Staff Predictions: Can Baylor Start Big 12 Play with a Win over Colorado?
WACO – The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (2-1) Big 12 opener against Colorado (2-1). Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 26, at McLane Stadium.
- Spread: Baylor (-9.5)
- O/U: 55.5
- Moneyline: Baylor (-380), Colorado (+300)
- ESPN Matchup Predictor: Baylor (80.3%)
Colt Barber (3-0) — Baylor 30, Colorado 16
I’m not sold on Baylor’s run game, and I’m pretty confident that Colorado has a strong run defense. But that’s about all that’s not in Baylor’s favor in this matchup unless the defense just does a complete 180-degree turn from its first three games. Baylor should have success throwing the football, and the defense is a solid matchup for Colorado’s new scheme. I think Baylor gets some short fields and takes control of the game early.
Ashley Hodge (3-0) — Baylor 27, Colorado 14
The hot seat game! The loser of this game likely won't be coaching their team next year. The winner might not be either, but Baylor has to find a way to get a victory in this game. Hopefully the Bears play inspired, ferocious football and walk out of McLane with a convincing win.
Grayson Grundhoefer (3-0) — Baylor 27, Colorado 13
The loser of this game isn’t making a bowl game, and its season is pretty much over. That is a bad place to be, but the Bears are a 9.5-point favorite and at home. That should be a good thing, except Baylor is 6-14 in Waco against Power Four teams since 2022. Who wants this game? I think DJ Lagway and Baylor’s passing attack do enough to make up for the lack of a run game. I expect Baylor’s defense to have success and hold this Colorado team to field goals. Turnovers could make this go sideways one way or another, but straight up this is a good matchup for Baylor.
Levi Caraway (2-1) — Baylor 34, Colorado 23
This is arguably Baylor’s most winnable conference game, aside from maybe Iowa State. I’m really hoping to see the Bears put it all together for four quarters and deliver a performance that makes the fans happy as they leave McLane Stadium and makes me optimistic Baylor will be playing for something meaningful heading into November. If this turns into a slugfest because the Bears can’t get out of their own way, i.e., turnovers, tons of penalties, etc. Aranda’s hot seat should start to scorch.
Jack Mackenzie (3-0) — Baylor 42, Colorado 24
Two non-offensive touchdowns carry the Bears to a big win. I’m thinking one in each half. Lagway does his part with a trio of touchdowns, and the Bears play a mercifully clean game. Dare I say it, there is nothing to complain about after this one. Man, it's nice to daydream!
Sam Bradshaw (3-0) — Baylor 30, Colorado 17
Colorado will not give the ball away to Baylor like they did last week, and they do well enough in the trenches; it won’t be easy. They have their issues, however, and the Bears will probably limit that offense. Baylor still has question marks offensively, but the passing game and big plays help the Bears pull away, with some help from the special teams.
