Art Briles' tenure at Baylor got off to a rough start with the team producing back to back 4-8 records, but the Bears have turned the corner the last three years. Baylor has produced 25 wins since 2010, which is just one fewer victory than the program amassed between 2003 and 2009. The Bears upward trend should continue this season if the odds makers at 5Dimes are correct. 2013 College Football Predictions at the offshore book are favoring Baylor to win Over 7.5 games at -145 odds ($145 wins $100). Baylor's conference chances are not as optimistic; the Bears are a fifth pick to win the Big 12 at +1500 odds ($100 wins $1500).
Quarterback Nick Florence did a nice job taking the place of Robert Griffin III, throwing for 4309 yards and 33 touchdowns while also rushing for 568 yards and 10 scores. With Florence gone, field general duties will, most likely, fall to junior Bryce Petty. Whoever takes over under center, Briles' offense should continue to put a lot of points on the scoreboard.
The Bears, who averaged 44.5 points per game last year, bring back their top two rushers, including potential Heisman candidate Lache Seastrunk, and they also return a couple of experienced and productive receivers in Tevin Reese and Levi Norwood.
Baylor's defense is, without question, the team's Achilles heel; however, with seven starters back from last year's unit, it should improve. And, frankly, it will need to for the Bears to successfully navigate their league schedule. Baylor faces road meetings with Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and TCU, and it is presently lined as a home dog against Oklahoma and Texas (Golden Nugget).
Baylor Bears 2013 College Football Predictions:
Baylor Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship +25000
Baylor Odds to win the Big 12 Championship +1500 (five of 10)
Baylor Regular Season Wins: Over 7.5 (-145), Under 7.5 (+105)
2013 Schedule with LVH and Golden Nugget Early College Football Game Lines:
8/31 Wofford
9/7 Buffalo
9/21 Louisiana Monroe
10/5 West Virginia (Golden Nugget: Baylor -8)
10/12 at Kansas State (Golden Nugget: Baylor +5)
10/19 Iowa State
10/26 at Kansas
11/7 Oklahoma (Golden Nugget: Baylor +6, LVH: Baylor +6)
11/16 Texas Tech
11/23 at Oklahoma State (Golden Nugget: Baylor +11)
11/30 at TCU (Golden Nugget: Baylor +7, LVH: Baylor +8)
12/7 Texas (Golden Nugget: Baylor +7, LVH: Baylor +6.5)
Betting College Football Openers
Bryan Leonard and host Steve Fezzik discuss strategies for betting betting college football openers.
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