Saturday, September 27, 2014

Jack Trice Stadium in Ames

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Things got ugly the last time Baylor (3-0) met Iowa State (1-2). The Cyclones found themselves nearly five TD underdogs last October in Waco, but spotted the Bears a 64-0 lead before finally losing 71-7. Oddsmakers seem to be expecting a better showing from ISU in Ames, making Baylor “only” a 3 TD favorite on the road.

It's easy to see why Iowa State's defensive coordinator Wally Burnham is waking up in cold sweats this week. The undefeated Baylor Bears bring with them the #1 scoring offense at 59.3 PPG fueled by the country's #3 passing offense. The Bears haven't exactly lined up against contenders for the FBS' first playoff appearance though, beating SMU 45-0 to start the year followed by a 70-6 thrashing of Northwestern St. and a 63-21 winging of Buffalo. Even with star QB Bryce Petting missing the second game of the year with a back injury, backup quarterback Seth Russell stepped in to throw for 438 yards and 5 TD's...in the first half.

Everybody knows Baylor can score, the question is can Iowa State? The Cyclones headed into last week's bye after somehow upsetting in-state rival Iowa 24-20 in Iowa City. Prior to that ISU had posted a close 32-28 loss to #20 Kansas State on their resume but also a 20 point upset loss to North Dakota State 34-14 in the opener. The combination of QB Sam B. Richardson and Jarvis West have run for a little over 100 yards each and the nation's 116th ranked rushing offense is barely overshadowed by a passing attack putting up just over 200 YPG.

On paper Baylor has an intimidating defense to go with that offense. In truth though the 9.0 PPG allowed is more of a product of poor opponents than it is a dominating unit. The Cyclones represent Baylor's first real test of the year and one positive thing going for ISU is that the home team has won the last 4 battles between the two, including a 35-21 Iowa State win two years ago.

Baylor Bears Betting Trends

Baylor Bears are 3-0-0 Against the Spread

Baylor Bears are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends

Iowa State Cyclones are 2-1-0 Against the Spread

Iowa State Cyclones are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Baylor Bears

09/21/14 WR Antwan Goodley Leg missed last game, probable Saturday vs. Iowa State
09/21/14 WR Clay Fuller Collarbone "?" Saturday vs. Iowa State
09/21/14 WR Corey Coleman Hamstring missed last game, probable Saturday vs. Iowa State
09/21/14 Backup RB Devin Chafin Ankle "?" Saturday vs. Iowa State
09/04/14 WR Levi Norwood Wrist out indefinitely

Iowa State Cyclones

09/21/14 OL Daniel Burton Leg injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Baylor
09/21/14 WR Jarvis West Undisclosed injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Baylor
09/15/14 OL Jacob Dunning Achilles out for season
09/15/14 WR P.J. Harris Leg out indefinitely
09/08/14 LB Levi Peters Leg out for season
09/04/14 OL Jacob Gannon Personal has left team
09/01/14 WR Quenton Bundrage Knee out for season
08/08/14 OL Ben Loth Knee out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Baylor

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