College football is back, and so is the excitement of Conference USA action. Western Kentucky and Sam Houston face off this Saturday in a significant Week 0 clash, setting the tone for the 2025 season.

Overview of the Teams

• Western Kentucky is aiming for a successful repeat in the C-USA Championship Game after finishing the last season with a commendable 6-2 record in the league, which included a previous win against Sam Houston during Week 8.
• Sam Houston, on the other hand, is riding the momentum of a remarkable turnaround season after achieving a 10-3 record, a significant jump from their 3-9 record in 2023, just a few seasons post-transition from FCS to FBS.

The Bearkats’ successful 2024 campaign culminated with a victory over Georgia Southern in the New Orleans Bowl, their first postseason win since the transition.

Key Players and Coaching Changes

1. Phil Longo Era Begins: Sam Houston’s offense will adapt under new head coach Phil Longo, who previously had a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at the school from 2014-2016. He aims to build on the momentum after taking over from K.C. Keeler.
2. Maverick McIvor’s Debut for WKU: The former Texas Tech quarterback is expected to lead Western Kentucky’s offense, having had a standout previous season in the UAC with impressive stats including over 3,800 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.

Viewing Details

• Date: Saturday, August 23
• Time: 6 PM ET
• Location: Houchens Industries - L.T. Stadium, Bowling Green, Kentucky
• TV: CBS Sports Network
• Live Streaming: Available on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App

Considering both teams’ offensive strengths and strategies, expect a dynamic and thrilling game. Western Kentucky looks to secure a hard-fought victory, edging out Sam Houston in a tightly contested matchup.