As Week 6 of the NCAAF season gets underway, the Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-1) will face off against the UTEP Miners (0-4) in a matchup that promises to be pivotal for both teams. Scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET, this game will be held at the Sun Bowl and aired on CBS Network. The relatively contrasting records highlight the opportunities for Sam Houston State to continue its winning ways while UTEP seeks redemption. This contest is an excellent chance for analysts and bettors alike to align with top NCAAF free predictions.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. UTEP Miners 10/03/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Sun Bowl Stadium |
| TV: | CBS Network |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-1) vs. UTEP Miners (0-4)
The Sam Houston State Bearkats are looking very good early in the season as they are performing relatively very well in their rushing and receiving units. The most successful rusher, Jay Ducker, has accrued 278 yards off 57 attempts, with an outstanding contribution of 4.9 yards for every attempt made. Included in this is what has been highlighted as an astounding 86-yard rush which underscores his ability to penetrate the defenses and change the course of the game, not so differently from what was considered today in the game between Houston and TCU, where running made a lot of difference. In regard to the receiving game, Qua’Vez Humphrey has had 234 yards out of the 10 passes which makes an average of 23.4 yards per reception worth noting his effectiveness at such interactions. This is because Sam Houston is keen on offensive plays, whereby players are expected to take risks and make big plays.
In comparison, the UTEP Miners are going through a slump and are still searching for their first dual win. However, there are glimpses of what is to come in the form of some individual performances. In the attack, Jevon Jackson remains the most active in his attempts, with 214 yards gained in 55 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards rush per attempt. Though his efforts have been restrained in terms of getting through the line and making hurtful runs, supporting players’ development might turn possible into an actual impact within the game. Headed to the receiving area is Odom, who leads in the zone with 289 yards from 14 catches averaging 20.6 yards per reception. From him, he has the capability of making huge yardages, a skill that is needed in games such as today’s Jacksonville St vs Kennesaw St where some catches are made to prevent stoppage of offensive plays which in turn influences the outcome of the game.
Hunter Watson QB vs. Skyler Locklear QB
Bearkats’ quarterback Hunter Watson dealt with a fruitful season and opportunities for improvement. Out of the 103 passes in which he attempted 59 completions, Watson made throws to a distance of 635 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. The completion ratio is at 57.3 percent, and the passer rating is at 115.4, but it leaves room for improvement mainly in terms of decision-making on the play to minimize turnovers, which is vital in retaining the carnivalesque winning streak that Sam Houston State has possessed in the recent past.
Skyler Locklear, who plays quarterback for the UTEP Miners, has had a challenging task but has also shown improvement. Locklear put up good numbers, completing 66 of 104 pass attempts for a total of 710 yards with 3 TDs and 4 Ints. His completion rate of 63.5% and passer rating of 122.6 indicate that he will be able to perform tactical jobs excellently. The determination to manage the number of interceptions and improve the pass rush, given the nine sacks recorded, will be the battleground on which UTEP will seek to turn its current narrative.
If one compares the quarterbacks, everyone has their merits, and both can develop in certain areas, including Watson and Locklear. While Watson’s skills help maintain offensive pressure owing to his willingness to risk it all downfield, Locklear will be keen to utilize the high strike rate already achieved, thus providing UTEP with chances to score. Their successes and failures on how different games will be approached will probably define some of the decisive moments in the game.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Sam Houston State Bearkats -10.5, Total Odds: 50
The Bearkats enter this matchup favored by a 10.5-point spread, reflecting confidence in their form and statistical edge. With a moneyline of -425, Sam Houston State is positioned as the frontrunner against a UTEP team offered at +325. The over/under is set at 50, indicative of anticipated moderate scoring output. Bettors might view the spread as exploitable in favor of Sam Houston’s capable offense, with potential undervalues in total points considering UTEP’s defensive gaps.
Sam Houston State Betting Trends
Betting trends for Sam Houston State provide a solid backdrop for their strong standing. They are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games and show consistent outperformance against Conference USA teams. Notably, they’re 5-0 ATS against their current conference opposition, underscoring an adaptability edge. However, they face challenges with a 2-13 SU record over their last 15 road games, revealing areas needing reinforcement.
UTEP Betting Trends
For UTEP, betting insights reveal difficulties with a 0-7 SU in their recent outings but demonstrate capabilities with a 6-1 ATS performance against Conference USA challengers. This suggests an ability to cover spreads, setting the stage for upward potential if strategic executions are improved.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. UTEP Miners 10/03/24 Betting Picks
Heading into this matchup, Sam Houston State’s consistency in execution, combined with key performances from Ducker and Humphreys, establishes them as a strong contender to cover the spread effectively. Meanwhile, UTEP’s game preparation must maximize existing completion rates and field dispersal to threaten Sam Houston’s defensive alignment.
Ultimately, bettors should focus on Sam Houston’s spread cover and evaluate the total line favoring unders, given recent forms and alignments. Engagement with multi-handicapper premium tips can provide layers of strategic insight to refine wagering choices for ideal returns.