Staff Predictions: Baylor Football Closes Non-Conference Play against Louisiana Tech
WACO – The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (1-1) final non-conference game against Louisiana Tech (1-1). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 19, at McLane Stadium.
- Spread: Baylor (-20.5)
- O/U: 49.5
- Moneyline: Baylor (-1350), Louisiana Tech (+800)
Colt Barber (2-0) — Baylor 30, Louisiana Tech 13
I’m so confident in Baylor’s defense that I’ve even considered saying they won’t give up more than double-digit points. A backup QB for La Tech who can run it a ton, but isn’t going to force Baylor out of a run-first defense if that’s the choice they make. But with the news that DJ Lagway isn’t playing, I’m concerned about some untimely turnovers and a continued grind running the football. LSU had to beat the Bulldogs ugly with the starting QBs playing, so I don’t expect much difference here.
Ashley Hodge (2-0) — Baylor 31, Louisiana Tech 14
Hopefully we see DJ Lagway for Colorado. For this one, in Nate Bennett we trust. Hopefully, Bennett can sling it around without big mistakes against an aggressive, turnover-hungry Louisiana Tech defense. I’m always a little nervous when playing teams from the boot. I think Louisiana has more athletic talent per capita than almost any other state. But I’m starting to trust this defense.
Grayson Grundhoefer (2-0) — Baylor 27, Louisiana Tech 10
Louisiana Tech has done a whole lot of nothing against good defenses the past two seasons, and under Sonny Cumbie the Bulldogs have averaged 13.8 points per game against Power Four competition. Some of those defenses were good, and some were bad. Against top-25 defenses over the past two seasons, they have scored a total of 17 points in three games. This team is offensively inept, and Baylor’s defense will take advantage. I am worried about Baylor’s offense not running the ball and turning it over, but the defense will let them win this game easily regardless. Take Louisiana Tech team total under 16.5 points to the bank.
Levi Caraway (1-1) — Baylor 27, Louisiana Tech 13
There are some interesting wrinkles with the Aranda-Cumbie connection going back decades, but ultimately, the Bulldogs don’t have enough on offense, and the Bears are able to pull away, assuming whoever is under center for Baylor takes care of the ball.
Jack Mackenzie (2-0) — Baylor 30, Louisiana Tech 16
In this battle of the backups, I think Baylor has both the better backup QB and the better defense. Not to mention the better receivers and running backs to buoy Nate Bennett if he turns the ball over a couple of times to that La Tech defense.
Sam Bradshaw (2-0) — Baylor 34, Louisiana Tech 17
This game could get comfortable if Baylor executes well, or it could turn ugly if the Bears can’t protect the ball or get the run game going without the quarterback. I don't think the visual result will be pretty, but Baylor's defense sets the tone and gives the offense enough time to eventually find its footing. The game is a fight for a bit, but Baylor pulls away.
