Way-Too-Early Staff Predictions: Baylor vs. Texas Longhorns
The Baylor Bears will make the trip down south to Austin visit the Texas Longhorns on Friday, Nov. 25 to close out Big 12 play and the 2022 regular season.
Texas leads the all-time series 79-28-4 dating back to 1901. But Baylor got the best of Texas last season in Waco, winning 31-24 in what was a dominant performance for coach Dave Aranda's rushing attack.
Baylor running back Abram Smith had 21 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown while Trestan Ebner has 12 carries for 66 yards.
Baylor enters this season ranked No. 10 while the Longhorns are unranked the begin the year for the first time since 2016. For the Bears, they'll see if they can live up to expectations by the time this end-of-season matchup comes around. For Texas, it will be a test to potentially prove doubters wrong.
Coach Steve Sarkisian enters his second season at the helm in Austin after a disappointing 5-7 record last year. The Longhorns got off to a solid 4-1 start but proceeded to lose six in a row before winning their final game of the season. As a head coach, Sarkisian has a combined record of 51-42.
Despite the losing season, the Longhorns were third in the Big 12 in total offensive yards per game (424.8) and were the second-best rushing offense by average yardage (199.3).
After former Longhorn Casey Thompson got the start in Waco last season, the role at quarterback will now be occupied by Ohio State transfer Quinn Ewers, who has still yet to complete a collegiate pass.
On defense, Texas allowed the third-most total yards (5,107) and rushing yards per game (201.6) while allowing the fourth-most points per game (31.1).
Texas also tied the Kansas Jayhawks for the fewest interceptions last season with just seven picks.
Here at InsideTheBears.com, we've already covered a general preview of the Longhorns as well as offensive and defensive players to watch.
Now, the staff at InsideTheBears.com gives its game predictions for Texas vs. Baylor.
Matt Galatzan - Editor in Chief
Not only will Texas be out for revenge in this game, but it will also likely be the final game at DKR for Bijan Robinson, DeMarvion Overshown, and many other top Longhorns.
Will that be enough for the Horns to upset Baylor? My pick might change between now and Thanksgiving, but right now, I think they pull off the upset with a late field goal.
Texas 26, Baylor 24
Cole Thompson - Reporter/Columnist
Baylor heads to Austin to close out its season. The Horns have Quinn Ewers commanding the huddle, but the Bears’ defensive line is scary talented. Not to mention, QB Blake Shapen should be in stride with his receivers, making it easy for him to connect all over the field.
A win on the Forty Acres sends Baylor back to Arlington with a chance to repeat as Big 12 champs.
Baylor 34, Texas 30
Connor Zimmerlee - Staff Writer
This game last season was yet another Texas-blown halftime lead, which was a problem for the Longhorns in year one under coach Steve Sarkisian. The Bears outscored the Longhorns 14-3 in the fourth quarter, going on to win 31-24. While the Longhorns might blow another halftime lead in this one, they likely won't beat the Bears regardless.
Baylor is the Big 12 favorite once again for a reason, and while Texas will make this game competitive, it will not quite get the job done against Baylor.
Baylor 35, Texas 31
Matthew Postins - Staff Writer
A wide-open Big 12 means this game could certainly mean something. In fact, I would count on the fact that at least one of these teams could advance to the Big 12 Championship Game with a win. Perhaps it's a winner-take-all game.
Baylor has fewer question marks going into the season than Texas, but not by much. Texas' quarterback play, one could argue, could be at a higher level by this point. The game is in Austin. Give me Texas by a field goal.
Texas 31, Baylor 28
Zach Dimmitt - Staff Writer
The Bears held Bijan Robinson to his lowest rushing total of the season in last year's win over Texas.
It's hard to predict how these teams will look once late November rolls around, but Dave Aranda has proved he has a game plan capable of shutting down the Texas offense.
Until Steve Sarkisian proves he can counter, Baylor will still be primed for another trip to the Big 12 title game.
Baylor 32, Texas 29
Timm Hamm - Staff Writer
It's hard to imagine the Longhorns not being overmatched in this one, even with home-field advantage. And as improved as they're going to be, they're not on the same level as Baylor or Oklahoma State in the Big 12 yet.
A disappointing home loss awaits the Longhorns to finish the season.
Baylor 41, Texas 27
Denton Ramsey - Staff Writer
Many out there may find it hard to believe the Baylor Bears football team can beat the Texas Longhorns again, but that reality is coming soon.
Coach Dave Aranda, Blake Shapen and the upbeat Bears will be clicking on all cylinders in Austin as Baylor cruises to another Big 12 win over their interstate rivals.
Baylor 35, Texas 24
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