SicEm365 Staff Predictions: Baylor Looks to Bounce Back against No. 22 BYU

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (2-2, 0-1) conference matchup against No. 22 BYU (4-0, 1-0). Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 28, at McLane Stadium, and the game will be televised on FS1.

Colt Barber (4-0) — Baylor 20, BYU 17

This has all the makings of a defensive struggle. BYU’s defensive front is strong and Baylor will have to move the ball through the air with some consistency to win. The good news is that I feel good about Baylor's defensive matchup with BYU’s offense at home.

Brian Ethridge (3-1) — Baylor 24, BYU 21

BYU is a different team on the road, and Baylor is better at home. Look for the Bears to control the line of scrimmage on defense and limit the Cougars offensively while hitting a few big plays themselves to take the game and hold on late.

Ashley Hodge (3-1) — BYU 24, Baylor 20

Baylor is almost a four-point favorite, so this is a game they need to win and should win. But I fear the hangover effect of that Colorado loss, combined with the deflated feeling of seeing lots of Cougar blue in the stands, will be a hard psychological barrier to overcome. I hope to get dunked on post-game for this take!  

David Smoak (4-0) — BYU 27, Baylor 17

I’ll take the hot hand, and BYU just steam-rolled K-State. I like a lot of what I watched in Boulder, but the inability to step on CU’s neck and break was disappointing. So much discussion about the defensive coverage on the “Hail Mary,” but dammit, kick the field goal, and none of that drama ensues. Now, who are they? Make. A. Play…BYU does and did, and I just think they’re on a roll.

Paul Catalina (3-1) — BYU 23, Baylor 19

Baylor doesn’t get off the mat after the gut punch last week. The Bears need to find some killers, which is the biggest thing they are missing right now. 

Craig Smoak (4-0) — Baylor 24, BYU 20

I think this will be a slobber knocker of a game, and it will be hard to muster a whole lot of points for either side. So, the Bears make their own breaks and actually stay out of their own way for once to beat a top 25 opponent for the first time in ages. 

Grayson Grundhoefer (3-1) — Baylor 24, BYU 17

The Bears' defense is set up to play well in this one against the run and pass, plus the offense should have chances for success at home. I think Baylor rebounds in a positive way. The Cougars went 0-5 in road games during Big 12 play a year ago and, on average, were outscored 38.8 to 17 in those games. They are going to have to prove that the trend has completely changed.

Travis Roeder (4-0) — BYU 27, Baylor 24

It's impossible to know where Baylor's psyche is at. Head coach and player leadership are paramount this week; they must clear Colorado and focus on BYU. This should be a good spot for Baylor; they're angry after a close loss on the road and get to return home, while BYU is riding high after a big home win and could be overlooking Baylor. Ultimately, I expect Baylor to look good but make a few lackadaisical mistakes while a veteran BYU makes a close win on the road.

Sam Bradshaw (4-0) — BYU 27, Baylor 23

In a rock fight between two defensive units and special teams that have been playing well recently, the difference in the offensive trenches and the schemes they allow is the difference.

Kendall Kaut (3-1) — BYU 20, Baylor 14

The Cougars score a few times, and Baylor's offense can't break many big plays. It is a fitting game for this season. There are some good things, but there are questions about the foundation. 

Jack Mackenzie (3-1) — Baylor 21, BYU 20

This will be a defensive duel; a late Baylor score and a defensive stop will decide the outcome. Whether it's a win or a loss, it could look ugly, so prepare yourselves mentally for that.

Garrett Ross (3-1) — BYU 28, Baylor 18

Baylor has looked significantly better this season, but they keep making the same mistakes. BYU is very disciplined, and their ability to execute on special teams is the difference in this game. 

Levi Caraway (2-2) — Baylor 27, BYU 17

If a few things had gone differently last weekend in Boulder, the mood surrounding the team would be completely different right now. Regardless, it’s put-up or shut-up time for Dave Aranda and the Bears. Baylor will be forced to respond and earn a statement win against the undefeated Cougars; a loss would spread even more uncertainty across the program.

Emory Winter (3-1) — Baylor 31, BYU 24

The Bears are back. I think this is a good football team, and unlike last year, this team won't let a loss like last week's snowball. This, in my book, is an absolute must-win.