SicEm365 Staff Predictions for Baylor's Road Matchup against UCF

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (1-3, 0-1) first road matchup of the season against the UCF Knights (3-1, 0-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at FBC Mortgage Stadium and will be televised on FS1.

Colt Barber — UCF 31, Baylor 28

The way this schedule has played out after the first four games, going on the road with a 1-3 record for UCF’s first Big 12 home game is brutal. I’ve watched enough of UCF that I believe Baylor’s offense will move the ball fine, but it will take a healthy duo of nose tackles Jerrell Boykin and Tre Emory to help slow that run game for UCF. 

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365

According to Caesars Sportsbook, Baylor is a 12.5-point underdog against UCF, and the over/under is 55.

Brian Ethridge — UCF 38, Baylor 24

Baylor gets big eyes in the hyped environment.

David Smoak — Baylor 30, UCF 26

I was surprised anyone predicted Baylor to compete and/or beat Texas, and obviously, they had no chance. But I have a gut feeling about Baylor finding a way this week, and that is without knowing the status of Blake Shapen. However, some of the cavalry returns from injuries, and getting away on the road in this situation will give the Bears the “backs are against the wall” fire, and if there’s a pulse after being hammered by Texas, we’ll find out on Saturday. If Baylor doesn’t contain UCF early the “Bounce House” will explode, and there will be quite the party in Orlando.  

Paul Catalina — UCF 29, Baylor 10

There will be a ton of emotion at the “Bounce House” this week, that will carry UCF enough in this one.

Craig Smoak — UCF 41, Baylor 27

I do believe playing on the road will provide a nice change of pace and scenery, but I'm not giving this team the benefit of the doubt for the time being. UCF is beatable, but they'll be revved up coming off a loss and because of the pageantry surrounding the game. 

Travis Roeder — UCF 45, Baylor 38

I think this is a back-and-forth affair between two bad defenses and two offenses who love to run the ball. Both go for 200+ yards rushing but UCF hits more big plays.

Sam Bradshaw — UCF 41, Baylor 30

UCF has some vulnerabilities on defense, but the Bears can’t get it all put together.  Baylor’s defense is outgunned here, and while the offense might get a lift from Shapen, I think the Knights will take this one.

Kendall Kaut — UCF 31, Baylor 17

UCF has problems. Baylor has greater problems. Until Baylor turns this around, it's hard for me to take the Bears.

Jack Mackenzie — Baylor 34, UCF 31

Cole Tompkins - coletompkins.com

Saturday will be UCF’s home conference opener, and it will be honoring the 10-year anniversary of the team that beat Baylor in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

The Bears need to find a way to score early with whichever QB starts. If Baylor falls behind early, good luck because the defense looks like it will only give you three good drives when the offense can’t do anything. Also, if Shapen doesn’t start, I don't think the Bears win. 

Garrett Ross — UCF 34, Baylor 27

I expect to see Baylor play significantly better this week, but UCF has been waiting for this moment for a very long time. 

Emory Winter — Baylor 28, UCF 24

At some point, the Bears have to win right? Baylor’s two biggest wins last year were on the road at Tech and OU. If Baylor is not able to get the run game going against UCF which has struggled all year with its run defense, it might be time to hit the panic button, but most of y’all have done that already. For a team that has to find outside energy to get motivated, the “Bounce House” will be full of it, but the Bears will rain on their parade. 

Levi Caraway — Baylor 34, UCF 31

This matchup gives me similar vibes to last year’s Oklahoma game. Neither defense can get a stop, and Baylor’s ground game pushes the Bears past the Knights.