Game Info
Baylor Bears vs. Texas Longhorns
Saturday – October 4 – 2:30pm
TV: ABC
Royal Texas Memorial Stadium – Austin
The seventh-ranked Bears will look to continue their impressive start by getting more respect from their rival Longhorns on Saturday in Austin. Baylor has won three of the last four games against Texas and the Bears will be looking to win four of five vs. the Longhorns for the first time since 1988-92.
For only the fifth time in their 103 meetings Texas is a double digit underdog against Baylor.
“We’re going to have to play above our heads,” Texas head coach Charlie Strong said. “They (Baylor) deserve every bit of it. If you watch their team, it’s amazing to see how it’s developed over the last three or four years.”
Baylor’s offense is one of the best in college football, ranking fourth in passing yards per game and 24th in rushing yards per game, nationally. Heisman hopeful quarterback Bryce Petty has come back with a vengeance after missing a game and a half with an injury, completing 65 percent of his passes for 913 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for another 79 yards and three scores.
“People have questioned Baylor ever since I’ve been here. I think every game is a statement game,” Petty said. “It’s not up to me to try and silence the critics or disprove what anyone else thinks.”
Petty’s favorite target has been breakout freshman, KD Cannon. The young wide out has caught 23 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns while busting on the national scene.
The Longhorns bounced back from two straight losses with last Saturday’s 23-0 win over Kansas, their first Big 12 shutout since a 62-0 win at Baylor in 2005. They’re seeking home redemption in their first game in Austin since a 41-7 loss to BYU.
Their defense must play at a high level and could present a challenge to Petty and the Bears. Texas is eighth nationally in passing defense (140.5 yards per game), ranks second with nine interceptions and has 16 sacks.
Texas has plenty of pride, and the Texas fan base is energized to play against the defending Big 12 champion, but the talent just isn’t there for Texas to keep up with Baylor for four quarters. I look for Petty to do is his thing and for Baylor to flex their muscle as the team to beat in the Big 12.
Prediction: Baylor 35, Texas 14
