Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Player Props: Week 0 Odds, Best Bets & Expert Picks for Saturday

Week 0 is here, and I’m picking the best Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props for a key Conference USA matchup.

Philip Wood

Last Updated: August 22, 2025 12:21 PM EDT • 5 minute read

Pictured: Sam Houston quarterback Hunter Watson is the focus of our Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props. Photo by Stephen Lew via Imagn Images.

In a Conference USA college football matchup, a defensive-minded Sam Houston visits an offensive-minded Western Kentucky, as I pick the best Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props for Saturday’s 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN) game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky.

The Bearkats only allowed 20.5 points per game last season, but Western Kentucky had no problem putting up 31 points. Our college football Week 0 predictions break down whether or not transfer quarterback Maverick McIvor can replicate that success on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sam Houston will be pleased to have Hunter Watson back under center after he suffered an injury against Western Kentucky last season. He's the focus of my Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky prediction.

📊 Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky odds: Week 0

Live updated odds from our best college football betting sites. Follow the latest college football scores for line history and matchup info.

🏈 Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props

College football picks made Friday; odds subject to change.

✅ Michael Phoenix II anytime TD scorer vs. Western Kentucky (+210 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Hunter Watson Over 180.5 passing yards vs. Western Kentucky (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Maverick McIvor Under 1.5 passing touchdowns vs. Sam Houston (+152 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐

💰 Best Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player prop bets

🔎 Our college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best college football odds across legal sportsbooks in your area!

🔥 Michael Phoenix II anytime TD scorer (+210) ⭐⭐⭐

Last season, Phoenix struggled to get targets amongst a crowded Sam Houston receiving corps. He finished the season with the fifth-most receiving yards on the team and only 15 receptions. However, he made the most of those receptions, as he averaged 14.6 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns.

With three of the four players who finished with more receiving yards than Phoenix no longer on the team, I expect him to play a much bigger role in the offense. And he should be plenty comfortable against the Hilltoppers, after he scored a touchdown and finished with a season-high 56 yards against them last season.

DraftKings and FanDuel both have this prop with odds of +195. While I’d take Phoenix to score for that price, the odds are simply better at Caesars right now.

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⬆️ Hunter Watson Over 180.5 passing yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I made my Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky prediction, this prop was my favorite of the game. Nothing has changed since then, and our Mike Spector is even backing the Bearkats to win in his college football upset picks for Week 0.

Watson is a dual-threat quarterback who threw for just 1,811 yards in 12 games last season. But he did top 200 yards in four games, and he was well on his way against the Hilltoppers before suffering an injury near the end of the first half. He finished the game 6-for-9 with 128 yards and two touchdowns.

The Hilltoppers’ pass defense was great last year, allowing just 183.8 yards per game. But with eight transfers expected to start on Saturday, it’s hard to imagine this unit will be flawless in Week 0. Watson will pick up right where he left off last season, as he easily tops this number in a shootout.

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⬇️ Maverick McIvor Under 1.5 passing touchdowns (+152) ⭐⭐⭐

Last season, McIvor put up video game numbers with Abilene Christian. He threw 30 touchdown passes, including multiple in nine of his 13 games. However, he struggled in his final two games of the season, throwing just one touchdown in each contest.

While McIvor’s schedule was not difficult last season, he did throw three touchdown passes against Texas Tech in the season opener. Still, I believe he’s going to struggle in this game. The Bearkats only allowed 2.4 touchdowns per game last season, which ranked 20th in the nation.

I’m not saying McIvor has no chance of hitting this Over on Saturday, but the price for the Under is simply too good to pass up. The Bearkats pose a bigger defensive threat than anyone he faced last season, and in his first game with a new team, I expect some growing pains.

📺 Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky game info

When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium (Bowling Green, Ky.)
How to watch: CBSSN

❓College football betting FAQs

What are the best Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props?

My best Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky player props are backing Michael Phoenix II to scorer a touchdown (+210), Hunter Watson to hit the Over on his passing yards (-114), and Maverick McIvor hit the Under on his passing touchdowns (+152).

How do college football player props work?

Player props are wagers on individual performances rather than the outcome of the game. Common props include a quarterback’s passing yards, a running back’s rushing yards, or a receivers receiving yards. For example, if a QB’s passing yards line is set at 250.5, you can bet the Over (251-plus yards) or Under (250 or fewer yards). You can also bet on if a specific player will score a touchdown.

Where can I find the best college football betting odds?

Shop around our best college football betting sites to find the best odds for your college football picks. Our best sports betting sites for all sports include BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings.

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Written by:
Philip Wood

Phil has covered sports betting since 2016 and has been sharing his NFL experience with SportsBook Review since 2022. He previously hosted the College Football Pick 'Em podcast for CanesInsight.com. He is always looking for value, especially on lines that just seem too good to be true. His belief is that if a line doesn't make sense just assume oddsmakers know something you don't. He also loves in-season futures. There is so much value to be had as the public overreacts weekly. Bettors tend to forget just how long NFL and college football seasons are. After all, the Green Bay Packers were 2-5 in 2023 and they made it to the Divisional Round. When deciding where to bet, it comes down to value over everything. +100 is always better than -110. An alumnus of The U, Phil always holds out hope that the next head coach will be the one who turns the football program around. He is also a diehard Detroit Lions fan and is willing to forgive Dan Campbell for forgetting that a kicker can be useful.