Staff Predictions: Baylor Opens Seasons against Auburn in Primetime Matchup
Staff Predictions: Baylor's 2025 Record, Offensive & Defensive MVPs, Big 12 Champion, More
The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s high-profile season opener against the Auburn Tigers (-2.5). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 29, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, and the game will be televised on FOX.
Colt Barber — Baylor 28, Auburn 27
It’s hard to pick against Baylor in the moment, even though I do believe that an Auburn team playing to its full potential will be very difficult to beat. But that’s where I’ve stood all along with this game. Will Auburn actually play up to its full potential for the first time in several years? Yes, Baylor is talented enough to win this game for several reasons, and an A-game could secure the victory even if Auburn plays well. I believe Baylor plays pretty well, makes the least amount of offensive mistakes, and figures out how to get this one done. Fingers crossed.
Ashley Hodge — Baylor 31, Auburn 24
Both offenses struggle and head into the halftime locker room looking for answers, with Baylor up by a field goal. However, in the second half, I predict Sawyer Robertson and the Bears will come together and secure a hard-fought win over an SEC opponent.
Grayson Grundhoefer — Baylor 30, Auburn 27
This game boils down to whether talent and continuity will prevail. I believe Baylor’s mixture of those two things is just better than Auburn’s I trust Sawyer Robertson and the Baylor offense more than I trust any other group on the field, so I am going to ride with that to pick the winner. I think Auburn is going to improve as the season progresses, but Baylor is likely to be closer to a finished product in Week 1. A lot of this is me trusting Jake Spavital and Robertson in their second year together, along with trusting Dave Aranda to come up with a good enough defensive game plan after months of preparation. Give me the Bears in a close one with the “Chrome Domes” on!
Jack Mackenzie — Baylor 31, Auburn 21
I think the Bears’ defensive front seven will dictate the game to Jackson Arnold and company. On the other side of the ball, the Bears have too many options and a quarterback who will be better than ever at getting the ball to the right place against any defensive look he sees. Make no mistake, it will be a battle, but the Bears find a way to ice it with a late touchdown.
Levi Caraway — Baylor 27, Auburn 24
I’ve flip-flopped on this game throughout the week, but I’ve settled on an oversimplified synopsis. If Jackson Arnold is really good, Auburn wins. If Jackson Arnold is really bad, Baylor wins. If Jackson Arnold is average, then it’s a toss-up game. If that were the case, I’d like the Bears in a tight one at home, especially with the proven production returning, specifically at quarterback and on the offensive line. Baylor’s safety depth terrifies me, but hopefully, Dave Aranda can unveil some tricks up his sleeve with various blitzes and coverages to keep Arnold, the former five-star signal caller, seeing ghosts all night.
Gameday Thread for Baylor-Auburn:
- Gameday Thread: Baylor Welcomes Auburn to Waco for High-Profile Season Opener
