BAYLOR PASS OFFENSE VS TEXAS PASS DEFENSE
This isn't the high-flying Baylor offense fans have come to expect and the passing game has been a bit inconsistent this year. Quarterback Seth Russell ranks seventh in the conference in yards per game (one yard behind Shane Buechele) and he's fifth in passing efficiency. The vertical ball has been an issue K.D. Cannon is the team's best receiver and one of the best Texas will see this year. He had been banged up with a groin issue but should be close to 100 percent this week, and people close to the program feel he's on the verge of stepping into a lead role similar to what Baylor has had in the past with guys like Corey Coleman. The next two guys would be Chris Platt and Blake Lynch. Both have been productive but somewhat inconsistent.
Edge: Baylor ***
BAYLOR RUN OFFENSEVS TEXAS RUN DEFENSE
Shock Linwood is Baylor's all time leading rusher and all time leading TD scorer. He's currently third in the conference in rushing at 83.3 yards per game. Linwood got off to a bit of a slow start but has really come on the last few games. He had a career high 237 at Iowa State two games ago. Linwood suffered an injury last year and some close to the program feel he's not as explosive as he was before, but he's settling into his role now and has been very good of late. Terence Williams has been good as well and ranks eighth in the conference in rushing yards. JaMycal Hasty is used in spot duties and they'll sometimes motion him into the slot as a wide receiver.
Edge: Baylor ***
BAYLOR OFFENSIVE LINE VS TEXAS DEFENSIVE LINE
This is a group that looked really bad in the spring and first two games of the year, but it has picked it up of late and played much better. It's not overly athletic group but has been improving. The line doesn't have a ton of depth and has been fortunate to stay healthy. Senior center Kyle Fuller is the anchor and has been really good after a slow start.
Edge: Texas *
TEXAS PASS OFFENSE VS BAYLOR PASS DEFENSE
Baylor fields the number one-ranked pass defense in the Big 12 in terms of both yards given up per game and pass efficiency. It also leads the conference in interceptions with 8. Orion Stewart is having a really good year at one of the safety spots. Cornerback Ryan Reid is the team's best cover man and he too is having a really good year. The pass rush has been decent which has helped the secondary as well. The secondary has been the most consistent part of Baylor's defense, although the Bears have run through three different guys at the corner spot opposite of Reid so that could be an area Texas tries to attack.
Edge: Baylor **
TEXAS RUN OFFENSE VS BAYLOR RUN DEFENSE
Baylor predominantly runs a 3-4 and when they go four linebackers, that group may be the best of the Bears' defense. Travon Blanchard and Patrick Levels are both having a great year. Blanchard missed the first two games of the year after suffering a knee injury in fall camp, but has come back strong with 7.5 tackles for loss in just four games. He and Levels have combined for 15 tackles for loss and have had a hand in 8 turnovers as well. Aiavion Edwards has been really good in the middle as well. The 3-4 funnels everything to the linebackers, so these guys have been very active.
Edge: Texas ***
TEXAS OFFENSIVE LINE VS BAYLOR DEFENSIVE LINE
Not having Bravvion Roy is a big hit for Baylor's defensive line. He got his first start against Iowa State and ended up injuring his elbow early in that game. Tyrone Hunt has slid into tackle and has been pretty decent. This is a group that hasn't really been tested in the first six weeks with the type of the athleticism it will see in games starting this week so the Baylor line is going to have to play well and still has to prove itself.
Edge: Texas *
SPECIAL TEAMS
Baylor's kicking game has been terrible with two players combining to make just 6-11 attempts. Chris Callahan has trouble outside about 35 yards (long of 38 this year) and the coaches have basically called the placekicking an open competition moving forward. The punting by Drew Galitz has been good, the coverage units have been solid and the return games have been pretty average.
Edge: Texas *
INTANGIBLES
Your guess is as good as mine on this one. On one hand, it's a Baylor team that is undefeated but has played a creampuff schedule (as usual). On the other, you have a Texas team that could come out fighting since its back is against the wall, or it could totally implode. Baylor has obviously shown a better knack for winning, including a victory over Oklahoma State, but Texas gets the slightest of nods since it's at home.
Edge: Texas *
