New Mexico State Aggies defeat Sam Houston Bearkats 30-24: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks
Wed, Oct 21, 2026 · NCAAF · New Mexico State Aggies 30, Sam Houston Bearkats 24
New Mexico State Aggies defeated Sam Houston Bearkats 30–24 on Wednesday, October 21, at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. The Aggies covered the -3.5 spread and the game went over the 47-point total, finishing at 54 combined points.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats final score and game recap
Sam Houston opened with a touchdown to lead 7–0 after the first quarter, but New Mexico State answered decisively. The Aggies scored 14 points in the second quarter to take a 14–10 halftime lead, then scored 16 points in the third quarter to reach 30–17. Sam Houston added a fourth-quarter touchdown to close within six, but the Aggies' early surge held.
James Jones led the ground game with 27 carries for 178 yards and a rushing touchdown. Adam Damante completed 19 of 29 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. For Sam Houston, Landyn Locke threw for 235 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while Tim Burns Jr. caught four passes for 117 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Who covered the spread in New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats?
New Mexico State Aggies covered the -3.5 spread, winning by six points as the favorite. The spread opened at Sam Houston +3 and closed at +3.5, with money moving 0.5 points toward New Mexico State.
Did New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats go over or under the total?
The game went over the 47 total by seven points, finishing at 54. The total opened at 44.5 and closed at 47, climbing 2.5 points through the betting window.
How did AiQ's New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats predictions do?
AiQ went 1–0 on every graded pick. The moneyline pick on New Mexico State Aggies at -162 won, returning $61.73 profit on a $100 bet.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats game prop results: team totals, first half and first quarter
- New Mexico State Aggies team total 24.5: Over (paid -111); they scored 30.
- First-half moneyline: New Mexico State Aggies won the first half (paid -155).
- First-half total 22.5: Over (paid -118); 24 points were scored in the first half.
- First-quarter total 9.5: Under (paid -110); 7 points were scored in the first quarter.
- First-quarter moneyline: Sam Houston Bearkats won the first quarter (paid +120).
- Sam Houston Bearkats team total 21.5: Over (paid -113); they finished with 24.
- First-half spread: New Mexico State Aggies -1.5 covered (paid -108).
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Sam Houston Bearkats odds: sportsbook value and line movement
The closing moneyline was New Mexico State Aggies at -162 and Sam Houston Bearkats at +134, implying a 59 percent win probability for the Aggies after vig removal. The bookmaker's margin sat at 4.6 percent. AiQ's pre-game expected value for the -162 price was –4.0 percent, indicating the line was a negative-expected-value bet despite the Aggies being the favorite. The spread shifted 0.5 points toward New Mexico State, and that side covered.
New Mexico State Aggies and Sam Houston Bearkats betting trends: 2026 season
New Mexico State Aggies sit at 3–4 overall, 2–1 at home and 1–3 away or at neutral sites. They are 4–3 against the spread in seven games with a recorded closing spread, and their over-under record stands at 3 overs and 4 unders. Their last five results are W, L, W, L, L.
Sam Houston Bearkats are 1–6 overall, 1–3 at home and 0–3 away or at neutral sites. They are 3–3 against the spread in six games with a recorded closing spread, and 2 overs versus 4 unders on the total. They have lost four straight games.
What's next for New Mexico State Aggies and Sam Houston Bearkats?
The Aggies will host Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Wednesday, October 28. The Bearkats travel to face Missouri State Bears on Tuesday, October 27.