Texas Longhorns vs Baylor Bears Betting Preview: Overlooked Bears to Boot Horns Out of Big 12 Title Race

To be a Power 5 program with a 6-1 record and a top-20 ranking, you would expect to be receiving a lot of attention. But Baylor has positioned themselves for a run for a top-two finish in the Big 12 without a great deal of eyes on them. But that could be about to change, starting with Saturday’s matchup against Texas.

The Bears’ lone loss this season is to fellow 6-1 team Oklahoma State, while they own wins over Iowa State and BYU. Their success has some wondering if head coach Dave Aranda might be a candidate at LSU, where he spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator from 2016-19.

Texas has talent but for about the 20th time (or is it 200?), the Longhorns are not back. A win at Baylor will help make Steve Sarkisian’s first season more of a success though.

Texas Longhorns (4-3) vs Baylor Bears (6-1), ABC, 12:00 p.m. ET

Texas Longhorns vs Baylor Bears College Football Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Texas Longhorns +128
• Baylor Bears -158

Total

• OVER 61.5 (-110)
• UNDER 61.5 (-110)

Spread

• Texas Longhorns +2.5 (+104)
• Baylor Bears -2.5 (-128)

Texas Longhorns vs. Baylor Bears college football betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Texas Longhorns vs Baylor Bears Best Bet

Baylor -2.5

Texas was off last week. They needed a break after back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. In both losses, the Longhorns led by double digits in the second half but couldn’t close out either game.

Texas has been able to build leads thanks to the running of Bijan Robinson, but when that well runs dry they have struggled. Texas is more than talented enough to beat any team in the Big 12, but playing a full four quarters has eluded them all season. There is definitely no intimidation factor with this team.

The Bears are enjoying a nice second season under coach Aranda. The Bears have been much improved on offense this season. They are about as balanced as it gets, averaging 238 rushing yards per game and 233 passing yards per game. They are also not turning the ball over on offense, so when combined with the improved defense it is easy to see why they have the record they do. It is just that nobody expected them to turn things around so quickly in Waco.

This spread feels a bit like a trap. I like the Bears a lot, but I would much rather have them in an underdog role than one where they are supposed to win at home. Thankfully, they don’t have to win by much. They are the much steadier team, and that has value at this point of the season. I love how they can run the ball and frustrate opponents. You might want to wait here, however. I think Texas money is going to come in and you can get a better price.

Texas vs Baylor College Football Score Prediction

Baylor 27, Texas 24