SicEm365 Staff Predictions: Baylor Returns Home for Matchup against Air Force

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (1-1) final non-conference matchup against Air Force (1-1). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at McLane Stadium, and the game will be televised on FS1. The Bears will wear their new anthracite jerseys during the game, and fans are encouraged to wear black.

Colt Barber (2-0) — Baylor 35, Air Force 3

Air Force has faced San Jose State and Merrimack and is currently No. 110 nationally in rushing yards per carry at 3.06. Compare that average to their averages of 5.09 yards per carry in 2023, which ranked No. 18, and 5.30 in 2022, which ranked No. 15. I expect Air Force to be solid defensively enough to give Baylor a better understanding of its offense while the defense carries the water for the game. 

Brian Ethridge (2-0) — Baylor 38, Air Force 13

Air Force isn't typical Air Force on offense this season, and it's time for Baylor to exact some revenge on the 2022 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth. Baylor gets out front, holds the lead and gives up a cheap touchdown late.

Ashley Hodge (2-0) — Baylor 31, Air Force 10

Baylor’s defense shuts down Air Force including a defensive touchdown. Baylor’s offense has a solid day heading into the Colorado game.  

David Smoak (2-0) — Baylor 30, Air Force 13

This game is set for a great atmosphere with the flyover, length of the football field, American flag, a military academy in town and the 50th Anniversary of the 1974 Southwest Conference Championship. And one would think some revenge for the Baylor players who were a part of that Armed Forces Bowl disaster to close out 2022.

Paul Catalina (2-0) — Baylor 26, Air Force 13

Quarterback Dequan Finn needs a bounce back and gets one here. Air Force wins time of possession but not much else. If this were a year ago, I would flip this score, but it’s not. 

Craig Smoak (2-0) — Baylor 31, Air Force 13

Powered up by the home atmosphere, a mean defense and new anthracite uniforms, the Bears' talent advantages shine through. But it's the team's execution, toughness, and composure that decides the game. There should be no lack of respect, but there should also be no lack of confidence. 

Grayson Grundhoefer (2-0) — Baylor 31, Air Force 9

Baylor's defense is going to suffocate a really bad Air Force offense, which will lead to some great opportunities for points. I think the Bears passing attack takes a step forward as Baylor pulls away early and cruises to an easy win at home.

Travis Roeder (2-0) — Baylor 24, Air Force 14

Ugly, low-scoring game with both defenses having the upper hand over the opposing offense. It's a tight game until late when Air Force starts pressing on offense and makes a crucial mistake. This game comes down to turnovers; if Baylor loses the turnover battle, you can flip the score. 

Sam Bradshaw (2-0) — Baylor 20, Air Force 14

After a film review of 2022’s game, I think Dave Aranda can slow down a less-than-stellar Air Force offense. Baylor’s sputtering offense converts enough, and Aranda limits the option defensively in a game that won’t look pretty but gets Baylor the second win it needs.

Jack Mackenzie (2-0) — Baylor 30, Air Force 17

The Bears grind this one out, and the offense starts to show more of their potential. The offensive line is just too big for the Falcons' defensive front. The Bears' defense shows again that they are the unit to lead Baylor this season.

Garrett Ross (2-0) — Baylor 27, Air Force 9

Both of these teams have struggled on offense this season, but Baylor’s defense should be the difference maker on Saturday. I don’t like the idea of playing a triple-option team after Utah, but it’s a game the Bears need to win.

Levi Caraway (1-1) — Baylor 30, Air Force 10

This feels like a huge week for Dequan Finn to prove he can be the guy he was at Toledo. Baylor’s defense should do its job limiting Air Force’s offensive attack, but it’ll be up to Finn and Co. whether this is a three-score contest or a game that comes down to the wire in the fourth quarter.

Emory Winter (1-1) — Baylor 17, Air Force 10

Air Force lost 10 starters on offense, and the Baylor defense should take advantage. This will be an ugly game, with Baylor doing what it needs to win. The Bears need Dequan Finn to show something this week if he hopes to keep his starting job.