Friday, November 06, 2009
It’s 2-52 and counting.
That’s a statistic Baylor hates, but it’s the team’s record in Big 12 road games since the league began in 1996.
Three of those losses were against Missouri in Columbia, including 42-24 losses in 1997 and 2001, and a 31-16 decision in 2005. Baylor hasn’t won a Big 12 road game since a 34-31 triple-overtime thriller over Colorado in 2006, and would need a major about-face Saturday.
Baylor (+14) at Missouri
After standing on the field and watching the clock tick for most of the first three Big 12 games, the Baylor defense was much more dynamic against Nebraska.
The Bears forced two second-half turnovers against the Cornhuskers, including Clifton Odom’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
The Bears will need to force some more turnovers and create pressure against Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert to have a chance. But with Gabbert finally getting healthy after an ankle injury, he’s going to be much tougher to contain.
Baylor’s offense has scored just three touchdowns in four Big 12 games. While it’s reasonable to expect the Bears to be more productive offensively this time, it probably won’t be enough to overcome the Tigers.
Missouri 35, Baylor 14
Texas A&M (-2 1/2) at Colorado
After opening the Big 12 with losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas State, Texas A&M is suddenly looking like a potential bowl team following wins over Texas Tech and Iowa State.
The Aggies’ defense finally looked good in last week’s 35-10 win over the Cyclones, and the offense has played well all season.
Aggies quarterback Jerrod Johnson leads the Big 12 in total offense with 328.9 yards per game, and also leads the league with 20 touchdown passes. Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael are a potent backfield duo.
Following a win over Kansas two weeks ago, the Buffaloes have reverted to their losing ways with consecutive losses to Kansas State and Missouri. Make it three straight.
Texas A&M 31, Colorado 21
#20 Oklahoma (-6) at Nebraska
This used to be one of college football’s premier games every year in the Big 8.
It’s still a great rivalry, but these aren’t vintage Sooners and Cornhuskers.
Since losing Sam Bradford for the second time against Texas, the Sooners have still scored plenty of points with Landry Jones at quarterback. They’ve rung up a combined 77 points in the last two games against Kansas and Kansas State.
While the Cornhuskers feature a strong defense, their offense still struggled with freshman Cody Green replacing Zac Lee at quarterback last week. They’ll have trouble scoring points against a loaded Oklahoma defense.
Oklahoma 27, Nebraska 16
Central Florida (+36) at #2 Texas
This nonconference game was originally scheduled for September, but switched dates with the Texas-Texas Tech game for TV purposes.
Central Florida never had a chance to win this game, but might have had a better shot in September before Texas really got rolling.
In wins over Missouri and Oklahoma State, the Longhorns looked better than they have all season. Quarterback Colt McCoy has found his groove, while the defense keeps getting better every game.
The Longhorns appear to have a clear path to the BCS championship game, and Central Florida doesn’t have the horses to stop them.
Texas 45, Central Florida 7
#9 LSU (+7 1/2) at #3 Alabama
Alabama still has a national title shot, and can’t afford to lose to LSU. There’s no way they’ll overlook this game.
Alabama 24, LSU 14
Last week: 4-1 overall, 3-2 against the line
Season: 30-15 straight up, 21-23-1 against the line
jwerner@wacotrib.com
757-5716
Comments
By BigDMD
Nov 7, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
This ^ is interesting reading. Thanks for sharing. The future looks bright for the Bears, but who knew 3-4 years ago when Foles was making his college decision? I'm happy with who we have here now, who chose to pick Baylor and be a part of our team.
Note to John Werner: Shame on you for your lack of faith in our Baylor Bears.
By 82 Wildcat
Nov 7, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
I found this very interesting story about our QB here at Arizona in the sports section to Mr. Football, our sports reporter:
Dear Mr. Football: Do you think Nick Foles could start at Baylor?
When Mr. Sunshine was a star QB at Austin Westlake High School, he got scores of recruiting letters from then-Bears assistant coach Dave Nichol. Baylor was so eager to land Foles that it offered him a dual basketball-football deal. He could be a two-sport star, just as he was as a Texas schoolboy.
"I wrote him a million letters, to which he never replied," says Nichol, who is now Arizona's outside receivers coach.
Foles says he doesn't remember any Baylor correspondence, in part because his father, Larry Foles, was inundated by hundreds of recruiting documents from dozens of schools.
Says Nick: "When I signed with Michigan State, my dad said, 'Oh, by the way, Baylor offered you a full-ride in football and basketball.' I guess he knew I might go there."
Just think what type of season the Bears would be having if he went to BU not Arizona!
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