In The Web: What "They" Are Saying About Baylor in Week 8
After having a much-needed week off to reflect on the difficult start to the season, Baylor (2-4, 1-2) will have an opportunity to find another road victory against a new Big 12 member as they head to Cincinnati on Saturday to face the last place Bearcats (2-4, 0-3) for the first time in program history.
Cincinnati is coming off a 30-10 loss to Iowa State at home last week and are currently riding a four-game losing streak. Despite their struggles and cellular dwelling in the Big 12, the Bearcats are currently the favorites over Baylor according to the folks out in Las Vegas.
Cincinnati vs. Baylor odds and lines
- Spread Favorite: Cincinnati (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Cincinnati (-171), Baylor (+144)
- Total: 50 points
It’s honestly been difficult to find an area where Baylor has had an advantage over their opponents this season. While there are glaring concerns about how the Bears' offensive line will hold up against Cincinnati’s defense, Baylor does have the better quarterback in this game for what it’s worth.
Emory Jones has been very inconsistent through the air for the Bearcats, which has them currently ranked as the 62nd pass offense in the nation averaging 241.3 passing yards per game. Jones has thrown for 1,322 yards this season with 11TD, but he also has thrown 8INT.
Despite missing some time due to injuries, Blake Shapen has thrown for 920 yards and 4TD this season for the Bears and has yet to throw an interception. Baylor currently ranks 31st in FBS for passing yards, while averaging 279.5 per game.
Earlier this week, former Baylor quarterback and current color analyst J.J. Joe discussed the advantages of Shapen over Jones during his weekly segment on 365 Sports.
“I’m expecting Blake to play well on the road. I’m just hoping that Jeff Grimes has found a few plays that work well and that they can protect Blake enough to allow him to push the ball a little bit,” said Joe. “Emory Jones is an adventure. He can do something really dynamic, then turn around and do something erratic that cost his team.”
While Baylor was idle last week, the teams that played had an opportunity to shake up the power rankings around the Bears for better or worse. With Cincinnati getting thumped last week by the Cyclones, both teams remain at the bottom of the barrel heading into Saturday’s matchup according to the folks at Heartland College Sports.
12. BAYLOR BEARS (LAST WEEK: 12)
The Baylor Bears had a bye week, so I see no reason to move them up or down this week. They hit the road to Cincinnati and the loser of that game is really going to feel bad about themselves.
Baylor desperately needs a win this week and a loss to a team like Cincinnati could be the nail in the coffin of the fan base support for Dave Aranda and his staff. Kickoff between the Bears and Bearcats is set for 11:00 a.m. at Nippert Stadium and will air on ESPN+.