No. 21 Cincinnati is hosting Baylor for a Week 9 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Bearcats are listed as 3.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 66.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this matchup between these two Big 12 opponents.
Baylor vs. Cincinnati prediction, preview
Baylor Preview
The Baylor Bears are one of the most exciting teams in college football. Win or lose, Baylor always plays an entertaining game. Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson is putting up obscene numbers this season. Robertson is leading the nation in passing yards, averaging an absurd 339.4 passing yards per game. This team struggles to get stops, but Robertson can keep his team in the game against any opponent. The Bears have three losses on the season, losing tight games against TCU and Arizona State in conference, and a game out of conference to Auburn. However, Baylor still has a lot to play for. Most importantly, Dave Aranda is coaching for his job. The Baylor head coach has not been able to break through in the Big 12 the past few seasons. If he wants to keep his job, he needs to finish this season strong.
Cincinnati Preview
Cincinnati is having a great season, breaking into the Top 25. Brendan Sorsby has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country this season. He has been efficient through the air and is dangerous with his legs. He has 24 total touchdowns and just one interception on the season. That being said, Cincinnati has not faced any real tests recently, particularly to its defense. The Bearcats have faced two serious passing attacks this season, Iowa State and Kansas, and those teams scored 30 and 34 points, respectively. This pass defense will be tested against Sawyer Robertson and Baylor. However, just like in those two games, Brendan Sorsby can outduel anyone in the country with the way that he is playing.
Baylor vs. Cincinnati pick, best bet
This is likely to be a shootout between two great offenses, which is why the total is set at 66.5 points. However, my best bet is for Baylor to cover the 3.5-point spread. Sawyer Robertson and this Baylor offense are one of the best in the country. The Bearcats rank 97th in the nation in defensive EPA/pass. They have been exposed when facing real passing attacks like Kansas and Iowa State. Sawyer Robertson will be the best quarterback they’ve seen this season, and he should tear them apart. Cincinnati should be able to score as well. However, Baylor has played a much tougher slate of offenses than Cincinnati has, which is part of the reason for its poor defensive numbers. This game should come down to the wire, making Baylor worth a play when getting three points plus the hook.
