No. 7 BAYLOR (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) at TEXAS (2-2, 1-0), 3:30 (ABC)
Line: Baylor by 16 1/2.
Series Record: Texas leads 74-25-4
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Baylor is out to prove its early-season schedule full of patsies was just a tune-up for big things the Big 12. And the Bears can keep putting the pressure on Texas, which has lost three of the last four in a rivalry that has historically been dominated by the Longhorns. For Texas, being a two-touchdown underdog at home seems shocking. A win could be the kind of thing that jump starts the season for first-year coach Charlie Strong
KEY MATCHUP
Baylor’s speedy wide receivers against Texas cornerbacks Duke Thomas and Quandre Diggs. Baylor freshman KD Cannon ranks fifth nationally, averaging 130 yards receiving per game and has touchdown catches of 46, 50, 81, 42 and 89 yards. The Bears return Levi Norwood, who missed three games because of a wrist injury, and Antwan Goodley had six catches for 114 yards last week against Iowa State. Thomas and Diggs have combined for four of Texas’ nine interceptions.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Baylor: RB Shock Linwood. Quarterback Bryce Petty and the passing game grabs the headlines, but the Bears can steal big yards with a running game that can move the chains and draws in defensive backs. Linwood scored three touchdowns last week and if he’s grinding out yards, Petty will set up the deep ball.
Texas: QB Tyrone Swoopes still has a long way to go but seems to be getting better every week after being thrust into the starting role after recurring concussion symptoms forced David Ash to quit football. He’ll have to play his best game yet if Texas hopes to keep up with the Bears’ offense.
FACTS & FIGURES
Baylor won the Big 12 title last season by beat Texas 30-10, a victory that led to Texas coach Mack Brown being fired a week later … Baylor leads the nation in scoring (56.8 ppg) and total offense (641 ypg) … Texas has struggled on offense. The Longhorns rank 104th nationally in scoring, averaging 21 points.
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