New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Georgia Southern and Sam Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4) and Sam Houston Bearkats (9-3) meet Thursday in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bearkats are readying for their first-ever bowl game as an FBS program, but they’ll do so without coach K.C. Keeler. He took the Temple head coaching job, so offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will lead the team.

Sam Houston also has a laundry list of opt-outs following their coach out of the door, including leading rusher RB Jay Ducker. DBs Isaiah Cash and David Fisher have been visiting and receiving offers from power conference schools, so the back end of the defense might have some big-time holes in this game.

The Bearkats defense was nasty this season, allowing just 315.6 total yards, 174.1 passing yards and 20.0 points per game this season, but that figures to take a hit with all of the defections. In fact, Sam Houston was an Under machine this season, with the total going low in 9 of 12 games, including the final 6 outings.

The Eagles do not have a lot of opt outs or portal players heading into this one, and Georgia Southern enters with 3 wins and covers in the final 4 games. This is a team which fell to the Boise State Broncos 56-45 in the opener back on Aug. 31, covering as a 13-point underdog. It also has wins over bowl teams James Madison, Marshall and South Alabama.

RankingsUS LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:52 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Georgia Southern -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Sam Houston +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread: Georgia Southern -4.5 (-110) | Sam Houston +4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Georgia Southern 26, Sam Houston 16

Moneyline

Georgia Southern (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and for a standalone wager that’s a bit much. However, as part of a multi-leg parlay, it isn’t that much of a risk tossing the Eagles onto a betslip with 3 or more plays.

PASS, as a standalone wager.

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Against the spread

PLAY GEORGIA SOUTHERN -4.5 (-110) laying the points.

It would have been unthinkable during the season, as Sam Houston +4.5 (-110) is looking for its 10th victory, it’s playing its first-ever FBS bowl game, etc. However, there is just too much upheaval on the Bearkats’ side of the ball, from portal defections, especially on defense, to the coaching staff.

The Eagles present a lot more stability and experience, and it will show, especially as the game wears on into the second half in NOLA.

Over/Under

UNDER 48.5 (-110) is still the play in a Sam Houston game, regardless of the portal losses.

Sam Houston had an amazing defense, and it’s likely the backups backfill the secondary losses to at least hold their own against the Eagles. Plus, Georgia Southern’s offense was simply so-so this season, going for 28.2 PPG and 364.1 total yards per game, so the Bearkats should still keep a lid on things, for the most part.

Sam will have trouble moving the ball, though. Losing Ducker is one thing, but the Bearkats had RBs John Gentry, Zach Hrbacek and DJ McKinney hit the portal, too, leaving the position depleted.

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Sam Houston at Indiana odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Sam Houston at Indiana odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Indiana Hoosiers (5-2) welcome the Sam Houston Bearkats (4-4) to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall Tuesday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Sam Houston vs. Indiana odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Hoosiers salvaged their trip to the Bahamas — avoiding an 0-3 showing in the Battle of Atlantis — with an 89-73 win over the Providence Friars in the seventh-place game Friday. Indiana, which lost its first 2 games there,  covered as a 4-point favorite with the Over (137.5) hitting in the win.

The day before, in its most high-profile game of the season, Indiana lost as a 9.5-point underdog by the same score (89-73) to the then-No. 4, now-No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs — the Over (156.5) hit in that one, too. Wednesday’s opener was the ugliest result for the Hoosiers as they were embarrassed by Louisville 89-61, getting upset as 4-point favorites with the Under (155) cashing.

Indiana should be happy to be back home where it is 4-0 at this season. Overall, the Hoosiers are 3-4 against the spread (ATS). The 1-2 Bahamas trip knocked Indiana out of the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll where they were ranked 14th.

The Bearkats are coming off an 82-78 win over the Colgate Raiders Saturday, also avoiding an 0-3 showing in a 3-day tournament — the Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic in Wilmington, N.C. The Bearkats didn’t cover as 6.5-point favorites with the Over (137) hitting in the victory. Their first 2 games in the event were losses to Appalachian State 66-63 Wednesday and to host UNC-Wilmington 69-60 Friday. The ‘Kats didn’t cover in either defeat — as 6.5-point underdogs and 1.5-point ‘dogs, respectively — and the Unders (142.5 and 151) hit in both.

The Bearkats are 2-5 against the spread (ATS) this season, including 0-2 ATS as underdogs. Their toughest opponent so far involved a trip to then-No. 14, now-No. 16 Baylor, where they were trounced 104-67.

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Sam Houston at Indiana odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds  Lines last updated Monday at 11:27 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sam Houston +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Indiana -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Sam Houston +13.5 (-110) | Indiana -13.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Sam Houston at Indiana picks and predictions

Prediction

Indiana 85, Sam Houston 64

Moneyline

PASS.

Sam Houston (+600) has struggled as an underdog, losing both games by well over double figures. Expect those issues to continue in Bloomington Tuesday. On the other side, the Hoosiers (-900) are far too expensive to play as a home favorite.

Against the spread

BET INDIANA -13.5 (-110).

The Hoosiers have been a double-digit favorite 3 times this season, going 1-2 ATS and winning 2 of the 3 by at least 19 points — the won the other game by 11 points. IU faced some decent Power 4 opponents last week and should be primed to throttle a weaker opponent at home. Indiana’s top 3 weapons — F Mackenzie Mgbako (17.3 points per game, 54.5 FG%, F Malik Reneau (14.6 PPG, 58.5 FG%) and C Oumar Ballo (13.1 PPG, 67.9 FG%) — are all shooting better than 54% from the field, giving the Hoosiers an advantage as well.

As mentioned above, Sam Houston has been an underdog twice, losing both and failing to cover. The Bearkats were 16-point underdogs in the 37-point loss to Baylor, and were 10.5-point ‘dogs in a season-opening 91-75 setback at Nevada. Even if this is more like the Nevada game, Indiana should still come out on top for bettors. G Lamar Wilkerson leads Sam Houston with 19.6 PPG, but is shooing 47.5% from the field. G Dorian Finister is the Bearkats’ next best scorer at 11.4 PPG behind a 41.3 FG%.

TAKE INDIANA -13.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 154.5 (-110).

The Bearkats have scored 63 or fewer in 2 of their last 3 games and averaged just 71.0 PPG in the losses to Baylor and Nevada.

While Indiana is the predicted side to cover, it has scored over 73 points in just 1 of its last 4 games and is 3-4 O/U on the season. IU has yet to score more than 90 in a game this season.

Considering those trends, BACK UNDER 154.5 (-110).

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Liberty at Sam Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Liberty at Sam Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Liberty Flames (8-2, 5-2 Conference USA) visit the Sam Houston State Bearkats (8-3, 5-2) on Friday. Kickoff from Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Liberty vs. Sam Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Liberty has won 3 games in a row after taking down the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 38-21 on Saturday as a 1-point home favorite. QB Kaidon Salter went 6 of 11 for 108 yards and a TD while the Flames had 419 yards and 4 TDs on the ground.

Sam Houston had a 3-game winning streak snapped Saturday with a 21-11 loss against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks while failing to cover as a 5-point road underdog. QB Hunter Watson went 13 of 25 for only 84 yards, but led the team in rushing with 21 carries for 105 yards and a TD.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Liberty at Sam Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Liberty -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Sam Houston +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -2.5 (-110) | Sam Houston +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Sam Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 27, Sam Houston 19

Moneyline

PASS.

There is better value on the Flames to cover the spread.

Against the spread

BET LIBERTY -2.5 (-110).

Liberty is 8-2 in its last 10 games with 7 of those wins coming by 7 points or more. Sam Houston has failed to cover 5 straight games while going 1-1 ATS in its last 2 home games. The Flames ability to run the ball effectively will provide them with the points needed for a tough road win.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 47.5 (-110).

Liberty has hit the Under in 2 of its last 4 games while allowing 21 or fewer points in 2 of its last 3 contests. Sam Houston has hit the Under in each of its last 5 games while scoring 14 or fewer points in 4 of its last 5 games. With a run-heavy offense on both sides, the Under is a great play.

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Sam Houston at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Sam Houston at Baylor odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Sam Houston Bearkats (1-1) and Baylor Bears (1-1) tangle in a Tuesday intrastate match-up in Waco, Texas. Tip-off at Foster Pavilion will be 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Sam Houston vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Sam Houston lost its season lid-lifter 91-75 to the Nevada Wolf Pack on Nov. 4 and then bounced back with a Saturday triumph at Tarleton State. The Bearkats defeated the Texans 91-62 to cover a 5.5-point spread. SHU drained 14-of-26 (53.8%) from 3-point range in a road game that hit the over 144.5.

Baylor, which is No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, also lost a Nov. 4 season opener (101-63 at No. 5 Gonzaga) and then rebounded with a Saturday victory over No. 21 Arkansas. The Bears clocked a 72-67 neutral-site (Dallas) win over the Razorbacks. BU had 5 players score in double figures, and the Bears were tagged with just 8 turnovers

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Sam Houston at Baylor odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:24 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Sam Houston +825 (bet $100 to win $825) | Baylor -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Sam Houston +15.5 (-110) | Baylor -15.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Sam Houston at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 83, Sam Houston 69

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

Sam Houston finished last season on a hot streak. The Bearkats went 15-4 after the first of the year. They return a decent number of minutes from a squad that shot 37.7% from distance over those last 19 games.

Baylor should file the win in a drop in class after a tough first week against 2 ranked teams, but look for 3s, decent defense, and tempo to keep SHU closer than how the line lays things out.

TAKE SAM HOUSTON +15.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Last season, the Over went 5-1 in 6 lined Baylor games in November. The Over went 7-1 in SHU’s first 8 lined games last season.

With the expectation of some turnover churn and distance shooting having some extra impact, the OVER 148.5 (-105) is a solid play in this one.

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Sam Houston at FIU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Sam Houston at FIU odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-2, 2-1 CUSA) and FIU Panthers (2-5, 1-2) meet Tuesday. Kickoff from Pitbull Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Sam Houston vs. FIU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Sam Houston was routed 31-14 by Western Kentucky Wednesday as a 1-point favorite. The Bearkats put up only 11 fewer yards than the Hilltoppers, but also allowed 21 unanswered points after leading 14-10 with over 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

FIU was beaten 30-21 by the UTEP Miners Wednesday while failing to cover as a 7-point favorite. FIU played 3 QBs, who combined for only 202 yards with 2 TDs and 4 INTs in the loss. The Panthers also averaged just 2.6 yards per rush vs. UTEP.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Sam Houston at FIU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:55 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sam Houston -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | FIU +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Sam Houston -5.5 (-110) | FIU +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Sam Houston at FIU picks and predictions

Prediction

Sam Houston 31, FIU 28

Moneyline

PASS.

The Bearkats will pick up the win here, as they are simply the better team, but I do not advise betting them, as -225 favorites are never worth the risk. Bet the spread and/or O/U instead.

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Against the spread

BET FIU +5.5 (-110).

FIU has a very solid passing attack, which averages 222.9 yards per game, and an offense that averages 26.1 points per game. I expect the Panthers to get back to that with QB Keyone Jenkins (shoulder) expected to play. This Panthers offense will have enough success vs. a Sam Houston defense that allows 219.1 passing yards per game — and 24.9 points — to cover here.

Over/Under

BET OVER 46.5 (-110).

The Over is a safe bet, as both teams allow over 24 PPG and have offenses that score over 24 PPG. This will be an offensive battle where neither team will get too many stops until absolutely necessary.

The Over has also hit in 2 of the Bearkats’ last 3 games overall and is 4-2 in FIU’s last 6.

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) visit the Sam Houston Bearkats (5-1, 2-0) Wednesday at Elliot T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers got the job done in a mid-week game against UTEP last Thursday, winning 44-17 as an 18.5-point favorite as the Over (56) cashed. The Over-Under is 3-3, but Western Kentucky is a healthy 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games since getting walloped by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the opener on Aug. 31.

The Bearkats also got the job done in a 41-21 win at UTEP on Oct. 3 prior to the bye. The Sam Houston State offense has scored 31 or more points in 4 in a row, including a wild 40-39 win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington against Texas State on Sept. 28. The Bearkats have covered 4 in a row, and 5 of the 6 outings this season. The Over has hit in the past 2 outings.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:01 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Sam Houston -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Western Kentucky +2.5 (-105) | Sam Houston -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Sam Houston 36, Western Kentucky 31

Moneyline

All eyes will be on Huntsville on Wednesday night, as SAM HOUSTON (-145) gets a primetime game in its place. That hasn’t happened a lot over the history of Bearkats football, so you can expect the place to be wild.

Western Kentucky (+120) comes in on a winning streak, too, so this won’t be easy. These teams are vying for the top spot in the Sun Belt, and this should be an excellent football game, unlike the undercard of SBC games on Tuesday.

Western Kentucky has posted a 1-2 SU mark in 3 road games, but 2 of those losses came at Alabama and at Boston College, and the loss to the Eagles was by a single point.

Sam Houston has won 4 in a row, including 2 victories at home. The Bearkats are averaging 31.0 PPG at home, while allowing just 12.0 PPG.

Against the spread

SAM HOUSTON -2.5 (-115) is a better play than the moneyline, unless you strongly believe Western Kentucky +2.5 (-105) will lose, but only by 1 or 2 points. It isn’t a terrible thought, as both of these teams are explosive, and it could very well come down to a 2-point conversion at the end.

Sam has covered 4 in a row, WKU has covered 5 straight, so it’s a tough call either way. But, again, the Bearkats are hosting a nationally-televised game in front of a raucous crowd in a reasonably important game. Expect the Bearkats to show out.

Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-105) is easily the best play on the board.

Western Kentucky’s offense has been a little choppy at times, but it seems to have found its stride against UTEP. Of course, everyone seems to abuse the Miners these days. Anyway, Western is good for 26 or more points in 4 of the past 5 games, while allowing 21 or more points in 3 of the previous 4 outings.

For Sam Houston, it keeps it foot on the gas for the full 60. It has averaged 40.5 PPG in the past 2 Sun Belt games, while allowing 30.0 PPG. The Bearkats are good for 31 or more points in 4 straight, and 5 of 6 outings this season.

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Sam Houston at UTEP odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Sam Houston at UTEP odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Sam Houston Bearkats (4-1) take on the UTEP Miners (0-4) at the Sun Bowl Thursday. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Sam Houston vs. UTEP odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Sam Houston upset the 11.5-point favorite Texas State 40-39 last week. It was its 3rd win in a row and was the 2nd time it won as a double-digit underdog. It was down 22-0 after 1 period before erupting for 40 points in the final 3 quarters. QB Hunter Watson didn’t do much through the air but ran 27 times for 105 yards and 2 TDs. RB Jay Ducker rushed 14 times for 69 yards and 3 scores.

UTEP has been a punching bag thus far at 0-4 and has lost 7 in a row, dating back to last season. It failed to cover as a 9-point dog last week in a 27-17 final to Colorado State. QB Cade McConnell was 19-for-29 for 220 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Sam Houston at UTEP odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:33 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sam Houston -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | UTEP +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Sam Houston -9.5 (-120) | UTEP +9.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Sam Houston at UTEP picks and predictions

Prediction

Sam Houston 31, UTEP 14

Moneyline

The Bearkats are the far superior team, but there’s no chance we’re risking a -400 here. I also don’t see any props that are tempting.

PASS.

Against the spread

UTEP came into Sam Houston’s building last year and upset it 37-34. I look for the Bearkats to exact revenge. They have covered 3 straight and are 4-1 ATS on the year.

Take SAM HOUSTON -9.5 (-120).

Over/Under

UTEP is 3-7 O/U in its last 10 games. Sam Houston is just 5-5 in its last 10 and 2-3 this season. In the Oct. 2023 meeting, the sides smashed an Over 38 with a 37-34 finish. I don’t look for UTEP to put up that much of a fight this time.

Take the UNDER 50.5 (-115).

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