No. 23 Wake Forest at Baylor, 8 p.m. (FSN)
Line: Wake Forest by 12.
Series Record: Baylor leads 4-0.
Last Meeting: 1961, Baylor 31-0
What’s at Stake
Wake Forest’s first preseason ranking in school history. For Baylor, it’s a chance for new coach Art Briles to pull a big upset at a program desperate to lose its reputation as a perennial loser.
Key Matchup
Baylor’s offensive line vs. Wake Forest’s defensive front. Baylor’s hopes of a turnaround start up front, where four starters are back. The Bears ranked 113th in nation last year in rushing, averaging 77 yards per game.
Players to watch
Wake Forest: CB Alphonso Smith, who returned three interceptions for touchdowns last season, could have a big game against a team with unresolved quarterback situation.
Baylor: Whoever lines up at QB. Briles has been keeping his starter secret after preseason competition between Robert Griffin, Kirby Freeman and Blake Szymanski. Freeman transferred from Miami.
Figures
Wake Forest has never won a game in the state of Texas in 11 tries. … Wake Forest’s Riley Skinner, only a junior, will become the winningest starting QB in school history with one more victory, his 19th. … First games have not been kind to Baylor head coaches. Five of the last six lost their debut with Bears.
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