Western Kentucky finally started to turn this all around. After a rough 0-3 start, and an embarrassing Conference USA opener in a 34-13 loss to New Mexico State, the Hilltoppers beat Missouri State 34-13 last week. Win this, and the team will be back in the Conference USA mix.
Sam Houston has yet to beat an FBS team this season with a 1-4 start – the only win was 59-0 over Nicholls State. Head coach Phil Longo is 3-14 since taking over the gig and could desperately use a big moment.
Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston: Quick Hits
- Western Kentucky gets two of its next three games at home after this, with a week off before hosting Delaware.
- Sam Houston gets two home games in a row, with New Mexico State next before going on the road for two weeks.
- This is the fourth meeting since Sam Houston moved up to the FBS. WKU won the 2025 season opener 41-24. The Hilltoppers are 3-0 in the series.
How To Watch Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
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Why Western Kentucky Will Win
The running game settles everything down. Western Kentucky is a great passing team, and it’ll get close to 300 yards in this, but it’s 2-0 this season when it runs for close to 190 yards or more. It ran for close to six yards per carry against Missouri State, 5.6 yards per carry against Mercyhurst, and the Hilltoppers won both games.
Sam Houston is 131st in the nation against the run, allowing 5.5 yards per carry and over 200 yards in three of the last four games.
Why Sam Houston Will Win
The passing game has to find its groove right away.
The Bearkats are all about tempo, mismatches, rhythms, and getting the passing game moving. They have to move the chains by taking advantage of the lack of a Hilltopper pass rush to bother quarterback Landyn Locke. He doesn’t hit the big shots, but as long as he’s methodically accurate, Sam Houston will stay alive..
Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston Prediction, Betting Lines
Western Kentucky might not be rolling like it’s supposed to, but it’ll make it a third win in four by controlling the clock with a decent day from the running game.
The Sam Houston passing attack will be okay, but even though it’ll complete at least 60% of its passes – the Hilltoppers are 0-4 when allowing teams to hit 55% – there will be too many stalled drives in the second half.
Western Kentucky 28, Sam Houston 26
Latest Consensus Line: Western Kentucky -1.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.