The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (1-0) non-conference matchup against No. 11 Utah (1-0). Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and the game will be televised on FOX.
Colt Barber (1-0) — Utah 24, Baylor 20
If defensive breakdowns happen early, this game could get away from Baylor, but I anticipate Dave Aranda having a very good defensive game plan for Utah’s offense with Cam Rising. I think we confirm that Baylor’s defense is clearly better than it was a year ago. Baylor starts fast on offense but struggles with consistency late.
Brian Ethridge (1-0) — Utah 27, Baylor 24
Utah is a tough place to play, and the Utes currently have a more complete team and program than Baylor. It could flip the score if the Bears can get the ground game going.
Ashley Hodge (1-0) — Utah 21, Baylor 13
Utah doesn't lose very often at home. Baylor's defense is ready for prime time, but the Bears’ offense is not. A key turnover leads to a Utah defensive touchdown, and the Baylor offense can't generate enough points to overcome that.
David Smoak (1-0) — Utah 31, Baylor 16
If Baylor doesn’t win the turnover battle, it will have a long day in Salt Lake City. Utah is a program that traditionally protects the football, so you can’t count on the Utes to throw up on themselves. Dequan Finn must protect the football. Utah plays like an angry ball of razor blades.
Paul Catalina (1-0) — Utah 37, Baylor 17
Baylor might get a couple of shots in, but this is a Utah team loaded for a revenge tour for not having their full deck of players last year. We’ll see how much fight the ‘24 Bears have in them.
Craig Smoak (1-0) — Utah 35, Baylor 17
I think we'll respect the effort from the Bears, but ultimately, Utah is a superior team, powered further by home-field backing, and will play a more complete game. This particular matchup is a terrific barometer for seeing how this team competes in hostile territory against one of the better programs in the country. I don't see enough forces combining for the upset.
Grayson Grundhoefer (1-0) — Utah 27, Baylor 20
Utah has been 32-3 at home since 2018. Combine that with the consistency this program has shown defensively and the stable presence on offense, and it's a recipe for the Utes getting the job done in Rice-Eccles Stadium. I think the Bears will compete and keep things close, but they just aren't quite good enough on this day to pull off the big upset.
Travis Roeder (1-0) — Utah 34, Baylor 14
Baylor's defense plays solid and can keep the game within arm's reach for the first 2.5 quarters or so, but Baylor can't run the ball and Dequan Finn is under constant duress. It's the kind of offensive game where Baylor gets a couple of first downs but then takes a huge sack or TFL. This leads to the Bears' defense getting tired at altitude, short fields and turnovers, so Utah runs away with it late.
Sam Bradshaw (1-0) — Utah 38, Baylor 20
Baylor plays harder and sharper than in week one, but the experienced and well-coached Utes get the win against a rebuilding Baylor squad.
Kendall Kaut (1-0) — Utah 31, Baylor 10
I don't see it for Baylor's offense against Utah. Maybe Baylor held something back, or Utah is overrated, but I think the Utes are a playoff team, and Baylor will be fighting for bowl eligibility. The line seems about right in this contest.
Jack Mackenzie (1-0) — Utah 30, Baylor 20
Baylor rattles Cam Rising early, thanks to good defensive line play. Utah holds Baylor's offense at bay when it matters most and then ices the game with a late score. The Bears at least cover the 14.5-point spread.
Garrett Ross (1-0) — Utah 41, Baylor 20
While the Bears looked better in the season opener against Tarleton, I’m not confident that Baylor’s offensive line can hold up against Utah.
Levi Caraway (1-0) — Baylor 30, Utah 27
This game isn’t necessarily indicative of where either squad finishes at the end of the year, but there’s always a talented ranked team or two that gets popped at home early in the season. Offensively, the Bears limited their playbook in week one and should find ways to get Dequan Finn, Monaray Baldwin and Ashtyn Hawkins in space on Saturday. Defensively, Dave Aranda’s close relationship with Utah OC Andy Ludwig could also prove to be another advantage.
Emory Winter (1-0) — Baylor 24, Utah 21
I know Utah has an incredible record at home. However, college football is unpredictable. Frankly, I don’t trust Cam Rising’s mobility, and if I were Dave Aranda, I would bring pressure from the backs and the secondary all game long.
