.
The Hilltoppers have not won on the road this season, but they should be able to score points against Sam Houston.
But with only a 2-point spread you get a little more value there, so PASS.
Against the spread
The Hilltoppers are 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games, and Sam Houston has failed to cover the spread in their last 2 games.
BET WESTERN KENTUCKY -2 (-110).
Over/Under
The Under has cashed in 3 of the Hilltoppers' last 4 games. Sam Houston has scored 21 or fewer in 4 of its 5 games.
BET UNDER 52.5 (-110).
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sam Houston Bearkats odds, picks and predictions
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