The Baylor Bears are still getting into the swing of things this season. The Bears are not playing anyone challenging out of the Big 12. They get a final non-conference tune-up this Friday.
Baylor Bears @ Buffalo Bulls
Friday, September 12th – 8:05 PM ET
Odds: Baylor -33.5
Why The Bears Will Cover
They have a superpowered offense that’s going up against a very weak defense. Baylor struggled in the first half of its opener against SMU, but the Bears finally got going and worked through a slight injury (bordering on general discomfort, in other words, nothing too serious) to quarterback Bryce Petty. Baylor then used its second game against Northwestern State as a practice session of sorts. The Bears scored 70 points and played the game at half-speed. Now, Baylor goes to Buffalo for the second half of a two-year home-and-home series. Baylor crushed Buffalo at home last year. Now, the Bears take a bit of a trip. The act of playing on the road might be a concern to some, but the Baylor offense should be able to function in any environment if it enjoys the speed advantage the Bears have over Buffalo. The Bulls have an extremely weak defense, one that gave up 28 points to lower-division Duquesne in the season opener, and then allowed 47 points to an Army team that didn’t even win four games last season. Buffalo does not have the high-impact defensive players it had a year ago, when it reached a bowl game (the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, ending in a loss to San Diego State in Boise) and was a contender in the Mid-American Conference’s East Division. Buffalo does not have the athletes to hang with Baylor for more than one quarter, if that. This game should get ugly.
Why The Bulls Will Cover
They are going to be fired up for what will be a nationally televised game on Friday night. Buffalo played Baylor last season as just another game on Saturday afternoon, buried by other games on the schedule. This is going to be one of only two major college football games played on Friday night, and with Buffalo being able to host the game, there’s going to be a festive atmosphere in Western New York. The environment should give Buffalo a bit of a charge, and should enable the Bulls to play a little bit above their pay grade, perhaps enough that they can play a solid half or even two and a half quarters, not just one quarter. If Buffalo can really swarm to the ball and show good reactions on defense, it can contain Baylor’s offense a lot better than many people expect. The Bulls could stay within 10 to 14 points for most of the game and ultimately cover the spread, losing by 25 to 30 points, which would be somewhat respectable given the gulf in talent between the teams.
Outlook
If Baylor doesn’t handle this cross-country road trip, the Bears could be tied with Buffalo after one quarter. However, Baylor strikes so quickly on offense that it can still struggle for a quarter and lead by 21 at halftime. Baylor will score enough to cover.
Pick: Baylor -33.5
