Weeknight Conference USA action continues Friday with the Bearkats taking on the Bulldogs at 8:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network. SBR's Phil Wood shares his best bets in his Sam Houston vs Louisiana Tech prediction:
Over/Under pick: Over 48.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
Game prediction: Louisiana Tech -16.5 (-112 via DraftKings)
"Six of Sam Houston’s seven losses have been by at least 17 points, and the Bearkats have yet to score more than 24 in a road game while giving up at least 37 in all four such contests.
While Louisiana Tech has lost back-to-back games, both were against top teams in Conference USA. The Bulldogs are 3-1 at home, with all three wins coming by double digits.
Sam Houston ranks 130th in points per game (17) and 134th in points allowed per game (38.9). Opponents are outgaining Sam Houston by an average of 456.3 to 294.6. And while Louisiana Tech is averaging just 24.9 points per contest (89th), its defense is allowing only 18.7 per game (23rd) and should have no problem shutting Sam Houston down.
Considering Sam Houston is allowing 272.4 passing yards and 183.9 rushing yards per game, Louisiana Tech should move the ball up and down the field in its easiest matchup of the year."
Player prop bet: Clay Thevenin Over 58.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel)
"Thevenin has struggled for most of the season, averaging fewer than 3 yards per carry in three of his last four games. He’s rushed for fewer than 40 yards in four of seven games this season, but he’s also topped 60 yards three times.
The Sam Houston rush defense is terrible, allowing 183.9 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. In a game where his team is expected to play from ahead, expect Thevenin to get more than 12 carries for just the second time this season and make the most of his opportunities."
Over/Under pick: Over 48.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
Game prediction: Louisiana Tech -16.5 (-112 via DraftKings)
"Six of Sam Houston’s seven losses have been by at least 17 points, and the Bearkats have yet to score more than 24 in a road game while giving up at least 37 in all four such contests.
While Louisiana Tech has lost back-to-back games, both were against top teams in Conference USA. The Bulldogs are 3-1 at home, with all three wins coming by double digits.
Sam Houston ranks 130th in points per game (17) and 134th in points allowed per game (38.9). Opponents are outgaining Sam Houston by an average of 456.3 to 294.6. And while Louisiana Tech is averaging just 24.9 points per contest (89th), its defense is allowing only 18.7 per game (23rd) and should have no problem shutting Sam Houston down.
Considering Sam Houston is allowing 272.4 passing yards and 183.9 rushing yards per game, Louisiana Tech should move the ball up and down the field in its easiest matchup of the year."
Player prop bet: Clay Thevenin Over 58.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel)
"Thevenin has struggled for most of the season, averaging fewer than 3 yards per carry in three of his last four games. He’s rushed for fewer than 40 yards in four of seven games this season, but he’s also topped 60 yards three times.
The Sam Houston rush defense is terrible, allowing 183.9 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. In a game where his team is expected to play from ahead, expect Thevenin to get more than 12 carries for just the second time this season and make the most of his opportunities."