SicEm365 Staff Predictions: Baylor Opens Season against Tarleton

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s 2024 season opener against Tarleton. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at McLane Stadium, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Colt Barber (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 45, Tarleton 10

I want to say I believe Baylor’s defense can keep Tarleton without a touchdown, but my confidence just isn’t there yet. I fully expect Jake Spavital to run his guns early and often and the only thing that keeps Baylor from scoring over 50 is a methodical fourth quarter. In a different year, with more confidence, I would have picked this one at 56-7. 

Brian Ethridge (5-7, 2023 Record) — Baylor 42, Tarleton 10

Baylor needs to come out and set a tone for 2024, and we'll know if the edge in practice is transitioning to the games by the end of the first half.

Ashley Hodge (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 48, Tarleton 10

Baylor should handle Tarleton easily, given that the Texans are missing their starting quarterback. Baylor fans expect big things from the offense, but I think the offense could take some games to find a rhythm. The defense should be vastly improved. I see the Bears scoring a few defensive touchdowns or setting up short fields off turnovers.

David Smoak (10-2, 2023 Record) — Baylor 34, Tarleton 13

Quarterback Dequan Finn throws a touchdown and runs for a couple more, and Baylor uses their three-to-four-headed running back room to get enough on the ground to help win the field position battle, along with the defense picking up a turnover.

Paul Catalina (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 34, Tarleton 13

This should go as planned, but until we see all of the changes in action, it’s tough for me to call a blowout. If the offensive line struggles at all, stock up on TUMS for the season; you’ll need it 

Craig Smoak (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 52, Tarleton 10

No QB1 for the Texans tilts this even further into Baylor's already lopsided favor. The revamped Bears play green and have fun unleashing their new looks and toys, like an uncuffed Dequan Finn, in front of a home crowd that hasn't seen many wins in the last 18 months.

Grayson Grundhoefer (7-5, 2023 Record) — Baylor 48, Tarleton 13

This is going to be a blowout. I expect Baylor to try to hit on explosive plays while also working on the run game. The defense is going to try to shut things down. The Bears control the game up front and force multiple turnovers against a bad Tarleton team.

Travis Roeder (7-5, 2023 Record) — Baylor 45, Tarleton 10

This is a very different game if Tarleton's starting quarterback is healthy. He started their opener against McNeese 11-of-18 for 140 yards. Then he hurt his hand, and his backup came in and was horrendous. Baylor's defense should destroy the Texans’ offense. I expect Baylor's offense to have some discomfort in their first game, but Baylor's defense gives the offense lots of possessions and short fields to work things out. 

Sam Bradshaw (9-3, 2023 Record) — Baylor 45, Tarleton 6

If Tarleton’s quarterback is healthy, this would be more competitive along the lines of 38-17, but all indications are that he’s out, and the limited backup is in. Bears roll in a game that won’t tell us much before the matchup with Utah next week.

Kendall Kaut (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 38, Tarleton 17

I think this game is a little closer than it should be – as Baylor battles some issues getting everyone to gel in week one. I'd expect a few big plays and a comfortable win but a closer-than-you-'d-maybe-like victory.

Jack Mackenzie (7-5, 2023 Record) — Baylor 56, Tarleton 7

The new offense and improved talent will show out, and the defense will score. No starting quarterback for Tarleton means they won't score till the fourth quarter, if even then. It doesn't necessarily mean a great season is coming, but it is at least a better start than last year.

Garrett Ross (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 42, Tarleton 10

Baylor should dominate the trenches in this matchup and be able to run the ball at will with its stable group of running backs while forcing a few turnovers with the talented young secondary.

Levi Caraway (10-2, 2023 Record) — Baylor 48, Tarleton 6

On Tuesday, linebacker Matt Jones and quarterback Dequan Finn discussed the importance of setting the tone early in this game. The Bears will roll unopposed in the season opener, even more so if Tarleton’s backup, Jaden Pete (Jr.), is lining up behind center for the Texans.

Emory Winter (8-4, 2023 Record) — Baylor 38, Tarleton 3

Dequan Finn will be the most athletic player on the field, so the Bears won’t have trouble moving the ball. Coach Aranda’s defense comes out with something to prove, albeit Tarleton, but shows the improvement everyone wants to see in week one of the new season.