SicEmSports.com - SicEmSports.com Staff Predictions

September 25, 2009

SicEmSports.com Staff

Most major college football teams try to schedule far inferior opponents to start the season to allow them to workout kinks and get back into game form without the risk of losing the game. Baylor decided to buck that trend and started the season with two teams that could end up in bowl games this year, and finished with a respectable 1-1 record against them.

Following Baylor's 30-22 loss to the UConn Huskies last weekend, the Bears will get to take out their frustrations Saturday when FCS opponent Northwestern State comes to Floyd-Casey Stadium. With an 0-3 record this season the Demons shouldn't present much of a challenge to Art Briles and the Bears, who hope the game will be well in hand by at least halftime.

This is the second time this season that the Demons will face an FBS opponent, having lost to Houston 55-7 in their season opener. Their strengths this season have been running the ball and protecting the quarterback. Expect them to rely on running back William Griffin who is averaging over five yards per carry.

Fletcher Rutland

The Connecticut loss was a disappointment for just about everyone around the Baylor program, but the season starts anew on Saturday against the Demons. This is an opportunity to get back to basics and master the fundamentals that will be important for this team to have the successful season that many feel they are capable of having. Baylor needs to play sound, mistake free football on Saturday, and if they do that then they should win comfortably.

Many players and coaches admitted that they never really got into a good rhythm against the Huskies, so finding their offensive identity and getting into a groove will be very important. Baylor has the next three games to work on and perfect what they want to do as a team, and these games will be very important for setting the team up for success the rest of the year.

Score Prediction: Baylor wins 38-13

Todd Wills

Baylor needs to come out and treat this like a mulligan against UConn. The Bears need to be focused and play like they prepared for 60 minutes against one of the best teams in the country.

Robert Griffin is going to be a bigger factor in the running game, especially if Jay Finley is out. This will give Jarred Salubi and Terrance Ganaway a chance to earn more playing time behind Finley. I want to see a surprise come out of this game at receiver, maybe Willie Jefferson or Krys Buerck.

The defense will focus on stopping the run. Castille will provide a good test.

Score Prediction: Baylor 49, Northwestern 20

Blair Leake

If there was ever a week that Baylor could use a tune up game, this is it. Last week, Art Briles' high powered spread put up a humdrum 266 and 11 first downs - against Northwestern, that number should be much higher, especially considering how well Robert Griffin played last year against the Demons.

More so than anything else, look for Baylor to work on re-establishing their rushing attack. No one regrets under-using Jay Finley last week more than Briles. Even if the Bears' feature back doesn't play, expect Baylor to give Northwestern State a heavy dose of draws, counters, and traps to make sure the run-blocking is clicking on all cylinders once their conference schedule kicks in.

Although the Demons have two talented runners in William Griffin and Quentin Castille, they won't be putting up the type of numbers UCONN's tandem did last week. Overall, the Bears should dominate the line of scrimmage on both dies of the ball. If they don't, 2009 will be a long, long year for Art Briles and the Baylor Bears.

Score Prediction: Baylor 47 - 6

Jacob Wolter

After a disappointing game against UConn, the Bears will have a chance to regain some confidence if they can embarrass Northwestern State. If the Bears fail to win by at least three touchdowns, the game will be a letdown.

I look for the Bears to finally let Griffin loose and let him make some decisions in the passing game. This is a great opportunity to see the receivers run down the sidelines and go after a deep pass from RG3. Also, with Finely most likely taking a rest this week, we can see how Gannaway and Salubi fill his shoes.

I have a feeling the Bears will score early and take out their frustrations from last week.

Score Prediction: 45-10 Baylor

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