Arizona State vs Baylor: Expert predictions divided ahead of home stand
The Big 12 home opener is now upon us, and our panel of experts is seeing some division in their outcomes for this important matchup with the Bears of Baylor.
Andrew Hayslett (3-0)
Last year, Arizona State beat Baylor in Waco 27-24; both teams had established starting quarterbacks and were 2-1 heading into the game. This year, both teams have one loss and a new SEC transfer quarterback, and the game is in Tempe this year.
Baylor is a top defense, as others have mentioned, allowing 13 points on average this season. It's still early, so I think trends can be thrown out the window, with one of the Bears' games against an FCS opponent and another against a "group of six" school.
It might be a new year, but it will be the same score: Arizona State walks it off on a last-second field goal and wins 27-24.
Aya Abdeen (3-0)
Arizona State will have one of the biggest challenges of the season against a pesky Baylor defense.
Game could depend on how well Cutter Boley and the offense plays for the Sun Devils.
Arizona State wins 27-24
David Howman (3-0)
I have a ton of respect for this Baylor team right now. The offense has been explosive lately, DJ Lagway is settling into a groove, and the defense is a nightmare for quarterbacks. After all, this team is literal inches away from being undefeated right now.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think the Sun Devils drop this one in a slugfest that comes down to the wire. Afterwards, we'll go back and circle one or two miscues on offense and special teams that ultimately flipped the game in Baylor's favor.
Baylor 24 | Arizona State 20
Tom Hardon (2-1)
The Sun Devils will be shaking off the rust when they take the field on Saturday night. Offensive line injuries will be a major factor to watch in front of Cutter Boley against a Baylor defense that hasn't allowed 20 points in a game yet this season.
Until this week, at least. Look for a solid running back rotation to counter the high-flying air raid scheme that Baylor possesses, as this will be a nail-biter to the end.
ASU 24 | Baylor 21
The Sun Devils and Bears will kick off from Mountain America Stadium at 7:30pm Arizona Time on ESPN.
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