Staff Predictions: Baylor Returns to Waco & Welcomes Samford to McLane Stadium
The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (1-1) matchup against the Samford Bulldogs (0-2). Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 13, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Colt Barber (1-1) — Baylor 55, Samford 0
Maybe I’m being overly zealous here, but I feel confident with my pick on the score. Believe it or not, I believe Baylor’s defensive team speed is really good, and Samford is going to look to its quick passing game for answers, and it’s just not there. Offensively, Sawyer Robertson gets a few first-half touchdowns, and then the backup quarterbacks and running game get a chance to shine for 2.5 quarters.
Ashley Hodge (0-2) — Baylor 60, Samford 7
I’m excited to get in the win column with my predictions; therefore, I am picking da Bears! I'm looking for three things: domination on the lines of scrimmage, holding Samford to less than 10 points and no injuries. Make that four things; I want the Baylor offense to score over 50. You can’t win 14 in a row until you win two in a row. Beat Samford!
Grayson Grundhoefer (1-1) — Baylor 52, Samford 6
This one should be over by halftime, so the starters can get out and rest up. I want to see the defense dominate a very bad Samford offensive line and the offense run the ball at a very high level. Anything more than that is icing on the cake. I can’t wait to see some of the true freshmen, like Kamauryn Morgan and Kaleb Burns, come in and potentially make a big impact. Also calling a long Caden Knighten touchdown in this one.
Jack Mackenzie (1-1) — Baylor 56, Samford 7
I wish this were a shutout, but even in a get-right game for the defense, someone is going to make a mistake that costs the Bears points. Otherwise, Sawyer Robertson doesn’t see the third quarter, and Bryson Washington doesn’t see the second quarter as the offense takes whatever it wants.
Levi Caraway (1-1) — Baylor 56, Samford 10
Hopefully, Sawyer Robertson can stat-pad a bit before getting pulled in favor of the backups, Nate Bennett and Walker White. I’m curious about what we’ll see from some of the second-and third-stringers as the Bears rest some key players to get fully healthy for Arizona State.
Sam Bradshaw (1-1) — Baylor 51, Samford 10
The Baylor offense and the Samford defense are each team’s strength, but they aren’t facing Citadel or West Georgia, and Baylor is going to light them up. If Auburn and SMU are unable to really limit Baylor’s offense, it’s not happening with the depleted and portal-rebuilt Bulldogs.
