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BYU linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa makes a sack during the 26-17 Cougar loss to Boise State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo

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BYU players come out of the tunnel and take the field before the 26-17 Cougar loss to Boise State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo

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BYU defenders prepare for the ball to be snapped during the 26-17 Cougar loss to Boise State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Courtesy BYU Photo)

BYU_PHOTO

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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake (left) watches his team compete during the 26-17 Cougar loss to Boise State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (Courtesy BYU Photo)

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Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Baylor matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas:

BYU offense vs. Baylor defense

For the first time in 2021, the Cougars struggled to put up points in the loss to Boises State. Jaren Hall and Co. should be fired up to not make that mistake again. The Bears have a solid defense with athletes all over the field, so BYU will have to execute at a high level.

Edge: BYU

BYU defense vs. Baylor offense

The Cougar defense is going up against its most explosive opponent and it will be tested, particularly in the run game. BYU hasn’t proven it can consistently stop opponents on the ground, which means the Cougars might have to commit more guys and risk giving up big plays to the potent Bear attack.

Edge: Baylor

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has the challenge of correcting things that went wrong and getting everyone on the same page, which is a much different test after a loss. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has done well to get the Bears playing at a high level after some struggles last year. There are a lot of connections and history between the two coaching staffs.

Edge: Even

Intangibles

The Cougars have to play outside the region for the first time and it’s never easy to play in Texas, where the football fans are very passionate. The weather shouldn’t be an issue but penalties and turnovers definitely will be. Mistake could cause big problems for both teams.

Edge: Even

Key Matchup: BYU linebackers vs. the Baylor running backs

Led by senior Abram Smith, the Bears average more than 227 yards per game on the ground. BYU has been decent statistically against the run but that has been aided by the fact that opponents have had to play from behind in most games. Payton Wilgar, Max Tooley, Pepe Tanuvasa and the other Cougar linebackers have to play well for that to be the case for BYU again.

Edge: Baylor

Prediction

Victory or defeat will probably hinge on which teams limits mistakes. While overall the Cougars have been impressive in that department, Baylor presents a unique combination of challenges. It will be a close, exciting game where both teams will have chances to come out on top. In those types of games, it is often the home team that has the slight edge and this outcome will be no different.

Baylor 31, BYU 25

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