Texas vs. Baylor: Preview and Prediction
Here is a closer look at the upcoming Big 12 match up in our Texas vs. Baylor preview and prediction.
Broadcast Info
When: Saturday October 13th @ 2:30 P.M. CT
Where: DKR Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas
TV: ESPN
Radio: Baylor/Texas IMG Network
Key Players
Baylor
QB Charlie Brewer- After splitting time earlier in the season, Charlie proved to be the best quarterback for this Baylor offense. So far this season Charlie is averaging 259 yards per game through the air with 9 touchdowns to just 2 picks. He also is completing 64% of his passes this season. While he can certainly sling the football all over the place, Charlie has also rushed for 4 touchdowns this season which is a bit surprising. I believe Charlie Brewer is one of the best quarterbacks in this conference and if you aren’t careful, he can torch your defense through the air.
WR Jalen Hurd- This was a no brainer for me. I would say the transition from running back to wide receiver has been a success for Jalen. In just 6 games, he already has 550 receiving yards and 3 scores. To my surprise, he also leads the team in receptions by a decent margin. Whether you throw it to Jalen or hand it off to him, just get this man the football because he can make plays.
DT James Lynch- There haven’t been many bright spots for this Baylor defense, but James Lynch is a huge bright spot. Believe it or not, he leads his team in total tackles at the defensive tackle position with 20 tackles and is his team’s sack leader with 4 so far on the year. James will certainly play a big part if Baylor is able to slow down the Texas run game.
Texas
QB Sam Ehlinger- Sam played his best game in a Texas uniform last week as he threw for over 300 yards and scored 5 total touchdowns. It seems like every single week he has gotten better and better in the offense. The best part about his game right now? He isn’t turning the football over. In his last 5 games, Sam hasn’t turned the football over once and he is the engine behind the Texas offense.
RB Keaontay Ingram- Even though he is just a true freshman, I think that Keaontay is the best back in the Texas backfield. While he may not have found the endzone yet, he does lead Texas in rushing so far this season and just like his quarterback, he has gotten better each week. He could be in line for a huge game against Baylor.
DE Charles Omenihu- While Breckyn Hager gets all the attention on the defensive line, it’s Charles Omenihu who leads the team in sacks on the season with 4 in 6 games. It’s no secret that Baylor likes to throw the football and that means Charles will have plenty of opportunities to get to the quarterback on Saturday.
Key Storyline
Can Baylor Stop the Run?
Texas isn’t flashy on offense by any stretch of the imagination. They love to run the football and control the clock to keep these Big 12 offenses on the sidelines. The Longhorns want to ground and pound a defense into submission and wear them down throughout the game. Over the last several weeks, the Texas offense has found some consistency as they keep on winning football games. On the other hand, do you know the weakness of this Baylor defense? It’s been stopping the run. Through the first 6 games, Baylor is allowing 193.2 rushing yards per game which ranks 98th in the country and dead last in the Big 12. Last week, they let Kansas State RB Alex Barnes rush for 250 yards and 3 scores and on multiple occasions, he wasn’t even touched until he was ten plus yards downfield. If Baylor has a chance winning this game, it will be because they hold Texas to under 120 rushing yards in this matchup.
Prediction
Texas 38 Baylor 24
With Baylor allowing so many yards on the ground, Texas will likely have a very successful day on the ground. Whether it’s Keaontay Ingram, Tre Watson or Sam Ehliner, the run game should be in full effect. Like I said, Baylor is dead last in the Big 12 against the run and that will likely spell trouble for them because Texas loves to run the football. Baylor will keep it close with their passing attack, but it won’t be enough to top the red-hot Longhorns in Austin.
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