Kickoff: 2:30 PM ET
Venue: E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field, Cullowhee, North Carolina (Capacity: ~13,742)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast (Cullowhee, NC)
Temperature: ~76°F (24°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Partly cloudy, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Comfortable fall football weather; no disruptions expected.
Injury Report
Samford Bulldogs (SoCon):
QB Michael Hiers – Healthy, returning starter and 2023 SoCon Offensive Player of the Year.
WR Chandler Smith – Probable (ankle).
RB Jay Stanton – Healthy, averaging 4.8 YPC.
Western Carolina Catamounts (SoCon):
QB Cole Gonzales – Healthy, dual-threat leader of the Catamounts’ high-powered offense.
RB Desmond Reid – Healthy, 2023 SoCon Freshman of the Year, explosive playmaker.
WR Censere Lee – Probable (hamstring).
Key Player Matchups
QB Michael Hiers (Samford) vs. WCU Secondary
Hiers’ accuracy and quick release will test a Catamounts defense that has been vulnerable to big passing plays.
RB Desmond Reid (WCU) vs. Samford Front Seven
Reid’s speed and elusiveness make him a game-breaker; Samford must contain him to stay competitive.
WR Chandler Smith (Samford) vs. WCU Corners
Smith’s ability to stretch the field vertically could open up Samford’s offense.
QB Cole Gonzales (WCU) vs. Samford Pass Rush
Gonzales’ dual-threat ability will challenge Samford’s defensive discipline.
Recent Team Form
Samford Bulldogs (0–3, SoCon)
Last 5: L–L–L–W–L
Offense: Averaging 22.1 PPG
Defense: Allowing 31.4 PPG
Trend: Struggling to finish drives; defense giving up explosive plays.
Western Carolina Catamounts (2–1, SoCon)
Last 5: W–W–L–L–L
Offense: Averaging 34.7 PPG
Defense: Allowing 27.9 PPG
Trend: High-powered offense, but inconsistent defensive performances.
Series History
All-time: Western Carolina leads 16–13.
Last meeting (2024): Western Carolina won 47–28.
Samford last defeated WCU in 2022.
Betting Trends
Samford:
1–4 SU in last 5 games.
2–3 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 3 of last 5.
Western Carolina:
2–3 SU in last 5 games.
3–2 ATS in last 5.
Overs hit in 4 of last 5.
Head-to-Head: Western Carolina has covered in 2 straight meetings.
Historical Betting Results
Samford: Struggles ATS as a road underdog; overs common due to defensive lapses.
Western Carolina: Profitable ATS at home; overs frequent when offense is rolling.
SoCon Trends: Home favorites cover ~58% of the time in September conference games.
Game Odds
Samford Bulldogs 60.5
Western Carolina Catamounts – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
