Baylor at W Virginia – Preview and Prediction
W VIRGINIA 17 BAYLOR (68)
MEGALOCKS LINE – W Virginia -14.5 Sagarin ratings – Sagarin -10.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: W Virginia 42.5 Baylor 25.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: W Virginia 38 Baylor 26
The Game
At the beginning of the season, one may have thought this game might mean just a bit more. W Virginia has held up their end of the bargain (9-2 record) but the Baylor Bears have gone into FREE FALL losing 5 straight games.
The Match-Up
W Virginia offense vs Baylor defense
The Mountaineers have been really balanced and effective on offense this season and should be a handful for a struggling Baylor defense. There are not too many teams in the top 25 in both rushing and passing offense (MEGALOCKS INTERNS can do some research) but the Mountaineers are one of those teams. RB Justin Crawford will have 1,000 yards rushing after this game and we are big fans of QB Skyler Howard. Baylor has given up 62,45,45,54 the past four games and appear to be in quit mode. Have fun.
Baylor offense vs W Virginia defense
Freshman QB Z Smith has done a fine job at QB all things considered this season after taking over for an injured Seth Russell. The running game has been good. The problem is that there is just too much pressure on the offense to score on almost every possession due to the play of their defense. W Virginia has only allowed three teams to get 30+ points this season which is pretty impressive given their Big 12 schedule. Baylor turns it over too much, takes too many penalties and does not possess the ball long enough for us to think they can hang with the Mountaineers for four quarters.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
Baylor has lost five straight games and failed to cover in all five of those contests……Baylor has been outscored 311-265 in Big 12 play this season and that includes games vs Iowa St and Kansas….W Virginia probably remembers the PRISON STYLE BEAT DOWN last year when Baylor abused them 62-38.
Summary
No way we can trust Baylor. The spread is a bit inflated but we have liked this W Virginia team all season and think they can deliver the goods this week.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Strong lean to WV up to -18. Still considering for an official play but will likely pass. Small potatoes is recommended.