Sam Houston Bearkats at Oregon State Beavers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 8, 2025
The Sam Houston Bearkats travel to Reser Stadium to take on the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday at 10:00 PM ET, on The CW Network. Sam Houston is 0-8 overall and 0-5 in Conference USA after another lopsided loss, while Oregon State is 2-7 and coming off a win that snapped a long losing skid. Before kickoff: NCAAF predictions for Sam Houston Bearkats at Oregon State Beavers in one clean snapshot.
Sam Houston Seeking First Victory
The inconsistency offensively and the breakdowns on defense have primarily defined Sam Houston's season. The Bearkats are putting up just 15.5 points a game while yielding 43.9, and the numbers continue to reflect the unit's struggles on either side of the ball. Quarterback Hunter Watson has thrown for 1,108 yards on 104-of-182 passing with five touchdowns and four interceptions, though he's listed as questionable this week with a knee issue. Behind him, the offense relies on Landan Brown, who has 287 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. Wideout Chris Reed leads the receiver corps with 231 yards and two scores on 17 receptions.
Sam Houston's total offense has been limited, averaging less than 300 yards per game and little balance between the run and pass. The defense has given up big plays in nearly every contest, allowing more than 400 total yards per game and finding little success against the run or pass. A week ago, against Louisiana Tech, the Bearkats allowed 646 total yards, including 425 on the ground. The run defense has been the weak link, and that could be a major issue against Oregon State's rushing attack.
Last week's 55-14 loss to Louisiana Tech was a total embodiment of the Bearkats' problems this season. Sam Houston fell behind 27-0 at halftime and never got up. The offense finally awakened in the third quarter, as Elijah Green recorded a career-high 191 yards on just 10 carries with two long touchdown runs; however, turnovers and missed assignments on defense buried the momentum. Quarterback Watson accounted for 193 yards through the air but threw a critical interception that was returned for a score. The game marked the eighth loss in a row for Sam Houston, now facing a tough road test against a more physical opponent.
Injuries:
- H. Watson (QB) – Questionable, knee
- A. Shorter (DL) – Questionable, undisclosed
- D. Horany (CB) – Questionable, undisclosed
- C. Coy (DL) – Questionable, undisclosed
- C. Brown (CB) – Questionable, undisclosed
- D. Bledsoe III (WR) – Questionable, undisclosed
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Oregon State Building Confidence After Tight Win
Oregon State enters at 2-7 following a 10-7 win over Washington State last week that snapped a less-than-stellar seven-game stretch. The Beavers' offense has shown some life behind running back Anthony Hankerson, who remains the focal point. Hankerson has run for 803 yards and seven touchdowns on 179 carries. Last week, he tallied 132 yards and a game-winning score in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Maalik Murphy has thrown for 1,749 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions on 156-of-266 passing. His top target has been wide receiver Trent Walker, who has 631 yards on 52 catches.
While the Beavers' passing attack has been up and down, the ground game has been steady. Hankerson's production has given Oregon State more time of possession in recent weeks, especially at home. The Beavers average roughly 22 points per game and have leaned on the defense to stay competitive. That defense stepped up in a big way against Washington State, recording six sacks and two interceptions while allowing just 7 points and 185 total yards. The defensive front, headlined by Jacob Schuster, has been much better overall the last few weeks.
Oregon State, on the win over Washington State, came from behind after trailing 7-3 going into the fourth quarter. Hankerson's 1-yard run put them ahead for good, and the defense held on after Washington State missed a tying field-goal attempt with just more than a minute left. Oregon State won a hard-fought game, which showed its improvement. T
Injuries:
- G. Johnson (QB) – Questionable, foot
- T. Crandall (CB) – Questionable, foot
- N. Thomas Jr. (CB) – Questionable, undisclosed
- D. Clemons (WR) – Out, Achilles
Sam Houston Bearkats at Oregon State Beavers Pick
Spread Pick for Sam Houston vs. Oregon State
- Oregon State -20.5 (4 Units)
Oregon State's physical defense and consistent ground game make them the better side. Sam Houston's run defense allowed over 400 yards a week ago and Oregon State's Hankerson is set up to exploit that. The Beavers have held back-to-back opponents under 14 points and their offense should be good enough to cover the spread at home as they control the clock and wear down a thin Bearkats defense.
Over/Under Pick for Sam Houston vs. Oregon State
- Under 52.5 (4 Units)
Both teams are far more comfortable with slower, run-heavy methods and neither has consistently shown an ability to sustain long drives on offense. Oregon State's defense has clamped down, and Sam Houston's offense has become spotty and prone to turnovers. Barring a complete dominance on the ground by Oregon State, the game will be run-heavy with fewer possessions either way.
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