BYU vs Baylor Prediction, Pick, and Odds: Can Jaren Hall and the Cougars Edge Out the Bears?
BYU vs Baylor Prediction, Pick, and Odds: Can The Cougars Dominate Baylor?
BAYLOR VS BYU - WEEK 2 Odds
Moneyline: BYU (-140)
Spread: BYU -3 (-115)
Total: 53.5 (-108)
Baylor enjoyed a 12-2 record in 2021 under head coach Dave Aranda, earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl that produced a 21-7 win over Ole Miss. The Bears closed out their season with a five-game winning streak and while they will be without numerous players on both sides of the ball, sophomore quarterback Blake Shapen steps in with a lot of confidence in his throwing ability. Shapen only recorded three incompletions and finished with over 200 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air in a 69-10 rout of Albany to jumpstart Baylor's 2022 campaign.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is another young team coming off of an exciting 2021 season, where they recorded 10 wins, but lost 31-28 against UAB in the Independence Bowl. Quarterback Jaren Hall returns to the Cougars after posting a 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio during his first year as a starter. Hall looked solid against USF during BYU's road opener, going 25-32 for 261 yards and two touchdowns. It's more impressive considering that BYU had to wait nearly three hours to start the game due to a weather delay. Transfer running back, Christopher Brooks, looked every bit the part of a dominant ball carrier, finishing with 13 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. Let's get into my prediction, pick, and odds for the BYU vs Baylor game.
BYU vs BAYLOR START TIME, WHERE TO WATCH, AND ODDS
Date: Saturday, September 10th
Game time: 10:15 pm ET
Where to Watch: ESPN
BYU VS BAYLOR INJURY REPORT
BAYLOR
No injuries to report.
BYU
WR Gunner Romney (DTD - Undisclosed), and WR Puka Nacua (DTD - Foot).
BYU vs Baylor Line Movement
BYU COUGARS VS BAYLOR BEARS PREDICTION
Baylor is entering this prime-time matchup in Provo with a fully healthy roster. This gives the Bears an advantage over the Cougars, who could wind up missing its wideout, Puka Nacua, due to sustaining a foot injury after he exploded for two rushing touchdowns against USF last weekend. BYU has a formidable offensive line that held USF's defense at a distance but Baylor's defensive line is led by five-star nose tackle Siaki Ika. He's an elite disruptor and will get help from other defensive linemen, including transfer Jaxon Playe and Gabe Hall.
Hall has the decisive edge in terms of experience when assessing the quarterbacks in this matchup. Shapen played a flawless game against an inferior Albany defense in Week 1 but his lack of experience on the road against quality defenses in a hostile, prime-time setting is a huge factor. BYU possesses a superior running back and can control the time of possession with a deep pool of talent behind Brooks. Neither quarterback utilizes their legs as a frequent facet of their game, relying on the stable of running backs to churn out production on the ground.
Baylor has extremely high aspirations after a fairytale 2021 season. BYU is licking its wounds from an embarrassing loss in its bowl game last offseason and they took it out against USF last weekend by hopping out to a 38-0 lead before halftime. I'll side with the team who has the more experienced quarterback, the superior running back, and a talented offensive line. Don't forget that BYU lost 38-24 to Baylor last year after starting the season 5-1, effectively ruining their chances of competing in a New Years bowl game. Factor in the hostile environment in Provo and this matchup suddenly becomes a revenge-game narrative. Give the Cougars the edge in what should be a competitive game until the final whistle.
BYU VS BAYLOR PICK
- Pick: BYU Moneyline (-140) (Bet $140 to win $100)
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Article Author
Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.