I was curious where the line would be set. I'm really not sure what to expect in this game. We will definitely learn a lot more from it, good or bad, than what we did from yesterday's matchup though.

We kept it surprisingly close last year coming on the heels of our embarrassing loss toTXST.

Good

Utah was on like their third string quarterback last year, and I think their starting running back may have been out. This game could get nasty. They will be used to playing at a higher elevation. Not going to sit here and tell you that they're Georgia-esque, but Finn will need to play out of his mind and take what the defense gives

If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

Week 2 @CircaSports opening lines

Notable games:

Texas -5 at Michigan
Nebraska -5 Colorado
Tennessee -6 NC State
Iowa -2½ Iowa State
Oregon -20 Boise State
Okla State -9 Arkansas
Kansas -3 at Illinois pic.twitter.com/K9FkgMh6iF

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 1, 2024

bear2be2 said:

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If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

What's your definition of Blowout because this game could get ugly in a hurry.

In general, the sunshine pumpers should hold off until after Baylor actually plays some competition then start making statements about other teams not being anything special. They are ranked #12 for a reason...

Finn was not impressive in throwing at all against Tarleton, just a smaller version of GB.. I hope it was just first game jitters, etc.... but better be ready for Utah.

BluesBear said:

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bear2be2 said:

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If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

What's your definition of Blowout because this game could get ugly in a hurry.

In general, the sunshine pumpers should hold off until after Baylor actually plays some competition then start making statements about other teams not being anything special. They are ranked #12 for a reason...

Finn was not impressive in throwing at all against Tarleton, just a smaller version of GB.. I hope it was just first game jitters, etc.... but better be ready for Utah.

---

If we lose by more than 17 points to Utah, we're likely in for a long season. That doesn't mean it can't happen. But it shouldn't. Utah has a good program and a good team this year. But A) they don't recruit at a significantly higher level than we do, and B) they play a style that lends itself to competitive games.

I view Utah the same way I do Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Both are good programs and good teams. But I'm pissed every time we get blown out by them, too. Because they don't recruit at a level that they should be blowing us out. If we're getting blown out by those programs, it's a failure on our part.

bear2be2 said:

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BluesBear said:

---

bear2be2 said:

---

If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

What's your definition of Blowout because this game could get ugly in a hurry.

In general, the sunshine pumpers should hold off until after Baylor actually plays some competition then start making statements about other teams not being anything special. They are ranked #12 for a reason...

Finn was not impressive in throwing at all against Tarleton, just a smaller version of GB.. I hope it was just first game jitters, etc.... but better be ready for Utah.

---

If we lose by more than 17 points to Utah, we're likely in for a long season. That doesn't mean it can't happen. But it shouldn't. Utah has a good program and a good team this year. But A) they don't recruit at a significantly higher level than we do, and B) they play a style that lends itself to competitive games.

I view Utah the same way I do Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Both are good programs and good teams. But I'm pissed every time we get blown out by them, too. Because they don't recruit at a level that they should be blowing us out. If we're getting blown out by those programs, it's a failure on our part.

---

Recruiting aside, their HC is one of the best in college football without question. And we are going into their house at elevation.

It is highly realistic that we lose by 2+ TDs when we haven't even settled into the new team identity.

I'm expecting a blowout as everyone else objectively should. If not, that's great and we can take that moral victory to the bank for the rest of the season. If we win, it opens the flood gates on what this team's potential is.

Karab said:

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bear2be2 said:

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BluesBear said:

---

bear2be2 said:

---

If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

What's your definition of Blowout because this game could get ugly in a hurry.

In general, the sunshine pumpers should hold off until after Baylor actually plays some competition then start making statements about other teams not being anything special. They are ranked #12 for a reason...

Finn was not impressive in throwing at all against Tarleton, just a smaller version of GB.. I hope it was just first game jitters, etc.... but better be ready for Utah.

---

If we lose by more than 17 points to Utah, we're likely in for a long season. That doesn't mean it can't happen. But it shouldn't. Utah has a good program and a good team this year. But A) they don't recruit at a significantly higher level than we do, and B) they play a style that lends itself to competitive games.

I view Utah the same way I do Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Both are good programs and good teams. But I'm pissed every time we get blown out by them, too. Because they don't recruit at a level that they should be blowing us out. If we're getting blown out by those programs, it's a failure on our part.

---

Recruiting aside, their HC is one of the best in college football without question. And we are going into their house at elevation.

It is highly realistic that we lose by 2+ TDs when we haven't even settled into the new team identity.

I'm expecting a blowout as everyone else objectively should. If not, that's great and we can take that moral victory to the bank for the rest of the season. If we win, it opens the flood gates on what this team's potential is.

---

They've got a good program and a good team. But the only teams they consistently blew out in the PAC-12 were the dregs. Washington State, which is far from a power, played them within four points in 2022 and 11 points in 2021. Oregon State (same story) beat them in two of their last four matchups, and one of the two losses was by six.

There seems to be this mythology built up around Utah that they're some sort of national power. In reality, they're a really good, consistent program that's overachieving its profile/talent level, not unlike Oklahoma State, Kansas State or NC State.

Can we get blown out? Sure. Should we consider that an acceptable outcome? Hell no. This isn't a supremely talented Utah team. That game should be competitive into the second half.

I'll hammer +17 all day. I think we play them close.

muddybrazos said:

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I'll hammer +17 all day. I think we play them close.

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It's funny, if I was handicapping our season, I would rate this our least likely win perentage-wise. So I'm not at all expecting us to win. But I fully expect us to stay within two touchdowns. I'll be disappointed if we don't.

muddybrazos said:

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I'll hammer +17 all day. I think we play them close.

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I was able to get 17.5....always love when the hook is on my side

I'm actually alittle pumped for this game. A game with lower expectations brings more mystery into it.

It's down to +15 now

Will either play them to 1 score or get absolutely hammered. Don't think will see anything in between Saturday

Watched a little of their opener. We need to cover #23 out of the backfield on the bubble screen (2 TD's) and #80 their TE was injured last year and he is a tough cover because of his speed. Rising is an accurate QB and they can move the ball. Defensively they are solid. Keeping it under 17 would give a little optimism for maybe a few more wins this year. A blowout and we are in for a long year.

BluesBear said:

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bear2be2 said:

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If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

They are ranked #12 for a reason...

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#12 based on what?

Preseason rankings are pulled out of someone's ass.

That said I still wouldn't put any money on this one because we have no clue where we are at yet and won't until about week 8

This one likely comes down to whose D line and LBs are better conditioned.

My Concerns:
1. Altitude
2. BU's proclivity for failure in away games...ex, Morgantown, Stillwater, Ft. Worth, Provo
3. Don't really know about this team (Stephenville was no barometer).
4. Utah is good.

Altitude is the issue. They need to get there late Wednesday at the latest to get acclimated.

https://utahutes.com/sports/football/schedule/2023

Utah was 8-5 last season. Lost their bowl game to Northwestern, barely survived us and Colorado last season. While I think they're a good team, they're not exactly world beaters. I don't know how much better a healthy Cam Rising makes them.

I wouldn't be surprised if we won or lost by 20. I think if our O line plays better we can win, if they don't we will struggle.

Avoid turnovers.

bear2be2 said:

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Karab said:

---

bear2be2 said:

---

BluesBear said:

---

bear2be2 said:

---

If we don't cover that, I'll be very disappointed.

I'm not expecting a win, but Utah isn't anything special talent-wise. They're like an Oklahoma State or Kansas State. A good team with good, but not overwhelming talent. We should not get blown out by this Utah team, even on the road.

---

What's your definition of Blowout because this game could get ugly in a hurry.

In general, the sunshine pumpers should hold off until after Baylor actually plays some competition then start making statements about other teams not being anything special. They are ranked #12 for a reason...

Finn was not impressive in throwing at all against Tarleton, just a smaller version of GB.. I hope it was just first game jitters, etc.... but better be ready for Utah.

---

If we lose by more than 17 points to Utah, we're likely in for a long season. That doesn't mean it can't happen. But it shouldn't. Utah has a good program and a good team this year. But A) they don't recruit at a significantly higher level than we do, and B) they play a style that lends itself to competitive games.

I view Utah the same way I do Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Both are good programs and good teams. But I'm pissed every time we get blown out by them, too. Because they don't recruit at a level that they should be blowing us out. If we're getting blown out by those programs, it's a failure on our part.

---

Recruiting aside, their HC is one of the best in college football without question. And we are going into their house at elevation.

It is highly realistic that we lose by 2+ TDs when we haven't even settled into the new team identity.

I'm expecting a blowout as everyone else objectively should. If not, that's great and we can take that moral victory to the bank for the rest of the season. If we win, it opens the flood gates on what this team's potential is.

---

They've got a good program and a good team. But the only teams they consistently blew out in the PAC-12 were the dregs. Washington State, which is far from a power, played them within four points in 2022 and 11 points in 2021. Oregon State (same story) beat them in two of their last four matchups, and one of the two losses was by six.

There seems to be this mythology built up around Utah that they're some sort of national power. In reality, they're a really good, consistent program that's overachieving its profile/talent level, not unlike Oklahoma State, Kansas State or NC State.

Can we get blown out? Sure. Should we consider that an acceptable outcome? Hell no. This isn't a supremely talented Utah team. That game should be competitive into the second half.

---

Have to agree with this argument. They are very much like Snyder Wildcats or Harbaugh at Stanford. Solid team that doesn't beat themselves. Physical most years but not an overpowering offense unless you make dumb passes like we saw from Finn over the weekend

If we give them extra possessions via turnovers we have zero shot. And I hate beating a dead horse but that's incredibly unlikely with Finn under center. Maybe he will make me eat crow.

I'm afraid the O-line will be fully exposed in this one - Utah front is probably pretty stout - The Mighty Texans got quite a bit of pressure on several pass attempts and although the run plays were mostly inside and plain vanilla (except for a few true RPOs) - I didn't see a lot of line push - the RBs did most of the work. The leader of the O-line appears to be the FCS transfer - not sure that is a good sign.

Utah is always a tough out. Two key players back from injury with their QB Rising and TE Kuithe.
Rising is your traditional great college QB who can throw and make plays with his legs. Kuithe, if not the for injuries, is top NFL prospect at his position.

Will be a good test for our defense. Utah is always tough on D so will be good test to see if our o-line is really any better. Finn will need to cut down on the mistakes. Running lanes will likely be tough to find for all of our backs.

That said who knows what happens. Was an ugly rock fight last year with both teams banged up.

Rising won't be near the threat with his legs he once was. Can't remember where I read it. But Utah has essentially scrapped all designed runs for him. The dudes took a beating injury wise in his career at Utah. Of course that'll happen when you've been playing college ball long enough to get your doctorate .
Kuithe is definitely a stud. But he too is coming off a big time injury. They have zero receivers who should scare our secondary. And their backs are pretty average. I think we can keep them contained defensively.
Where will have trouble is their DL vs our OL. Were still charmin soft up front.

boognish_bear said:

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Week 2 @CircaSports opening lines

Notable games:

Texas -5 at Michigan
Nebraska -5 Colorado
Tennessee -6 NC State
Iowa -2½ Iowa State
Oregon -20 Boise State
Okla State -9 Arkansas
Kansas -3 at Illinois pic.twitter.com/K9FkgMh6iF

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 1, 2024

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take Nebraska and take Boise

I am going to be curious to see if Dave is still super aggressive with decision making. It didn't really come up on Saturday.

In the past we've seen him go for it from like 4th and 4 and 4th and 3 behind the 40 yard line in his own territory. I hope that is gone. I like being aggressive....but some of those decisions have been crazy.

LIB,MR BEARS said:

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boognish_bear said:

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Week 2 @CircaSports opening lines

Notable games:

Texas -5 at Michigan
Nebraska -5 Colorado
Tennessee -6 NC State
Iowa -2½ Iowa State
Oregon -20 Boise State
Okla State -9 Arkansas
Kansas -3 at Illinois pic.twitter.com/K9FkgMh6iF

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 1, 2024

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take Nebraska and take Boise

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I like that Nebraska number.

I also like TT/Wazzou Over 66.5 in a tribute game to Mike Leach.

Boise might cover. They won't win straight up. Oregon played embarrassing zero doubt about that. But Lanning is too good of coach for them to lay back to back eggs.
Nebby I agree. Got on that ML last week before betters starting laying cash on the fighting Rhules

boognish_bear said:

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I am going to be curious to see if Dave is still super aggressive with decision making. It didn't really come up on Saturday.

In the past we've seen him go for it from like 4th and 4 and 4th and 3 behind the 40 yard line in his own territory. I hope that is gone. I like being aggressive....but some of those decisions have been crazy.

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Last year, we had an incompetent defense so you had to take those offensive risks.

Karab said:

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boognish_bear said:

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I am going to be curious to see if Dave is still super aggressive with decision making. It didn't really come up on Saturday.

In the past we've seen him go for it from like 4th and 4 and 4th and 3 behind the 40 yard line in his own territory. I hope that is gone. I like being aggressive....but some of those decisions have been crazy.

---

Last year, we had an incompetent defense so you had to take those offensive risks.

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Unfortunately, we also had an incompetent offense. So we were taking those risks with an even worse chance at a pay off.

IowaBear said:

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Boise might cover. They won't win straight up. Oregon played embarrassing zero doubt about that. But Lanning is too good of coach for them to lay back to back eggs.
Nebby I agree. Got on that ML last week before betters starting laying cash on the fighting Rhules

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I can't figure that Oregon game out. How they only scored 24 points with that box score is utterly baffling.

They had almost 500 yards of offense, were OK on third downs, were perfect in the red zone and only turned the ball over once. How does that result in 24 points and a 10-point game with Idaho?

We're gonna lose this game. And that's okay. The Air Force game is what could define the season.

I want them to play tough and work on executing better on offense, but I won't even get upset if they get blown out. This is most likely the best team they play all season.