UTEP vs. Sam Houston Picks and Predictions: Wednesday Night Stinker

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Hunter Watson and the Bearkats are still looking for their first win this year - UTEP Sam Houston Picks

Two horrendous teams in the Conference USA battle it out on Wednesday evening, and things couldn’t get much worse. The UTEP Miners bring their 1-5 record into Houston to take on the Sam Houston Bearkats. Both teams are looking for their first conference victory, and the hosts have yet to taste the sweet nectar of victory once this season, as the Bearkats are 0-6. It’s only up from here, right? Let’s get into this matchup and find our favorite picks, because you know we’ve got to sweat out some midweek football.

Go to Betting News to check out what else I’ve got on the slate for Week 8, and view the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.

UTEP Miners vs. Sam Houston Bearkats NCAA Football Insights

Both of these teams are the bottom of the barrel in the C-USA. UTEP have lost four straight games, but I will give them credit. They put up a solid fight against Texas in Austin, only going down 27-10. After losing to Utah State, they beat UT Martin in their home opener. But after losing to the Longhorns to start 1-2, they have dropped three straight to ULM, Louisiana Tech and Liberty, all at home. Now on the road in conference play, things won’t get easier, especially against a team that has nothing to lose.

The Bearkats are 0-6. There’s no hiding it. They’ve lost on the road, at home, and usually by two or more scores, however they almost came out on top last game. After losing to Western Kentucky, Hawaii, Texas and New Mexico State on the road, and to UNLV at home, they hosted Jacksonville State in their third conference meeting. The hosts fell down 10-0 early, but led 17-14 at halftime. Sam Houston even took a one point lead with 52 seconds left, only for a 52 yard field goal to ruin their dreams. Could they finally find their first win of the season tonight at home?

Matchup Information – UTEP vs. Sam Houston – October 15

  • Venue & Location: Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, TX)
  • Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  • Kick Off: 7:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: CBS Sports Network

UTEP vs. Sam Houston Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of October 15, 2025 at 10:46 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • UTEP -3 (+100)
  • Sam Houston +3 (-120)

Moneyline

  • UTEP -138
  • Sam Houston +118

Total

  • Over 47.5 (-110)
  • Under 47.5 (-110)

This game is stinky, it’s nasty, it’s disgusting. But we’re betting on it. Even I don’t want any part of a side or total, so instead I’ll turn to the player prop market.

UTEP vs. Sam Houston NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Hunter Watson leads the Bearkats in carries and rushing yards this season - UTEP Sam Houston Picks

Hunter Watson leads the Bearkats in carries and rushing yards this season

UTEP vs. Sam Houston Prediction: Sam Houston Wins Outright, Under 47.5

Best Bet: Hunter Watson (SHSU) Over 36.5 Rushing Yards (-114) BetOnline

If anyone is going to will the Bearkats to their first victory, it’s this guy. Their quarterback is a natural born football player, and I trust him to use his legs tonight to get the job done.

For starters, he leads the team in carries, by far, and rushing yards. Watson has 61 carries for 208 yards and two rushing touchdowns, busting out a 55 yard rush as well. He has 33% of the team’s total rushing attempts, but they’ve been playing from behind, causing him to be forced to throw. Tonight, where they actually stand a chance, he should have more freedom to run.

He does take lots of sacks, but he’s had double digit rush attempts in four of five games (nine carries in one), and has cleared this line twice, soaring over with 52 and 91 rushing yards. Watson has found some green grass, going for a 10+ yard rush in every single contest, and has cleared this line with only his longest rush in the two games going over 50+ yards.

The Miners have had their struggles containing mobile quarterbacks.

Mobile QBs vs. UTEP Defense

  • Bryson Barnes (Utah State): 15-29-1, Long 18
  • Arch Manning (Texas): 9-51-2, Long 14
  • Aidan Armenta (ULM): 4-19, 4.8 YPC
  • Ethan Vasko (Liberty): 14-31-1, Long 14

Watson is running for just over 3.4 yards per carry this year and is playing in his last season of college football. This may be his only shot at a conference win, and I’m sure he will have his entire team ready to roll tonight. This kid will use his legs whenever necessary to get his team the victory, something they have yet to do this year. Beware of the hungry dog at home.

Still Didn’t Get Your NCAA Football Fix?

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