I like the Bearkats to be contenders in Conference USA this season. Sam Houston hung tough in its opener against Nevada but got outscored 30-19 in the final ten minutes and lost by 16. Now we get a much better matchup for Sam Houston facing a Tarleton State squad that is replacing all five starters from last season’s 25-10 team. The Texans are young and that showed in the opener when they got blasted by SMU, 96-62. Sam Houston is at its best when it forces turnovers that lead to easy buckets. SMU forced 23 turnovers against Tarleton State that led to 30 points. Look for the Bearkats’ pressure defense to be the deciding factor in this matchup.