Sam Houston Bearkats vs BYU Cougars 9/2/2023 – The BYU Cougars are gearing up for their 2023 campaign and hoping to start it off right by taking down Sam Houston State Bearkats, an FCS team transitioning into the Conference USA football lineup. While their Division 1 action last season may have been limited due to this changeover, we do have stats showing an average scoring output of 25 points per game among their limited appearances. The Week 1 college football betting sites are leaning towards the BYU Cougars to win this game against the Bearkats.
Sam Houston Bearkats vs BYU Cougars 9/2/2023
| When: | Saturday, September 2, 2023 10:15 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | LaVell Edwards Stadium |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearkats | +23.5 (-105) | 53.5 o (-110) | +1375 |  |
| Cougars | -23.5 (-105) | 53.5 u (-110) | -2400 | |
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๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐#EatEmUpKats pic.twitter.com/S7pPD5nLn5
— Sam Houston Football (@BearkatsFB) September 1, 2023
K.C. Keeler vs Kalani Sitake
BYU Cougars’ 2022 season was full of ups and downs. While they strived to build upon past successes while learning from losses, making the transition to Big 12 presented new challenges. While their offensive prowess was undeniable averaging 250 passing yards per game while only giving up 30 defensive points per contest during the 2021 season.
BYU Cougars see their match against Sam Houston State Bearkats as an opportunity to kickstart their season and build momentum early on in Division 1. Against an opponent relatively unfamiliar to Division 1, and competing in a weaker conference, their offensive firepower should allow them to seize control of this matchup while their defense has the chance to make strides against these Bearkats.
Sam Houston State will enter 2023 eager to make an impressionful statement against Conference USA foes. Last season saw them redshirt several key players as part of their transition plans; though 2022 proved challenging, their roster remains extremely talented, including winning an FCS national title back in 2021.
Sam Houston State’s struggles last season can be partly attributed to their decision to hold back players for the 2023 campaign. One key area left for decision is quarterbacking duties, with Keegan Shoemaker and Grant Gunnell from North Texas competing to fill this vacancy. Shoemaker led last season with 1,122 passing yards but will look to improve upon his 47% completion rate this time around. Sam Houston State’s Bearkats welcome back wide receiver Ife Adeyi, known for catching the game-winning touchdown at their FCS National Championship victory. Additionally, linebacker Trevor Williams provides depth to their defense with over 260 tackles during his time at Sam Houston State.
NCAA Latest Odds: BYU Cougars -23 ; O/U 51.5
The BYU Cougars will embark upon a new era in 2023 with an overhauled quarterback position and conference affiliation change. Following twelve years as an independent program, they’ve officially joined the Big 12 under former USC and Pitt quarterback Kedon Slovis who averaged 31.3 points per game during their last campaign; Although their receiving corps may lack depth; players like Kody Epps, and Chase Robers, Keanu Hill will provide plenty of offensive spark. Aidan Robbins will lead their running back contingent.
Defensively, the Cougars have undergone a significant overhaul. With a new coordinator in Jay Hill, fresh faces in the coaching staff, and the addition of FCS All-American cornerback Eddie Heckard, BYU is poised for a defensive transformation. The recruitment of transfers Jackson Cravens and Isaiah Bagnah bolsters the defensive line. Middle linebacker Ben Bywater, with 98 tackles and three interceptions in the previous season, remains a foundational presence.
Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Trends
Sam Houston State are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sam Houston State’s last 6 games.
Sam Houston State are 0-7 SU in their last 7 games.
Bearcats State are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
Sam Houston State are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games played in September.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
Brigham Young are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Brigham Young’s last 18 games.
Brigham Young are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
BYU are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games at home.
Brigham Young is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Western Athletic Conference.
Brigham Young are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games played in September.
Sam Houston Bearkats vs BYU Cougars Betting Pick
While Sam Houston State may face an uphill battle on the road against the BYU Cougars, they possess enough talent on both sides of the ball to keep the game competitive and potentially cover the spread. The strategic decision to redshirt key players last season, along with new transfers and recruits, provides the Bearkats with a solid foundation for their transition to FBS play in Conference USA. For BYU, the presence of a new quarterback adapting to a new system, along with a mostly revamped defense, means they are more talented but might take some time to fully hit their stride. Ultimately, BYU should secure the win at home, but Sam Houston State’s competitive spirit may see them covering the spread in this intriguing matchup. Take the Cougars to win as per the free football betting apps.
