SicEm365 Staff Predictions: Baylor to Face Deion Sanders and Colorado in Prime Time

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (2-1) conference opener against Deion Sanders and Colorado (2-1). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Folsom Field, and the game will be televised on FOX.

Colt Barber (3-0) — Colorado 31, Baylor 27

If I could trust Baylor’s secondary to hold up and the offensive run game to be consistent, I would pick this as a Baylor win. We haven’t seen the secondary tested yet, and the running game needs to be able to offset what the passing game could do. If both can show promise, the season outlook could change a lot after this weekend. 

Brian Ethridge (3-0) — Baylor 31, Colorado 24

The Baylor defense will be able to pressure Shedeur Sanders into mistakes and will capitalize on Colorado’s porous run defense and weak offensive line.

Ashley Hodge (3-0) — Baylor 38, Colorado 17

I have a feeling this game will snowball into a lopsided win, one way or the other. I like Baylor's depth in the secondary, and hopefully, the Bears' run game can keep the chains moving. I could easily talk myself into a flipped score result.

David Smoak (3-0) — Colorado 31, Baylor 27

Baylor can win this game if they weather the early storm of emotions from Colorado being back home. It goes without saying, but Baylor can’t be a start like they did at Utah, or this game can get out of hand. Dave Aranda and Company must find the road game magic from those back-to-back wins at Texas Tech and Oklahoma in 2022 before the wheels fell off.

Paul Catalina (3-0) — Baylor 26, Colorado 21

Both teams are not very good upfront on either side, but Baylor is able to lean on the run-game and leaves Boulder with a win.

Craig Smoak (3-0) — Colorado 30, Baylor 27

These teams seem evenly matched, and it should be a fun game. Baylor looked good outside of the turnovers last week, but can they put it all together on the road? I’m not ready to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I absolutely believe they can beat Colorado this weekend. 

Grayson Grundhoefer (3-0) — Baylor 27, Colorado 24

Both of these teams will have success at times moving the football, and each should be able to expose the other's deficiencies on both sides of the ball. This game comes down to culture and physicality, which favors the Bears. This is a very important program-building type game for Dave Aranda and Company; I think they get it done.

Travis Roeder (3-0) — Colorado 31, Baylor 24

I expect Colorado to race out to an early lead; it will be whiplash going from defending the triple to defending Colorado’s wide receiver talent. Baylor is able to claw its way back into the game but comes up short. Sawyer Robertson entrenches himself as the starter with a good performance, but Baylor’s run game struggles. 

Sam Bradshaw (3-0) — Colorado 30, Baylor 27

Baylor is not quite where I want them to be yet. The Bears play well enough to win, but Colorado breaks an extra explosive play for the deciding score.

Kendall Kaut (3-0) — Baylor 24, Colorado 21

I would not be shocked by any outcome in this game. I think Shedeur Sanders has some early movement against Baylor, but I expect Baylor to figure out how to contain him in the second half. Sawyer Robertson scores on a fourth-quarter drive, and the Bears leave Boulder with the victory. 

Jack Mackenzie (3-0) — Baylor 35, Colorado 33

This should be a crazy game that has it all, but the Bears find a way to pull through at the end.

Garrett Ross (3-0) — Baylor 37, Colorado 35

This game is a fascinating contrast in play styles, but we all know that defense travels. I’m a little nervous about Baylor’s secondary getting their first test this season against the Buffs, but I trust Dave Aranda’s defensive alchemy.

Levi Caraway (2-1) — Baylor 34, Colorado 27

Usually, so much guessing goes into these pick-em-type games, and this pivotal showdown feels up in the air for both teams. With that being said, Dave Aranda, as the de facto defensive coordinator, should cook up a special defensive game plan for Shedeur Sanders and Company.

Emory Winter (2-1) — Colorado 28, Baylor 21

We haven't seen Baylor’s defensive backs get tested all year, which scares me. The Bears should keep it close all game, but the Buffs’ playmakers make the difference, and Colorado's defense continues to trend upward.