Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 0

Sean Treppedi | Aug 18, 2025

Tyson Helton's new-look Hilltoppers have the ceiling to run away with Saturday's opener against Sam Houston. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

This feels like an early tone-setter in Conference USA. 

The Bearkats enter a new era under Phil Longo after a 10-win season, trying to prove last year’s surge wasn’t a fluke. 

Across the field, Tyson Helton’s Hilltoppers are banking on portal firepower to reignite an offense that sputtered late in 2024. 

It’s a clash of transition vs. tradition, with both sides desperate to plant a flag in the league race before September even hits.

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Spread

• Sam Houston +9.5 (+100)
• Western Kentucky -9.5 (-122)

Moneyline

• Sam Houston (+290)
• Western Kentucky (-375)

Total

• Over 60.5 (-110)
• Under 60.5 (-110)

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 
• Game Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: L.T. Smith Stadium
• How to Watch (TV): CBS Sports Network
• Sam Houston Record: 0-0
• Western Kentucky Record: 0-0

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Key Player to Watch

Maverick McIvor, Quarterback – Western Kentucky

All eyes in Bowling Green will be on Western Kentucky quarterback Maverick McIvor, who transfers in from Abilene Christian with some video-game level numbers. McIvor racked up more than 8,000 career passing yards and 63 touchdowns at ACU, and his explosive arm power should fit seamlessly into Helton’s wide-open scheme.

The Hilltoppers thrived for years with potent quarterback play, but last season’s late fade showed just how badly they need a steady and dynamic leader under center. McIvor isn’t just about gaudy stats — his experience and toughness could be the difference against a Sam Houston defense still searching for answers in the front seven.

The Bearkats’ rebuilt secondary, highlighted by corner Emon Allen, will surely test him, but McIvor’s ability to stretch the field vertically could flip the game early. If he settles in quickly, WKU’s offense may look more like the dangerous unit that once defined Conference USA’s air-raid identity.

Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Prediction and Pick

Sam Houston may have the defensive backfield talent to slow down some of the deep shots, yet without proven pass-rush production, the Bearkats are vulnerable to long drives and back-breaking chunk plays. Longo’s offense should eventually click, especially with a promising interior line, but the timing of this matchup works against them — continuity matters in August, and the Bearkats are still finding it. WKU’s track record under Helton is clear: when the quarterback is humming, the Hilltoppers roll. Expect Sam Houston to hang around for stretches, but the Hilltoppers’ offensive pace should break things open late.

Pick:  Western Kentucky -9.5 (-122 at FanDuel)

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