BYU football vs Baylor game score prediction: Cougars escape Waco with a win

There's something about #22 BYU that sounds right. Maybe it's because it rhymes, or because we are in the Top 25. But the best reason is because we earned it after defeating Kansas State, who dropped from 13 to 23 after the Cougars gave them a blowout loss. Now the Cougs will head to Bear Country to face the 2-2 Baylor Bears.

After a surprising upset blowout at home against Kansas State, BYU will look to ride some momentum into Waco. Sitting atop the Big 12, the Cougars will be eager to prove themselves to the country. BYU's defense is halting offenses and Sione I Moa has been dominant with both LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati out with injury. Sione I Moa ran for 76 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown. I Moa's powerful running mixed with Retzlaff's emerging pass game could spell disaster for opponents. Mix that with a great special teams group and BYU is looking strong.

Dominant Defense

After being walked over last season, BYU's defense came out with something to prove. They seem to have been shot out of a cannon and they haven't slowed down. Averaging 8.25 points against in four games, this defense, led by Jay Hill, has come out firing. Senior Defensive End Tyler Batty and Junior Linebacker Jack Kelly leading the charge, BYU's defense is looking unstoppable. Eight turnovers in the first four games is an impressive feat, with a majority of those coming against Power 4 opposition. If BYU can keep the pressure up and make quarterbacks nervous, it could be a dominant season.

BYU's defense will be tested on the road with Baylor coming out angry after losing a heartbreaker against Colorado in overtime 38-31. The Bear's offense will be looking to take their frustrations out against the strong BYU Defense. It will be a battle at the line of scrimmage with both lines fighting for supremacy. Tyler Batty and the defensive line will have a tall task with an Offensive Line that averages 6 feet 5 inches and 310 pounds. However, if the turnover-hungry defense keeps getting takeaways, this could be a very good look for the Cougars.

On top of a stellar secondary that forces turnovers, BYU's defensive front is good at putting pressure on the quarterback. The Cougars currently have seven sacks, doubling last year's total through four games. If the defensive line can get home, it will be a tough day for the Bears quarterback Dequan Finn. The BYU defense is good at stopping the run, so if Baylor wants to gain yardage, it will have to be through the air. Also, if Cougar Nation does its job and fills McLane Stadium with blue, it could turn the game on its head.

The Bear's Fight

The Baylor Bears are no stranger to adversity, finishing 2023 with an abysmal 3-9 record. The Bears have a lot to prove and are looking to turn their program around and a morning game against #22 BYU is the perfect opportunity to correct their course. Baylor remembers the last time they played BYU, losing 26-20 in Provo. The Bears are hungry and are desperate for a statement win against a strong team like BYU.

Baylor's only other ranked foe so far was Utah, which ended in a 23-12 loss in Salt Lake. This could be a point of emphasis for Coach Aranda and his staff, reminding the team that they can slay giants. They could be looking at that as motivation to beat BYU.

BYU vs Baylor Game Score Prediction.

BYU is undefeated, coming off of a win against a talented Kansas State team. They have momentum and will look to keep it going as the underdog. The offense will need to score fast and often and the defense will need to stay aggressive.

Baylor is struggling to beat strong competition this season, falling to both Colorado and Utah. If they can get the win on Saturday, it could be a season-changing victory. If Baylor gives their fans something to cheer about, it could be a tough game for BYU.

Score Prediction: BYU: 28, Baylor 27.

More BYU Cougars News: