Iowa State Football: 2018 Game-by-game predictions
10. Baylor (Nov. 10)
The three-game “relaxation slate” in Iowa State’s Big 12 schedule concludes with a matchup against Baylor in the confines of Jack Trice Stadium. Last season the Cyclones found themselves in a defensive grudge match against the Bears that they ultimately pulled away in a 23-13 victory in Waco, Iowa State’s first win against Baylor since 2012. The Bears, while improved, will not be much better than last season.
Last year was the result of the punishments handed down by the NCAA from the university-wide sexual assault scandal that marred the accomplishments of former head coach Art Briles. The Bears won one game – against Kansas- and were blown out time after time after time. There were bright spots however and one of them was quarterback Charlie Brewer, who came on very strong at the end of last season and is ready to have a breakout season in 2018.
Will Baylor football ever be what it was under Art Briles? Most likely not. However, they can still be a consistent 7-5, 8-4 program with a coach like Matt Rhule at the helm, making sure the ship is ran in the correct fashion. The Bears will give Iowa State a fight, but the Cyclones have too much talent in the end for Matt Rhule’s crew to handle.