BBWCBear said:

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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.

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Doubling down on #3, it's a mistake to look for the (supposedly) easier road, because when we get it, neither we nor the team know nearly as much as we need to. This is a weakness with BU athletics culture, at least among us fans. I'm talking specifically about rejoicing when a key player for the opponent is unavailable to play, as Tarleton's starting QB was.

I see no way we get out of Utah with a W but will gladly eat several plates of crow if we do.

Former OL Big Mo calling his shot

Bold prediction: Baylor Beats Utah 27-20

Baylor scores a late 4th quarter TD to take the lead. Defense gets the clutch stop to seal the victory.

— ✊🏿✊🏼✊🏾✊🏽 (@_bigmo__) September 2, 2024

We have fans suddenly trying make Utah sound like they're Georgia, Ohio St or Texas. They're not. They don't have those kind of top tier athletes across the board. Someone else in this thread said it best. They basically have the same talent level as Kansas State or Oklahoma State. There is no one in the Big 12 with a team full of top tier athletes. They are all comprised mostly of good, solid athletes with a few top tier type players thrown in and need to be coached up to compete at a top level.

That is where Utah excels. They are a fundamentally sound well coached team that typically performs above their athletic level because of that. That is where Utah has the easy advantage over us. We're not a well coached fundamentally sound team.

But there is no reason to think they are so much better than us or anyone else in the Big 12 to think they should blow us out. Everyone said the same thing last year and our line, QB play and defense were all much worse than what they appear to be this year. If any game tells us about this team it's this one since a fundamentally sound team like Utah can expose any warts fairly easily. They'll probably win by 10-14, but certainly not by any more than that unless Finn throws 5 pick 6s or we fumble 5 or 6 times. I think he will adjust and when all is said and done we may sneak out with a win if the D line and secondary have good games.

No way this line is correct. We just put 45 point on Tarleton.

Utah's consistently great defense since Morgan Scalley became their DC in 2016 (defensive FEI rankings):

2023: 12
2022: 22
2021: 18
2020: 10
2019: 7
2018: 20
2017: 28
2016: 33

— Travis Roeder (@Travis_Roeder) September 2, 2024

Big12Fan2024 said:

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We have fans suddenly trying make Utah sound like they're Georgia, Ohio St or Texas. They're not. They don't have those kind of top tier athletes across the board. Someone else in this thread said it best. They basically have the same talent level as Kansas State or Oklahoma State. There is no one in the Big 12 with a team full of top tier athletes. They are all comprised mostly of good, solid athletes with a few top tier type players thrown in and need to be coached up to compete at a top level.

That is where Utah excels. They are a fundamentally sound well coached team that typically performs above their athletic level because of that. That is where Utah has the easy advantage over us. We're not a well coached fundamentally sound team.

But there is no reason to think they are so much better than us or anyone else in the Big 12 to think they should blow us out. Everyone said the same thing last year and our line, QB play and defense were all much worse than what they appear to be this year. If any game tells us about this team it's this one since a fundamentally sound team like Utah can expose any warts fairly easily. They'll probably win by 10-14, but certainly not by any more than that unless Finn throws 5 pick 6s or we fumble 5 or 6 times. I think he will adjust and when all is said and done we may sneak out with a win if the D line and secondary have good games.

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What it comes down to is that we won't be able to afford more than about one or two turnovers from Finn this game, and he could've easily had four against Tarleton State. So yeah, Utah isn't Georgia, but they have better coaching and far more known commodities than we do

Ball security and clean game. We can put up a fight. Utah is good but they're not as good as CBS has willed them to be last 5 seasons. If we are better in 3 phases than last season we may be fine. Finn has played against legit teams a couple times in his career, Ohio State and if you count Illinois. He won't be shocked off his game by the speed.
Hard to compare to Tarleton because it's going to be 100% different.

Let's wait until after a FBS game before panicking.

If our defense plays well and we limit turnovers it'll be a tight game. Until proven otherwise I don't trust our OL to generate a lot of push for our backs which could force some hero ball from Dequan. That makes turnovers mission critical.

I do expect this team to show some energy compared to last year which also gives us a punchers chance. We have some speed I'd like to see utilized on offense. This is a game to open up the playbook.

27-20 is feasible but I think a Baylor win will be closer to 23-20 or 20-17

Finn needs to limit his mistakes or it could be a long day.

Big12Fan2024 said:

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We have fans suddenly trying make Utah sound like they're Georgia, Ohio St or Texas. They're not. They don't have those kind of top tier athletes across the board. Someone else in this thread said it best. They basically have the same talent level as Kansas State or Oklahoma State. There is no one in the Big 12 with a team full of top tier athletes. They are all comprised mostly of good, solid athletes with a few top tier type players thrown in and need to be coached up to compete at a top level.

That is where Utah excels. They are a fundamentally sound well coached team that typically performs above their athletic level because of that. That is where Utah has the easy advantage over us. We're not a well coached fundamentally sound team.

But there is no reason to think they are so much better than us or anyone else in the Big 12 to think they should blow us out. Everyone said the same thing last year and our line, QB play and defense were all much worse than what they appear to be this year. If any game tells us about this team it's this one since a fundamentally sound team like Utah can expose any warts fairly easily. They'll probably win by 10-14, but certainly not by any more than that unless Finn throws 5 pick 6s or we fumble 5 or 6 times. I think he will adjust and when all is said and done we may sneak out with a win if the D line and secondary have good games.

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All good and reasonable accurate points. You're leaving out it's an Away game for BU, against a formidable opponent… BU usually sucks. Our OL is STILL a big ? mark. I'm not optimistic in any regard, but hoping I'm wrong. My mind says prepare for the worst, BU will find it.

bear2be2 said:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Utah and Oklahoma State each have one of the best coaches in all of FBS in control of their operations, so it's a bit unfair to ignore that point when comparing Baylor to those programs, and, while it's unclear if KSU's coach will ever land in that group, he's certainly on the path to do so as of today.

If Finn can't keep his eyes off the receiver he's targeting from the snap, he'll throw at least 3 ints.

OsoCoreyell said:

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If Finn can't keep his eyes off the receiver he's targeting from the snap, he'll throw at least 3 ints.

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The opposite of that

Quinn Ewers subtly manipulating zone defenders with his eyes/feet pic.twitter.com/SSDhMVzvsN

— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) September 2, 2024

FWIW...the line has dropped from BU +17.5 down to +14 now.

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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I doubt it. Some of those gambles was knowing you have an inept offense. He has more confidence in this offensive staff

Rising will be the difference!
We wont cover

We walk out with a black eye losing by 24. Fire Aranda is the talk around here. QB2 shows promise in the 4th quarter.

Aberzombie1892 said:

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bear2be2 said:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Utah and Oklahoma State each have one of the best coaches in all of FBS in control of their operations, so it's a bit unfair to ignore that point when comparing Baylor to those programs, and, while it's unclear if KSU's coach will ever land in that group, he's certainly on the path to do so as of today.

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I'm not disrespecting those programs. They consistently punch above their weight and deserve credit for that. But they're not exceptionally talented. This isn't a game -- like Texas last year, for instance -- that should be over before it starts. They don't have the same type of dudes.

If we play well, this should be a competitive game (within two scores). And I want to see us play well. I'll be disappointed if we don't.

boognish_bear said:

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FWIW...the line has dropped from BU +17.5 down to +14 now.

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Much more reasonable IMO.

Utah is a solid program. Coach is great...QB is great...they are picked by many to win the Big 12 this year. I think this thread was initially to decide if we can hang with the point spread of Utah -17. I say if we can ...good sign for the rest of the year.

BBWCBear said:

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My Concerns:

2. BU's proclivity for failure in away games...ex, Morgantown, Stillwater, Ft. Worth, Provo

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Defense travels. Considering we didn't have much of a defense from 1998-2017, it makes sense that our road record vs good teams was quite poor.

boognish_bear said:

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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.

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WOW!!!!! Cupcake alert! How much did Utah pay us to come?

bear2be2 said:

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Aberzombie1892 said:

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bear2be2 said:

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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.

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Utah and Oklahoma State each have one of the best coaches in all of FBS in control of their operations, so it's a bit unfair to ignore that point when comparing Baylor to those programs, and, while it's unclear if KSU's coach will ever land in that group, he's certainly on the path to do so as of today.

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I'm not disrespecting those programs. They consistently punch above their weight and deserve credit for that. But they're not exceptionally talented. This isn't a game -- like Texas last year, for instance -- that should be over before it starts. They don't have the same type of dudes.

If we play well, this should be a competitive game (within two scores). And I want to see us play well. I'll be disappointed if we don't.

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That's fair, but coaching - and consistency - play a role in wins/losses, and attempting to gauge how two teams should perform against each other it isn't quite as simple as just pointing at talent (or the lack thereof).

Aberzombie1892 said:

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bear2be2 said:

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Aberzombie1892 said:

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bear2be2 said:

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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.

---

Utah and Oklahoma State each have one of the best coaches in all of FBS in control of their operations, so it's a bit unfair to ignore that point when comparing Baylor to those programs, and, while it's unclear if KSU's coach will ever land in that group, he's certainly on the path to do so as of today.

---

I'm not disrespecting those programs. They consistently punch above their weight and deserve credit for that. But they're not exceptionally talented. This isn't a game -- like Texas last year, for instance -- that should be over before it starts. They don't have the same type of dudes.

If we play well, this should be a competitive game (within two scores). And I want to see us play well. I'll be disappointed if we don't.

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That's fair, but coaching - and consistency - play a role in wins/losses, and attempting to gauge how two teams should perform against each other it isn't quite as simple as just pointing at talent (or the lack thereof).

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100 percent it does. But elite talent creates a margin for error that coaching alone can't.

Teams like Utah and Oklahoma State are successful because they're really sound at what they do -- a tribute to the coaching you reference. But they have to win on the margins -- as we did in 2019 and 2021. Without elite talent, you're going to play a lot of close, losable games. Good coaching helps you win more of those games, but any game that comes down to the fourth quarter can go either way depending on the crunch time execution of the teams involved.

We need to send a green bear cease and desist to CFB Home

Prediction

#11 Utah 27
Baylor 23 pic.twitter.com/cE9nHaxmlx

— CFB Home (@CFBHome) September 4, 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....

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My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

MrGolfguy 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....

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My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

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That's pretty much where our program is at. Most on here are just hoping that we squeak out 6 wins against the dog turd tier opponents on our schedule like tech, Tarleton UH BYU Air Force and one of UCF/Cincy. That's Conference USA folks

bet the grouse.

- el KKM

Daveisabovereproach said:

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MrGolfguy 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....

---

My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

---

That's pretty much where our program is at. Most on here are just hoping that we squeak out 6 wins against the dog turd tier opponents on our schedule like tech, Tarleton UH BYU Air Force and one of UCF/Cincy. That's Conference USA folks

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We don't play UCF or Cincinnati this year, but fun schtick.

The truth is no one is satisfied with or excited about the prospect of a six-win season. That is the minimum acceptable requirement for basically everyone. But after a dismal season in 2023, six wins would represent progress and would allow us to start working toward more suitable goals for our program.

Anyone else notice that the Baylor Athletics YouTube channel scheduled a postgame with the score Utah 48 Baylor 10?

Do they know something we don't?!?!

Daveisabovereproach said:

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MrGolfguy 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....

---

My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

---

That's pretty much where our program is at. Most on here are just hoping that we squeak out 6 wins against the dog turd tier opponents on our schedule like tech, Tarleton UH BYU Air Force and one of UCF/Cincy. That's Conference USA folks

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I agree 100%. I know it only matters to me, but I have lost total respect and confidence in behlur football... at least until it is earned. From the BOR, AD, and coach nothing seems to be moving in the right direction. We get all the "coach speak" starting in the Spring to opening day. In fairness, that's basically all they can do plus hope. I believe Utah will pound the crap out of BU Saturday. I hope it's not that way, but that's what I believe. Honestly, BU could be in the SEC or a 5A HS district and find the bottom of either league. BU provides, convincingly, evidence football is not a P4 status. It definitely belongs in a lower conference.

bear2be2 said:

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Daveisabovereproach said:

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MrGolfguy 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....

---

My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

---

That's pretty much where our program is at. Most on here are just hoping that we squeak out 6 wins against the dog turd tier opponents on our schedule like tech, Tarleton UH BYU Air Force and one of UCF/Cincy. That's Conference USA folks

---

We don't play UCF or Cincinnati this year, but fun schtick.

The truth is no one is satisfied with or excited about the prospect of a six-win season. That is the minimum acceptable requirement for basically everyone. But after a dismal season in 2023, six wins would represent progress and would allow us to start working toward more suitable goals for our program.

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This, but it's a truth that gets buried in hyperbole around these parts.

BBWCBear said:

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Daveisabovereproach said:

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MrGolfguy 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....

---

My thoughts exactly. It's the Utah F'n Utes, oooohhh I'm shaking in my boots. They're not some big bad blueblood; they have a long tenured coach that's running a successful program. If Baylor as a program is sh:tting their pants with the thought of having to go to SLC to play Utah, then they should probably drop down a level or two and start up a rivalry with UMHB.

---

That's pretty much where our program is at. Most on here are just hoping that we squeak out 6 wins against the dog turd tier opponents on our schedule like tech, Tarleton UH BYU Air Force and one of UCF/Cincy. That's Conference USA folks

---

I agree 100%. I know it only matters to me, but I have lost total respect and confidence in behlur football... at least until it is earned. From the BOR, AD, and coach nothing seems to be moving in the right direction. We get all the "coach speak" starting in the Spring to opening day. In fairness, that's basically all they can do plus hope. I believe Utah will pound the crap out of BU Saturday. I hope it's not that way, but that's what I believe. Honestly, BU could be in the SEC or a 5A HS district and find the bottom of either league. BU provides, convincingly, evidence football is not a P4 status. It definitely belongs in a lower conference.

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Nope.

We can beat them. I'm not at all convinced that they're as great as the experts are making them out to be. We've got this.

boognish_bear said:

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We need to send a green bear cease and desist to CFB Home

Prediction

#11 Utah 27
Baylor 23 pic.twitter.com/cE9nHaxmlx

— CFB Home (@CFBHome) September 4, 2024

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Green bear? Why not go all out and use these two mascot logos…