Texas vs Sam Houston Prediction & Betting Tips for CFB Week 4 on 9/20/2025

In Week 4 of the 2025 regular season, the Sam Houston Bearkats travel to Austin, Texas, to take on the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. With a kickoff time set for 8:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, this night game will be broadcast on the SEC channel. The Bearkats are looking to secure their first win of the season, coming off a 0-3 start. The Bearkats, part of Conference USA, have faced a challenging start, losing to teams like Hawaii and UNLV. Their recent performance highlights a struggle, particularly on the road where they hold a 0-2 record. Despite these setbacks, they remain competitive, having claimed a notable victory over Georgia Southern in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl last postseason. On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns enter this contest ranked #8 in the AP poll and #7 in the Coaches poll. They hold a solid 2-1 record, with both victories coming at home. Their recent games demonstrate a strong offensive presence, notably in their 38-7 win against San Jose State, making them a formidable team to beat on their home turf.

Texas vs Sam Houston At a Glance

• Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
• Location: Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX
• Television: SEC Channel
• Texas Longhorns Rank: #8 in AP and #7 in Coaches Poll
• Sam Houston Bearkats Record: 0-3 this season
• Odds: Sam Houston +8000 Moneyline, +40.5 Spread (-110)

Texas Longhorns Set to Host Sam Houston: A Detailed Preview

Sam Houston Bearkats Offensive Strategy

Sam Houston Bearkats have traditionally relied on a balanced offensive approach, combining a mix of run and pass plays. This season, they will need to step up their game against a Texas Longhorns defense that ranks 17th in points against. The Bearkats’ ability to adapt and execute efficiently will be crucial in challenging the Longhorns’ formidable defense.

The Bearkats’ offensive line will play a pivotal role in providing their quarterback with the necessary protection to make plays. Texas’s defense has recorded six sacks this season, ranking 9th, which poses a significant threat to the Bearkats’ passing game. Quick decision-making and adaptability in the pocket will be essential for the Bearkats.

Defensive Tactics of Sam Houston

On the defensive side, the Bearkats will be tasked with containing a Texas offense that has scored an average of 24 points per game this season. The Longhorns have shown strength in both their passing and rushing games, with 601 and 548 yards, respectively. The Bearkats will need to tighten their defense and focus on disrupting Texas’s rhythm.

Interceptions and forcing turnovers will be key for Sam Houston in this game. Texas has a strong passing attack led by Arch Manning, who has accumulated 579 passing yards in three games. The Bearkats’ secondary will need to stay vigilant and capitalize on any opportunities for turnovers.

Special Teams and Key Players

Special teams could be a deciding factor in this game, with field position playing a critical role. Texas kicker Mason Shipley has made all three of his field goal attempts this season, showcasing his reliability. The Bearkats must ensure their special teams are prepared to handle any situation and capitalize on their chances.

Sam Houston will also look to their standout players to make an impact against Texas. With a challenging matchup ahead, the Bearkats will rely heavily on their playmakers to step up and deliver crucial plays when needed. Consistency and execution will be vital for these key players.

Sam Houston Bearkats Team Betting Trends

• SU – As Underdog: Last 15 Games → 5-10
• SU – Away Games: Last 10 Games → 3-7
• ATS – As Underdog: Last 15 Games → 7-8
• ATS – Away Games: Last 10 Games → 5-5
• O/U – All Games: Last 20 Games → 10-10

Sam Houston Bearkats: A Look Ahead to Their Next Challenge

Current Season Performance

The Sam Houston Bearkats have experienced a challenging start to their 2025 season. With a current record of 0-3, they have struggled to find their footing against tough opponents. Despite these setbacks, the team continues to show promise in various aspects of their game.

Offensively, the Bearkats have generated 65 points, ranking them 60th. Their passing game has recorded 555 yards, placing them 92nd, while their rushing attack has gained 407 yards, standing at 80th. They have managed to accumulate 53 first downs, earning a respectable 33rd ranking.

Defensive Analysis

Defensively, Sam Houston has faced challenges, allowing 116 points, which ranks 90th. However, they have excelled in pressuring the quarterback with 6 sacks, placing them 9th. Their defense has also shown a knack for creating turnovers, ranking 3rd in both interceptions and fumbles recovered.

The Bearkats’ defense has displayed resilience, ranking 3rd in both interceptions and fumbles recovered. These turnovers can be crucial in shifting the momentum of games in their favor. Maintaining this level of performance will be vital for the Bearkats as they progress through the season.

Recent Game Recaps

In their recent game against Hawaii, the Bearkats lost 37-20, highlighting areas needing improvement. They struggled to match Hawaii’s offensive output, managing 159 passing yards and 89 rushing yards. The team’s defense allowed Hawaii to gain 294 passing yards, which proved to be a decisive factor.

Earlier in the season, the Bearkats faced UNLV, where they fell short with a 38-21 loss. Despite a balanced attack that generated 187 passing yards and 145 rushing yards, they were unable to contain UNLV’s offense. The Bearkats showed potential with an even 20 first downs each, but defensive lapses contributed to the defeat.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Hunter Watson leads the Bearkats with 310 passing yards over three games. Though he hasn’t thrown for any touchdowns yet, his performance is critical for the Bearkats’ offensive success. Running back Elijah Green is another player to watch, leading the team with 76 rushing yards and contributing significantly in the passing game with 124 receiving yards.

Defensively, the team will rely on players like RJ Lopez, who has made all three of his field goal attempts this season. His accuracy is a vital asset for the Bearkats, especially in close games. The defense’s ability to generate turnovers will be crucial in their upcoming matchups.

Betting Trends

• O/U – Totals ≤ 42: Last 3 Games (2023) → 3-0 (100.0%)
• SU – As Favorite: Last 7 Games (2023–2024) → 6-1 (85.7%)
• SU – Home Games: Last 9 Games (2023–2025) → 7-2 (77.8%)
• SU – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2023–2025) → 5-2 (71.4%)
• SU – All Games: Last 18 Games (2023–2025) → 11-7 (61.1%)
• ATS – As Underdog: Last 17 Games (2022–2025) → 10-7 (58.8%)

Texas vs Sam Houston Prediction: Texas -40.5

Texas Longhorns are favored by 40.5 points against the Sam Houston Bearkats. With a home record of 2-0 and having won 15 out of their last 16 home games, Texas is well-positioned to cover the spread. Additionally, Texas is ranked #8 in the AP poll, showcasing their dominance this season.

Sam Houston, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the season with a 0-3 record, including an 0-2 record on the road. Their defense has allowed 116 points in three games, ranking them 90th in points against. This porous defense will likely face challenges against Texas’ offensive capabilities.

In their last game, Texas demonstrated their strength by winning 27-10 against UTEP. The Longhorns’ ability to control the game should continue in this matchup, allowing them to cover the sizable spread. Their offensive and defensive rankings further bolster their position to dominate this game.

The projected final score supports Texas covering the spread with a predicted score of 55-7. This outcome highlights the vast difference in quality between the two teams and Texas’ potential to assert their superiority at home.

• Texas vs Sam Houston Prediction: Texas -40.5
• Texas vs Sam Houston Score: Texas 55 – Sam Houston 7