When New Mexico State Aggies host the Sam Houston Bearkats on Thursday nightAggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Conference USA picture gets a jolt. The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, and both squads are desperate to snap early‑season losing streaks.
Background & Season Overview
The Aggies, now led by second‑year head coach Tony Sanchez, entered 2025 with a modest three‑win campaign (3‑9) and have clawed back to 2‑2. After beating FCS‑level Bryant and pulling an upset over Tulsa—who later toppled Oklahoma State—the Aggies stumbled, dropping a conference opener at Louisiana Tech and then falling 38‑20 to in‑state rival New Mexico.
Across the border in Texas, the Bearkats are in the throes of a rough transition. First‑year head coach Phil Longo inherited a program that posted a 10‑3 record in 2024 under KC Keeler. This season, Sam Houston sits 0‑4 overall and 0‑1 in CUSA, still hunting its first win after a humbling 55‑0 loss at Texas.
Game Details & Betting Odds
Bookmakers are putting the Bearkats on a 1.5‑2.5‑point favorite line, with moneylines ranging from –119 to –140. The Aggies are listed as +2.5 underdogs, and the over/under hovers between 52.5 and 53.5 points. Weather forecasts call for a 76‑degree kickoff, so conditions should be comfortable for both offenses.
- Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET (21:00 local)
- Venue: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
- Spread: Sam Houston –1.5 to –2.5
- Over/Under: 52.5‑53.5
Key Players & Matchups
New Mexico State’s offense will lean on senior wideout Donovan Faupel. Faupel has logged 312 receiving yards and three touchdowns over the first four games, making him a prime target for the Aggies’ revamped passing attack.
Sam Houston will turn to dual‑threat quarterback Hunter Watson. Despite the team’s woes, Watson remains the leading rusher with 140 yards on the ground, though he hasn't broken the 100‑yard mark yet. He also tops the Bearkats’ passing chart at 1,102 yards, so his ability to extend plays could be the X‑factor.
Running back Elijah Green has emerged as the Bearkats’ most reliable receiver, hauling in over 100 yards. The Aggies lack a 100‑yard rusher, which could force them to get creative with play‑action and short passes.
Coaches & Strategies
Coach Tony Sanchez is known for aggressive defensive schemes that pressure the quarterback. If he can generate a sack or force a turnover, the Aggies could swing momentum quickly.
Conversely, Phil Longo favors a spread‑offense that attempts to stretch the field horizontally. With the Bearkats averaging only 16.2 points per game and a third‑down conversion rate of 15.9%, the pressure is on Longo to spark a more efficient attack.
Both coaches will likely emphasize special teams. The Aggies are 2‑0 at home, and their kicker has made 5 of 6 field‑goal attempts this season, while the Bearkats have struggled with consistency in that department.
Impact & Outlook
A win for the Aggies would mark their first conference victory and could revitalize a program still finding its footing under Sanchez. It would also give New Mexico State a rare home‑field edge—they’re unbeaten at Aggie Memorial Stadium this season.
For Sam Houston, a victory would halt an 0‑4 slide and restore some confidence in Longo’s system. The Bearkats need a morale boost after the Texas shutout and would likely leapfrog other CUSA teams in the early standings with a win.
The broader CUSA landscape is tight; early‑season games often set the tone for bowl eligibility. A swing in this Thursday night matchup could reshape the second half of the conference schedule for both teams.
What’s Next
Regardless of the outcome, both squads will face new challenges the following week. The Aggies travel to face UAB in Birmingham, while the Bearkats head to Western Kentucky to try and string together a first win.
The result in Las Cruces will likely dictate recruiting narratives as well—prospects watching will measure how quickly each program can adjust under new leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the game affect New Mexico State’s bowl chances?
A win would give the Aggies their first Conference USA victory, improving their record to 3‑2 and keeping them in the conversation for a bowl slot. Even a close loss could still position them as a 6‑6 team if they finish the season strong, which is the minimum threshold for most bowl games.
What led to Sam Houston’s offensive decline?
The transition to Longo’s spread system, combined with injuries to key receivers and a quarterback still adapting to new play‑calling, has capped the Bearkats at 16.2 points per game. Their red‑zone efficiency (25%) and third‑down conversions (15.9%) are among the lowest in CUSA.
Who are the likely game‑changing players?
For the Aggies, senior receiver Donovan Faupel could swing momentum with big plays. On the Bearkats side, quarterback‑rusher Hunter Watson offers dual-threat potential that could exploit any gaps in the Aggies’ secondary.
What does the betting line indicate about expectations?
Oddsmakers have the Bearkats as slight favorites (–119 to –140) despite their 0‑4 record, suggesting confidence in their talent pool and the difficulty of playing on the road. The over/under near 53 points hints at a low‑scoring affair given both teams’ offensive struggles.
When is the next conference game for each team?
New Mexico State heads to UAB in Birmingham on Oct. 9, while Sam Houston travels to Western Kentucky on Oct. 10. Both matchups will further define their CUSA trajectories heading into November.