Week 5 of the NCAAF season features a significant matchup between the undefeated BYU Cougars (4-0) and the Baylor Bears (2-2) at McLane Stadium. Scheduled for a noon kickoff on Fox Sports 1, this game presents a crucial challenge for both teams. BYU aims to maintain their perfect record, while Baylor looks to rebound and establish consistency in their season. Our elite NCAAF free picks provide a comprehensive breakdown of the game dynamics to help fans and bettors make informed decisions.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears 9/28/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | McLane Stadium |
| TV: | FOX Sports 1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
BYU Cougars (4-0) vs. Baylor Bears (2-2)
In order for the BYU Cougars to remain in contention, they need to remain on the same pace as well. As earlier stated, their game plan has been a changing offensive one with their best rushers and players able to receive as well. Sione I Moa, with his 21 rushes for 93 yards and a TD, 4.4 average in yards per carry, has had an important contribution in their rushing game. There might not be a great amount of yardage. Still, Moa is not a waste in these instances as his performance does conform to the tumble in rushing that is portrayed in the game between Ohio St vs Michigan St today, where ground wheels are the most dominant. In the passing arena, Chase Roberts emerges as one of the leading receivers on the team, with 310 receiving yards on 17 receptions, averaging 18.2 receiving yards per catch. There is no doubt that Roberts will be put on certain plays where key receptions have to be made, and he will respond. One of the more receptor-oriented aspects of the game for BYU will be Roberts making long passes with his longest of 30 yards throwing, which is of persisting importance in the offense of BYU.
Whether one team is assessing its strengths and weaknesses or a scout is analyzing the key players of the rival, it has to be admitted that each team has its unique playing style. Thus, Baylor Bears can be put in another category, as they boast neither overwhelming rushing nor brilliant passing games but polish both aspects equally. Dawson Pendergrass is crucial, with 157 rushing yards out of 34 attempts for a completion ratio of 4.6 yards per rush and a total of one TD. At the same time, Josh Cameron fills Baylor’s receiving corps to an extent, tallying 142 yards on 9 catches with an average depth of target 15.8 yards. Cameron is what helps Hack for more attempts for Baylor when there is a need for a robust battering ram down the field and to move the progression forward. A similar game will feature Nebraska vs Purdue today.
Jake Retzlaff QB vs. Sawyer Robertson QB
While Retzlaff looks to make the necessary throws to lead the Cougars, he also understands how to run the offense. Retzlaff has thrown 990 yards out of 115 attempts for 990 yards with 72 completions, giving him a completion rate of 62.6%. His effectiveness is recorded at 8.6 yards per pass diamond with nine touchdowns and three interceptions, showing that his attention was more on the business side of making points than repelling risks. Though he was sacked five times, Retzlaff had 155.5 passer-induced efficiency while managing risks, which improved with increased pocket movement to decrease the number of sacks.
In other respect, Baylor’s quarterback Sawyer Robertson is composed in making plays and directs the offensive side. Of the fifty times, Robertson attempted to throw the ball, he converted thirty-two of them effectively for a total of four hundred and sixty-three yards which translates to sixty-four percent success rate in the field. At 9.3 yards on average per pass attempt including three touchdowns and no interception, shows improved accuracy with turnover risks at a minimum. A passer rating of 161.6 for Robertson is quite encouraging, although this is likely to improve as he is understood to manage external rush pressures and broaden his play action in a bid to improve fluidity against structured defences.
Retzlaff and Robertson prepare themselves for the clash and the variety of styles will change the dynamics of the game. Retzlaff’s approach of using numerous ways of passing to the ball will be a challenge to Baylor’s secondary, while Robertson’s emphasis is on accuracy – being able to construct long drives with minimal mistakes. Their ability will determine how well the team implements its strategy of dictating the course of the game and creating chances to score.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Baylor Bears Spread -3.5, Total Odds: 45.5
Baylor enters the matchup as the slight favorite with a -3.5 spread, reflecting a tight contest expected at home. The total, set at 45.5, suggests a measured scoring encounter, likely shaped by strategic play control and defensive setups. Evaluating these odds, bettors need to consider Baylor’s home advantage while weighing BYU’s undefeated form as they challenge the spreads.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
BYU’s current trends show a 6-0 ATS record, reflecting competence in exceeding expectations. A consistent 4-1 SU pattern strengthens their profile, emphasizing dominance typically aligned with tactical adaptability. Although they have struggled SU against Big 12 opponents, their success in September and ATS performance denotes resilience in strategic engagements.
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Conversely, Baylor has shown a positive 4-1 ATS record despite challenges, marked by a 2-7 SU indicator suggesting periodic underperformances. A noted total under bias acknowledges their strategic predilection, refining attempts towards posited components resourcing nuanced differential choice enactment.
BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears 9/28/24 Betting Picks
Analyzing game composition, projections lean in favor of Baylor covering considering synergies syncing formational control within venue guides. Meanwhile, BYU’s precision efforts dictate competitive reflects accentuating narrowed differentials by plausible transition augmentations.
Addressing top premium picks endorses props surrounding turnover potentials, red zone advances, and diverse quarterback interactions. Extensive utilization aligns transformative analysis addresses broader context integrations amalgamating precision with deferred betting certainties.