Baylor Bears vs. Kansas State Wildcats Staff Predictions
Baylor returns home to continue Big 12 Conference action when it hosts the Kansas State Wildcats at 6 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.
The contest amounts to an elimination game for the loser when it comes to the Big 12 Championship game.
The Bears (6-3, 4-2 in Big 12) are bowl-eligible after beating Oklahoma, 38-35, on Saturday in Norman, Okla. The win kept the Bears in a tie for second place in the Big 12 standings, two games behind undefeated TCU. Baylor is tied with both Kansas State and Texas.
So there’s a lot on the line for Kansas State (6-3, 4-2) as well.
Here are the Inside the Bears predictions for the game.
Matt Galatzan, Editor in Chief: This will all depend on how Kansas State responds to the Baylor crowd, as well as how they rebound from their disappointing loss to Texas. Baylor on the other hand is in control of its own Big 12 destiny at the moment. Give me the bears. Baylor 34, Kansas State 30
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: A pivotal game in the conference title game race, Baylor and Kansas State might be one of the more underrated matchups in the country this week. The loser could be all but eliminated for a shot at Arlington, but I think Kansas State starts fast and holds off Baylor to remain in contention. Kansas State 37, Baylor 33
Adam Glick, Staff Writer: This is a monster Big 12 tilt going on in Waco. Both teams need a win for the conference title picture and could basically eliminate the other with a victory. Baylor has quietly flown under the conference radar, most recently going to Norman and beating the Sooners. This game will come down to who makes the big plays late, and I think Baylor will do so. The Bears still control their own destiny to play in Dallas and this weekend they take a step toward that game with a win. Baylor 35, Kansas State 30
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: I’m not stunned that Baylor has turned it around. I am a little surprised that they’re still in the race for the Big 12 Championship Game, only because I felt the back-to-back losses to Oklahoma State and West Virginia were going to cripple their chances. Of course, I also thought Oklahoma State was the second-best team in the league. So what do I know? Baylor coach Dave Aranda has built a program that loves to grind, and this is the perfect type of game to let his run game loose. Baylor 31, Kansas State 24
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Baylor is playing smart, physical football thanks to its run game. Last week. Texas totaled 267 yards on the ground while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. The Bears, who lead the FBS in rushing touchdowns, break the tie and inch close to a trip back to Arlington for a shot at the Big 12 title. Baylor 31, Kansas State 20
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: After a rough start to Big 12 play, Baylor has rebounded and is rounding into form down the final stretch, which could spell trouble for Kansas State. I anticipate Baylor will look to get its rushing attack going early and often, as it will control the clock in what will be its seventh win this season. Baylor 35, Kansas State 28
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Baylor Bears? Click Here
Follow Inside the Bears on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnBaylor today! Click here To Listen.
You can follow Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
