The number nine ranked Baylor Bears travel to Utah to play the 21st ranked BYU Cougars on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Surprisingly, the Cougars are the betting odds favorite to win as they come in with a -3 spread on the Baylor Bears.
Both teams are coming off of a dominant performance to open their seasons as Baylor defeated Albany 69-10 while BYU defeated South Florida 50-21.
The game is one of the most anticipated matchups in college football this week and will be aired on ESPN.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears
The BYU Cougars are coming off a Blowout victory over South Florida, where they won 50-21. BYU proved how fast they can get down the field as they scored in just 11 seconds after kickoff.
The Cougars scored 28 points in the first 11 minutes of the game time and coasted to an easy victory. They won’t have as easy of a time against Baylor, but if they can score at a high pace like they did last week, they should be the favorite.
Baylor standings are at the top of the Big 12 after they won their first game last week against Albany 69-10.
Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen was on fire last week, going 17-20 for 214 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 90.0 QBR.
Despite the great game on offense Baylor showcased, it was their defense that was the most impressive, stopping the run and minimizing the pass.
A Potential Rivalry Could Begin
This will be the final matchup where BYU is not a part of the Big 12. The Cougars are independent at the moment, but next season BYU will be joining the Big 12 and will be very familiar with the Baylor Bears in the years to come.
This is the beginning of what could be a potential rivalry on our hands in the Big 12 Conference, as these two teams will likely be competing for the Big 12 Championship for years in years.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears Betting Analysis
A helpful stat for BYU vs. Baylor betting prediction is that BYU are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against Big 12 competition.
BYU has also hit the over in 4 of their last 5 games played on a Saturday. Baylor are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games, and Baylor has hit the under in 5 of their last 6 games.
BYU Cougars Have an Arsenal of Weapons
One of the biggest positives from last week’s game was the number of players that got involved in the passing game. It wasn’t just one dominating performance from the Cougars, as 12 receivers caught passes from quarterback Jaren Hall.
Hall’s ability to spread the ball around is a huge asset for BYU that will be difficult to stop all season and is a big reason why the BYU odds are in their favor.
Baylor Run Defense Is Key
One of the most impressive performances out of the Baylor Bears team last week was their run defense. Albany ran the ball 30 times against Baylor, but only came away with 87 yards rushing.
BYU had over 300 yards rushing in their last game, and if Baylor can win the run defense battle, they will win this game.
NCAAF Injury Report
The Baylor Bears are coming into this matchup as healthy as they can be, as they do not have anyone currently on the college football injury report.
However, BYU are facing injuries to some of their top stars, which could change the BYU odds. Both wide receivers Puka Nacua, Gunner Romney are dealing with injuries, and their status is currently unknown.
Nacua had 76 yards rushing and 22 yards receiving last week, and Romney missed the last game.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears Betting Preview
The BYU odds come in with the Cougars as a -3 favorite as they displayed an extremely versatile offense and are prime for an upset against a bigger team.
Despite Baylor’s impressive defense, the over-under of 53.5 makes sense as both offenses have proved to be impressive in week one.
The question will be if BYU’s offensive line can break down Baylor’s defense line and provide rushing holes for BYU’s running backs. If not, expect this to be a shootout in Utah.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears Betting Prediction
For the BYU vs. Baylor betting prediction, BYU being the favorite is a bit surprising, considering the difference in rankings.
Both are great offenses, and the total score makes sense, and the best bet is the over; betting odds might be a little too high on the Cougars. Baylor’s defense looked for too impressive not to take the +3 in this matchup.
Bet The Team That Has The Most To Lose
On top of everything that has been posted about, the Baylor Bears simply need this win more due to their fierce competition.
BYU will soon understand the importance of maintaining a perfect record before Big 12 Conference games next year. Bet on that Bears defense to come up big and win Baylor the game.
NCAAF Pick: BYU +3 (-110)
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