The Tulsa Golden Hurricane take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
Tulsa is favored by 13.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -580. The total is set at 51.5 points.
Here’s my Tulsa vs. Sam Houston prediction and college football pick for Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Tulsa vs Sam Houston Prediction
- Tulsa vs. Sam Houston Pick: Tulsa -13.5
My Sam Houston vs. Tulsa best bet is on the Golden Hurricane. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Tulsa vs Sam Houston Odds
| Tulsa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13.5 -118 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | -580 |
| Sam Houston Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13.5 -104 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | +420 |
- Tulsa vs Sam Houston point spread: Tulsa -13.5 (-118), Sam Houston +13.5 (-104)
- Tulsa vs Sam Houston over/under: 51.5 (-108o / -112u)
- Tulsa vs Sam Houston moneyline: Tulsa -580, Sam Houston +420
Tulsa vs Sam Houston College Football Preview
I went back and looked at the Sam Houston-Troy film from last week, and it wasn’t pretty for the Bearkats.
Sam Houston allowed 13 tackles for loss against a totally rebuilt Troy front seven. Quarterback Landyn Locke was constantly under duress, and he struggled with decision-making. The whole offense looked jerky and inconsistent.
Across the other line of scrimmage, Sam Houston’s defense played OK, but I don’t think Troy is very good. The Bearkats brought plenty of pressure, but they allowed plenty of explosive plays when they couldn’t get home.
I trust Baylor Hayes to create some explosives in that scenario.
Hayes’ development from Year 1 to Year 2 has been shocking. We saw it with our own eyes against Oklahoma State last week. He has the mobility and poise in the pocket to stand in there, make good decisions, and make accurate throws.
Tulsa vs Sam Houston Pick, Betting Analysis
I listened to Tre Lamb’s post-game press conference after that game, and he talked mostly about what the Hurricane can improve on. I don’t think they’ll be resting on their Laurels in Week 2.
Tulsa’s defensive line is going to create a ton of problems against Sam Houston’s offense live. Locke won’t be comfortable back and the Bearkats won’t be able to run the ball.
I also don’t trust Sam Houston’s front seven against the run. Troy was a terrible rush offense last year, yet the Trojans were able to run outside zone with relative ease against the Bearkat front.
I don’t think this point spread is high enough. I fully expect Tulsa to win by two touchdowns or more.
Pick: Tulsa -13.5
