UNLV Rebels head to Huntsville, Texas, to take on the Sam Houston Bearkats on Friday, August 29, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Odds snapshot
– UNLV spread: -9.5
– UNLV moneyline: -325
– Sam Houston moneyline: +260
– Over/under: 62.5
What to know ahead of kickoff
– UNLV’s Week 0 performance raised questions about the defense, which yielded 555 total yards (395 through the air) and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. The Rebels also flashed red-zone inconsistencies, scoring on only three of seven trips inside the 20.
– Anthony Colandrea appears to have solidified the quarterback duties, with the offense showing more rhythm when he was at the helm. Running back Jai’Den Thomas was electric, with the receiving corps showing flashes of potential.
– Sam Houston arrived in this matchup fresh off a competitive showing at Western Kentucky. Hunter Watson flashed improvement at quarterback, and the Bearkats ran the ball effectively at times.
– On defense, Sam Houston has taken a step back, giving up 402 passing yards and converting 11 of 19 third-down opportunities, plus failing to record a red-zone stop in the latest game. The Bearkats will face a different test against UNLV’s up-tempo, ground-and-pound attack.
– The focus for Sam Houston will be how well it can handle UNLV’s rushing tempo, which is a different challenge than what the Bearkats faced last week.
Prediction and pick
– The suggested approach in this preview is a high-scoring affair, given the pace of play and the offensive capabilities on both sides. Expect multiple possessions and plenty of scoring opportunities as UNLV leans on Colandrea and Thomas, while Sam Houston pushes tempo and tests UNLV’s secondary.
– Pick: Over the total. The matchup with both offenses expected to move the ball and create a fast game pace points toward a high-scoring night.
What this means for bettors and fans
– This game figures to be a true test of UNLV’s ability to tighten up defensively after Week 0 and of Sam Houston’s ability to sustain tempo and move the ball against a stronger opponent.
– Live betting opportunities could emerge as the game unfolds, especially if UNLV can establish the run early and Sam Houston answers with quick strikes.
Summary
UNLV visits Sam Houston in a Week 1 matchup that features an expected uptick in offensive pace and scoring. With UNLV’s defensive lapses from Week 0 and Sam Houston’s tempo and passing potential, a high-scoring clash appears likely. If you’re eyeing a bet, the over is the focal point, with both teams capable of piling up yardage and points.
Additional notes
– Keep an eye on in-game stats for tempo shifts and red-zone efficiency, which could swing live betting angles.
– Expect a competitive, entertaining game as both programs look to set a positive tone for the early part of their seasons.