During the last four games of the Texas Bowl, only one has been decided by less than 22 points. Today's matchup between Baylor (7-5, 5-7 ATS) and Illinois (6-6, 8-4 ATS) should be closer. Both teams are similar with dual threat quarterbacks who can both pass and run the ball. Baylor's Robert Griffin threw for 3,195 yards, 21 TDs, 8 Ints and ran for 591 yards and 8 touchdowns. Nathan Scheelhasse for Illinois threw for 1,583 yards, 17 TDs and rushed for 815 yards. Baylor has the more balanced offense averaging 200 yards rushing and 278 yards passing to rank #12 in the nation. Illinois likes to run the ball and can hammer Mikel Leshoure who ran for 1,513 yards and 14 TDs good enough for 8th in the country.
The defenses are far from similar. Baylor's defense has struggled allowing 160 yards rushing (#73) and 267 yards passing (114th). Illinois' defense has been dependable (344 ypg, #38) even though they struggled the last four games allowing nearly 40 points per game. For the season they gave up an average of 24 points a game and will be challenged to keep the Bears at that number.
This is a tough game to call. Illinois has covered just 3 of its last 16 non-conference games but were money eight times on the season. Baylor has not been a covering machine this season winning just 5 of 12. The Bears will have the home field advantage with Waco just three hours from Houston. The kicking game also favors the Bears.
My sense says Baylor but my gut favors Illinois. The best play might be the total. 12 of the last 14 games these two teams played have gone OVER.
My $2 will be on Illinois and the Over. Good luck with your play.
The defenses are far from similar. Baylor's defense has struggled allowing 160 yards rushing (#73) and 267 yards passing (114th). Illinois' defense has been dependable (344 ypg, #38) even though they struggled the last four games allowing nearly 40 points per game. For the season they gave up an average of 24 points a game and will be challenged to keep the Bears at that number.
This is a tough game to call. Illinois has covered just 3 of its last 16 non-conference games but were money eight times on the season. Baylor has not been a covering machine this season winning just 5 of 12. The Bears will have the home field advantage with Waco just three hours from Houston. The kicking game also favors the Bears.
My sense says Baylor but my gut favors Illinois. The best play might be the total. 12 of the last 14 games these two teams played have gone OVER.
My $2 will be on Illinois and the Over. Good luck with your play.