SicEm365 Staff Predictions for Baylor's Crucial Home Matchup against Texas Tech

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (2-3, 1-1) big matchup against Texas Tech (2-3, 1-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium and will be televised on ESPN2.

Colt Barber (3-2) — Texas Tech 35, Baylor 31

Baylor is going to play with more confidence than they have since the middle of last season, but I’m still not sure if this team is ready to springboard into playing consistent football. UCF has a more stressful offense to defend, but Tech presents plenty of challenges as well. 

Brian Ethridge (2-3) — Baylor 33, Texas Tech 24

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365

According to Caesars Sportsbook, Baylor is a 1.5-point underdog against Texas Tech, and the over/under is 60.5

Baylor will need to pressure Morton like they did in 2022. If they rattle him again, the Bears will pull off the victory by grinding with the run game.

Ashley Hodge (2-2) — Baylor 38, Texas Tech 35

I really have no clue how this one turns out, but I think the Bears have to hit 35 to win.

David Smoak (4-1) — Baylor 33, Texas Tech 27

Both teams will have explosive plays, but the difference will be who can score by special teams or defense. Tech’s Malik Dunlap has three interceptions and a TD return and, of course, Caden Jenkins had the scoop and score for Baylor. Also, I believe it will come down to who has the most rushing yards as a team and who can have a bigger game: Richard Reese with what appears to be a breakout game at UCF, or Tahj Brooks who is coming off three-consecutive 100+-yard games.

Paul Catalina (3-2) — Baylor 27, Texas Tech 23

Tech has been really bad on the road. 1-7 under Joey McGuire. Because of that, I am picking Baylor. Let’s see if last week means anything. 

Craig Smoak (3-2) — Texas Tech 34, Baylor 31

The win in Orlando took an all-timer miracle, and speaking of time, it's been a while since the Bears have won an important home game. Maybe they’re due, but I’m leaning toward Tech in a tight, heated contest. 

Travis Roeder (2-3) — Baylor 38, Texas Tech 35

Both teams trade big plays throughout the night. Baylor is able to generate a bit more consistency. I agree with Ashley that the winning team needs to get 35 to win this one. 

Kendall Kaut (2-3) — Texas Tech 31, Baylor 24

I fear the fighting Joey McGuires have a little too much offense in this one, and Baylor's defense doesn't hold.

Grayson Grundhoefer (3-2) — Baylor 37, Texas Tech 27

The Baylor offense will continue to move the football now that Blake Shapen is back, especially in a matchup against a team that does not create negative plays and gives up yards through the air and on the ground. Tech's inefficient passing attack will also be a nice sight to see for the Bears who have faced three top 24 passing efficiency offenses (TXST, Texas, UCF). The Bears win convincingly in a must-win game for a program that is 1-4 in its last five Big 12 home games.

Jack Mackenzie (4-1)​​​​​​​ — Baylor 33, Texas Tech 31

I expect craziness from this game. Multiple turnovers, a big special teams play or two, and maybe even a safety. I do think the Bears pull it out and get to .500 at the bye week, but it will not be pretty.

Garrett Ross (3-2) — Baylor 34, Texas Tech 28

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365

Saturday’s contest will be Joey McGuire’s second matchup against Baylor since taking the Texas Tech head coaching job.

Baylor finally played with some confidence last week and got their playmakers involved which resulted in a historic comeback win. Texas Tech struggled with a terrible Houston team last week and can’t throw the ball right now. Blake Shapen, once again, is the wild card this week and will be the difference for the Bears.

Emory Winter (3-2)​​​​​​​ — Baylor 24, Texas Tech 17

I think Baylor will sell out to stop the run, making Tech beat them through the air. I have seen nothing that makes me believe Tech can do that with Morton at the helm. Banana unis under the lights, can't lose. 

Levi Caraway (4-1) — Texas Tech 34, Baylor 31

As much as I want to believe that last week’s win turned things around for Baylor, I still have massive questions about the defense. Had Caden Jenkins not come up with two huge plays, who knows how that game would have ended? Blake Shapen being back is obviously a huge boost for the Bears, and on paper, they should win this game, but I’m not sure if last weekend’s come-from-behind victory answered a ton of my questions about the team other than that they didn’t give up on each other.