SPORTSBAYLOR BEARS
Records: Baylor (3-2, 1-1 Big 12); West Virginia (2-3, 0-2 Big 12).
No, seriously. The Bears have looked like a lethal team in spurts this season, but a 3-2 overall start is surely not what most expected, given the team was predicted to repeat as conference champs. Pair this with the fact that Baylor is 0-5 when playing in Morgantown and you’ve got a doozy of a matchup.
Since the Bears fell short of a comeback bid against Oklahoma State, it’s grown apparent that this team needs to figure it out soon. In a year where the Oklahoma Sooners are 0-3 to start conference play, Baylor is not even a clear top-two team in the Big 12.
Programs like Kansas, TCU and Kansas State have all emerged on to the scene, while Texas looks deadly as ever with Quinn Ewers back under center. Buckle up, y’all. This green and gold team has been tested in a big way, both at home and on the road. It’s about time we see what this team is really made of.
Don’t be surprised to see a run-heavy approach from the Bears, who are also looking for a dominant showing out of its veteran offensive line. The O-Line hasn’t performed as well as expected to this point, but with the likely return of sixth-year senior OL Khalil Keith (probable), maybe this is the boost the group needs.
Sophomore quarterback Blake Shapen had a “business-like” bye week according to Aranda, and will likely be shown taking shots down the field to some of his wideouts. However, unless the game remains close, Baylor won’t be super aggressive in terms of play calling.
Except for when it’s fourth-and-five or shorter, regardless of where the team is on the field. The Bears will likely go for it.
WVU will want to pounce on Baylor early, capitalizing on any sort of splash play in order keep the crowd involved. Bits of trickery and creativity will likely be showcased by the Mountaineer staff in order to keep the Bears’ defense on its toes.
Baylor will likely see a balanced WVU attack, with the occasional deep shot down field from the strong-armed Daniels.
The Mountaineers will give their best effort and not go out easy, but Baylor will muscle off each and every punch thrown its way to the tune of a semi-comfortable win. It wouldn’t be a surprise for there to be some drama toward the end, but the Bears will come away with a two-possession victory and get that monkey off their back.
Score: Baylor 28, West Virginia 17
Baylor prediction: Will Bears finally get a win against West Virginia in Morgantown?
Baylor looks for its first-ever win when playing at West Virginia, losing the previous five contests.
Baylor at West Virginia
When: 6 p.m. Thursday at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W. Va.Records: Baylor (3-2, 1-1 Big 12); West Virginia (2-3, 0-2 Big 12).
What’s at stake?
This is a major “prove it” game for Baylor.No, seriously. The Bears have looked like a lethal team in spurts this season, but a 3-2 overall start is surely not what most expected, given the team was predicted to repeat as conference champs. Pair this with the fact that Baylor is 0-5 when playing in Morgantown and you’ve got a doozy of a matchup.
Since the Bears fell short of a comeback bid against Oklahoma State, it’s grown apparent that this team needs to figure it out soon. In a year where the Oklahoma Sooners are 0-3 to start conference play, Baylor is not even a clear top-two team in the Big 12.
Programs like Kansas, TCU and Kansas State have all emerged on to the scene, while Texas looks deadly as ever with Quinn Ewers back under center. Buckle up, y’all. This green and gold team has been tested in a big way, both at home and on the road. It’s about time we see what this team is really made of.
When Baylor has the ball
Something that was talked about this week was the fact that the running game needs to not only take a leap forward, but literally fall forward. Freshman Richard Reese has emerged as the go-to tailback for the Bears, but both head coach Dave Aranda and players alike said the team needs to do a better job at falling forward.Don’t be surprised to see a run-heavy approach from the Bears, who are also looking for a dominant showing out of its veteran offensive line. The O-Line hasn’t performed as well as expected to this point, but with the likely return of sixth-year senior OL Khalil Keith (probable), maybe this is the boost the group needs.
Sophomore quarterback Blake Shapen had a “business-like” bye week according to Aranda, and will likely be shown taking shots down the field to some of his wideouts. However, unless the game remains close, Baylor won’t be super aggressive in terms of play calling.
Except for when it’s fourth-and-five or shorter, regardless of where the team is on the field. The Bears will likely go for it.
When West Virginia has the ball
The Bears spent the week scouting and giving high praise to Mountaineers’ slinger JT Daniels. Despite an offensive outburst in a loss to Kansas, Daniels really hasn’t lit teams up. This doesn’t mean he isn’t capable, it’s just something to be mindful of.WVU will want to pounce on Baylor early, capitalizing on any sort of splash play in order keep the crowd involved. Bits of trickery and creativity will likely be showcased by the Mountaineer staff in order to keep the Bears’ defense on its toes.
Baylor will likely see a balanced WVU attack, with the occasional deep shot down field from the strong-armed Daniels.
Prediction:
Having lost in Morgantown multiple times, the Bears know the deal by now, or they should. For some of these sixth-year seniors on the squad, it’ll be their third time taking part in a road contest against WVU. This is the year the narrative finally changes.The Mountaineers will give their best effort and not go out easy, but Baylor will muscle off each and every punch thrown its way to the tune of a semi-comfortable win. It wouldn’t be a surprise for there to be some drama toward the end, but the Bears will come away with a two-possession victory and get that monkey off their back.
Score: Baylor 28, West Virginia 17
