Game Predictions: Baylor Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Baylor Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders will continue their Big 12 bout this upcoming season on Saturday, Oct. 29 in at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.
The all-time head-to-head series is neck and neck, as Baylor leads 40-39-1 dating back to 1929. The Bears beat Tech 27-24 last season in Waco.
The Red Raiders are experiencing a lot of turnover in their program as they only return two offensive linemen from last year's squad. Texas Tech is also in the midst of a quarterback battle between Tyler Shough and Donavan Smith. Their offense though will likely remain explosive with the return of dual running backs Tahj Brooks and SaRodorick Thompson who combined for 1,068 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
Texas Tech will have no problem scoring points this year, but their kryptonite of late has been defense. New coach Joey McGuire, who spent the past five seasons as an assistant at Baylor, will try to improve a unit that gave up an average of 30 points and over 400 yards a game in 2021. The key will be improving the secondary which allowed 268 passing yards per game and ranked last in the Big 12.
Texas Tech remains a long-shot betting pick to win the conference sitting at +4500 to win the Big 12, via DraftKings.
Here at InsideTheBears.com, we've gone over a general preview of the Red Raiders as well as offensive and defensive players to watch.
Now, the staff at InsideTheBears.com reveals its game predictions for Baylor's matchup with Texas Tech.
Matt Galatzan - Editor-in-Chief
Texas Tech is in a rebuilding phase, and Bayor could very well be in the hunt for a repeat of a Big 12 title. I think that, while Joey McGuire will know what to expect from the Bears, Baylor will have too much talent and cohesion for the Red Raiders to overcome.
It's close in the first half, but Baylor pulls away in the end.
Baylor 38, Texas Tech 24
Cole Thompson - Reporter/Columnist
One team is coming off a Big 12 title and a 12-win season. The other finished with seven wins and learning the ins and outs of the new staff.
Tech by this point of the season will have its quarterback conundrum solved. The offensive line should be in sync under new offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. Baylor wins, but this isn’t going to be a walk in the park.
Baylor 35, Texas Tech 27
Timm Hamm - Staff Writer
Tech came very close to beating Baylor last season in a 27-24 loss, but make no mistake, the Bears are a far superior team to the Red Raiders. Tech will be improved under first-year head coach Joey McGuire, but we might not notice that improvement on the scoreboard quite yet. Especially against teams like Baylor. This one might get out of hand early.
Baylor 37, Texas Tech 17
Connor Zimmerlee - Staff Writer
In last season's matchup, the Bears were able to avoid the upset and leave McLane Stadium with a narrow 27-24 victory. As the Bears look to repeat as Big 12 champions, they will need to avoid possible trap games like this on their schedule, with Oklahoma waiting for them after this one. The Red Raiders will keep it close but the Bears use a strong fourth quarter to pull away for the victory.
Baylor 38, Texas Tech 24
Matthew Postins - Staff Writer
This game is intriguing since Joey McGuire worked for Dave Aranda at Baylor. But it would be unwise to call McGuire an Aranda disciple. They didn't work together long enough, and McGuire served as the bridge to Texas high school coaches for both Aranda and his predecessor, Matt Rhule.
It's also intriguing because of McGuire's infectious energy in trying to quickly rebuild the Red Raiders, juxtaposed against Aranda's cool, calculating demeanor. Right now, Baylor is the more talented team and, frankly, the more experienced at winning.
Baylor 34, Texas Tech 28
Zach Dimmitt - Staff Writer
Tech fell just short against Baylor last season but will now have and a coach who understands how the Bears' system works.
The addition of coach Joey McGuire shouldn't be overlooked, especially in this matchup. Due to his five years of experience with Baylor, he and the team as a whole should have an extra edge for this game.
Getting back quarterback Tyler Shough this time around should give Tech the edge at home in a game that is a true toss-up. But give me the Red Raiders in a mini upset in this one.
Texas Tech 26, Baylor 24
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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