The No. 3 Texas Longhorns are gearing up for their final shot at a Big 12 championship before their move to the SEC in 2024. Their journey begins this Saturday as they travel to McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, to face off against Baylor. Although Texas is coming off a lackluster performance against Wyoming, where they were tied 10-10 entering the final quarter before clinching a 31-10 victory, they are determined to make their mark.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns against Alabama the previous week, struggled in the last game, completing only 52% of his passes for 131 yards. The Longhorns will need Ewers to bounce back and find his rhythm again if they want to secure the win against Baylor.
On the other hand, Baylor has had a rough start to the season, losing two nonconference games for the first time since 2017. They were able to secure a 30-7 victory against FCS Long Island, but they struggled to move the ball without their top running back Dominic Richardson. However, freshman running back Dawson Pendergrass emerged with 111 yards and a touchdown, giving Baylor some hope.
This game between Baylor and Texas will mark their last conference matchup. The two teams have a long history, having faced each other 112 times. The Longhorns currently hold the advantage with a commanding 80-28-4 record against Baylor. However, Baylor has won the last two games at McLane Stadium, including a come-from-behind victory in 2021.
Texas, known for its explosive plays, needs to find a way to convert those opportunities into touchdowns. The Longhorns have been relying on big plays to score, but they have struggled to find the end zone during longer drives. They currently rank last in the nation in adjusted offensive success rate, particularly on early downs. Baylor, on the other hand, has shown improvement in defending explosive plays and could pose a challenge to Texas.
In terms of injuries, Baylor has been hit hard. Starting quarterback Blake Shapen is out with a knee injury, and top running back Dominic Richardson is unlikely to play due to a high ankle sprain. This puts more pressure on Baylor’s young and inexperienced players to step up and fill the gaps.
This matchup holds emotional significance as well. Texas will be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC in 2024, ending one of the most historic rivalries in college football. Texas and Baylor first met in 1901, and this final game in Waco provides an opportunity for Baylor to leave a lasting impression. While the Longhorns haven’t entered Big 12 play as the favorite since 2009, they face a Baylor team that has won three Big 12 championships since their last one. The outcome of this game will depend on how Texas handles the pressure and the significance of the moment.
In terms of predictions, Texas is the favorite to win, given their talent and ranking among the top teams in the nation. However, Baylor, playing at home and with their backs against the wall, is expected to put up a fight. With key offensive starters out, the Bears may not have enough firepower to secure a victory, but they are determined to make it a close game. The current odds give Baylor a 15-point advantage, making them an attractive pick for bettors.
In conclusion, the Texas Longhorns are seeking one final Big 12 championship before their move to the SEC in 2024. Their first obstacle is a game against Baylor, who has had a challenging start to the season. Baylor will be missing key players due to injuries, but they are determined to salvage their season by putting up a tough fight. Texas, on the other hand, needs to find a way to convert explosive plays into touchdowns and handle the emotional significance of this game. It will be an intriguing matchup to watch as both teams battle it out on the field.
