A pair of Conference USA squads whose matchup last season determined who went to the conference championship game meet up on Saturday, Aug. 23 to get the party started in Week 0 as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers welcome the Sam Houston Bearkats to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky.
The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on CBSSN. Fans looking to watch this college football game can do so for free by using DirecTV, which offers a free trial, or FuboTV, which also offers a free trial as well as up to $30 off your first month. Paramount+ also offers a free trial.
Last season, the Hilltoppers took down the Bearkats in an October matchup, 31-14. Both teams went on to go 6-2 in Conference USA games, but with Western Kentucky having the tiebreaker, it went on to the CUSA Championship Game against Jacksonville State. However, that game ended up being the third loss in a stretch to the end the season where the Hilltoppers lost four of five, including their Boca Raton Bowl matchup with James Madison to finish the year at 8-6.
The Bearkats went 10-3 in 2024, also losing to Jacksonville State, and losing to UCF early in the year. They return starting quarterback Hunter Watson, who is going in his senior year with a gaggle of freshman quarterbacks backing him up. In 2024, Sam Houston only averaged 23.8 points per game, which was 99th in the country, but on defense, they only allowed 20.5 points a game, which was 22nd in the nation.
Who: Sam Houston Bearkats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
When: Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. EDT
Where: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky.
Stream: DirecTV (free trial); FuboTV (free trial); Paramount+ (free trial)
Betting: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
What is DirecTV?
DirecTV is an internet TV service that offers your favorite entertainment, news and sports channels, as well as local TV stations and regional sports networks. Sign up now and get three free months of premium channels including MAX, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz.
What is FuboTV?
FuboTV is an internet television service that offers more than 200 channels across sports and entertainment including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. From the UEFA Champions League to the WNBA to international tournaments ranging across sports, there’s plenty of options available on FuboTV, which offers a free trial and up to $30 off the first month for new customers.
What is Paramount+?
Paramount+ is a streaming platform with hundreds of thousands of tv episodes and movies available along with the ability to access even more content through Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Watch the NFL on CBS and the UEFA Champions League through the basic service, or upgrade for additional sporting events such as NWSL games and The Masters.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
