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Baylor Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Texas in Week 9

By Matt Workman

WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 2: John Lovett #7 of the Baylor Bears breaks a tackle from Brandon Tillmon #12 of the Liberty Flames during the first half at McLane Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
WACO, TX - SEPTEMBER 2: John Lovett #7 of the Baylor Bears breaks a tackle from Brandon Tillmon #12 of the Liberty Flames during the first half at McLane Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Baylor football welcomes rival Texas to McLane Stadium in a potential must-see matchup of freshman quarterbacks.

Baylor has had a very tough season. Of the seven losses, Baylor has had opportunity to win in all but one. This week they will face Texas and freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Texas has had similar losses but with a stout Texas defense they have found ways to win a few games.

These teams are in similar situation with Baylor having more young players in pivotal roles. Baylor is 0-7 and searching for that elusive first win. Baylor had a wild fourth quarter to almost come back from 25-point deficit. But it was another close loss in fourth quarter. Freshman quarterback Charlie Brewer can into the game and lit a spark for entire team. The future is definitely bright for this young Baylor team.

Texas on the other hand played a great defensive game in Week 8, holding Oklahoma State to only 10 points in regulation. However an ill-advised pass in overtime led to an interception that sealed the game for the Cowboys.

Both these teams have first-year head coaches and have had a number of tough losses in end of games this year. Eventually Baylor is going to put a whole game together. Texas will grow with all these  losses and be a better team for it. With Ehlinger and Brewer, you could be seeing future of Big 12 football in central Texas.

Here is how you can watch Saturday’s Baylor vs. Texas matchup:

Related Story: Baylor, don't give up on Matt Rhule

Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Waco, Texas
Venue: McLane Stadium
TV: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Baylor will need to have a solid game plan offensively. Texas strength is its defense especially its front seven. Baylor will need to have a plan to deal with pass rush. The most effective plan would be to start Charlie Brewer, who brings and added element to quarterback position. His mobility could add another wrinkle that would allow Baylor offense to be more productive and keep defense honest.

On the defensive side of the ball, Baylor needs to establish a pass rush. Ehlinger is a talented athlete and they need to find a way to make him uncomfortable to possibly make poor choices. If Baylor can stop run game of Texas and make some plays in pass defense this game could be very interesting.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 8

Prediction

Both of these teams have been hot and cold this year. Texas has shown flashes and has managed to put together three wins. Baylor, on the other hand, has made progress but has yet to put a complete game together. This game is going to be more of the same. Both teams will look good and make mistakes and going into fourth quarter it will be a one score game. Home-field advantage is the difference and Baylor finally has a complete game and surprises Texas and comes away with the three-point victory.

Final Score: Baylor 38, Texas 35

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