BYU vs Baylor At a Glance (Week 11)
- Game Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, UT
- Game Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM
- TV Channel: FOX
- Baylor Bears Record: 6-3 overall, 2-2 on the road
- BYU Cougars Record: 7-2 overall, 5-0 at home
- Game Odds: BYU -275, Baylor +225, Spread BYU -7.5
BYU Cougars Aim to Bounce Back at LaVell Edwards Stadium
Offensive Overview
The BYU Cougars have put up 279 points this season, ranking 38th in the nation. Their passing game, led by starting quarterback Bear Bachmeier, has accumulated 2052 yards, placing them 71st. The rushing attack, with contributions from top running backs like LJ Martin, has been more effective, ranking 49th with 1547 yards.
Bear Bachmeier's performance is critical for BYU, having completed 249 passing attempts for 2022 yards. The quarterback has thrown 13 touchdowns against 8 interceptions, displaying both his capability and areas for improvement. On the ground, LJ Martin leads with 363 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, providing a balanced offensive threat.
Defensive Dynamics
Defensively, BYU has allowed 178 points, ranking 73rd nationally. The Cougars' pass rush has been formidable, racking up 21 sacks, positioning them 16th in the rankings. Their ability to force turnovers is notable, with 6 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered, both ranking 7th.
Their recent performance against Utah saw the defense struggle slightly, allowing 28 points. Despite this, the defense has been a steady force, particularly with their sack and turnover capabilities. They'll aim to tighten up against Baylor in their upcoming home game.
Recent Performance and Key Players
In their last five games, BYU holds a 3-2 record. Standout performances include a 24-10 victory over Iowa State, where Bear Bachmeier threw for 329 yards. The receiving corps is led by Legend Glasker, who has amassed 703 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns across 9 games.
Legend Glasker, along with Kyler Kasper, who has 473 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, form a potent duo. Walker Lyons at tight end has also been a reliable target, adding 352 receiving yards. Their contributions will be essential against Baylor.
Injury Concerns
BYU faces several injury concerns, with key players like Evan Johnson and Pierson Watson listed as questionable. Roger Saleapaga II, a significant contributor at tight end, is also uncertain to play. These injuries could impact the depth and performance against Baylor.
The defense could be affected if players like Jonathan Kabeya and Vincent Tautua are unable to take the field. The coaching staff will need to adjust strategies accordingly to mitigate these potential absences.
Upcoming Challenge: Baylor Bears
The Cougars are set to face the Baylor Bears at home, where they are 7.5-point favorites. Playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium has been advantageous, as they hold a perfect 12-0 record in their last 12 home games. The team will aim to capitalize on home-field advantage to secure a win.
Given their strong track record as favorites and at home, BYU is in a favorable position. The focus will be on executing their game plan effectively and minimizing errors, especially in light of recent turnovers.
Betting Trends
- SU - As Favorite: 26-2 in last 28 games (92.9%)
- SU - Home Games: 12-0 in last 12 games (100.0%)
- ATS - Home Games: 7-1 in last 8 games (87.5%)
- SU - After Loss: 4-0 in last 4 games (100.0%)
Baylor Bears Ready to Challenge at LaVell Edwards Stadium
Quarterback Dynamics
DJ Lagway leads the Baylor offense with 1,900 passing yards in seven games, positioning himself as a crucial player. His 15 touchdowns this season highlight his capability to find the end zone efficiently. Nate Bennett offers additional depth at the quarterback position with 581 passing yards and six touchdowns over four games.
Rushing Attack
Caden Knighten stands as the leading rusher for the Bears with 360 yards over nine games. Ryelan Morris adds strength to the running game, contributing 345 yards in eight games. Both players have secured three touchdowns each, providing Baylor with a balanced ground attack.
Dawson Pendergrass and Michael Turner also contribute to the rushing game, with 339 and 213 yards respectively. Their combined efforts keep the Bears' running game dynamic and diverse.
Receiving Corps
Gavin Freeman dominates the receiving group with 852 yards and three touchdowns, making him a key target for Lagway. Jayden McGowan offers a strong scoring threat, recording five touchdowns with 270 receiving yards.
Other noteworthy receivers include Louis Brown IV and Jadon Porter, who provide reliable options with their combined 641 yards and five touchdowns. Their presence adds depth and versatility to the passing game.
Defensive Strength
The Bears' defense is aggressive, with 37 sacks placing them second in the rankings this season. Nine interceptions and seven fumbles recovered highlight their ability to disrupt opposing offenses effectively.
Team Betting Trends
- ATS - Away Games: 4-0 in 2026
- ATS - After Loss: 4-0 in 2026
- ATS - All Games: 3-0 in 2026
- SU - As Favorite: 13-3 from 2024 to 2026
- O/U - Away Games: 17-7 from 2022 to 2026
BYU vs Baylor Week 11 Prediction: BYU -7.5
BYU is showing strong form at home, holding an undefeated 5-0 record in Provo this season. Their recent home performances have been impressive, and they have consistently covered the spread as favorites, going 9-2 in their last 11 games in such situations. Despite a recent loss to Utah, BYU's track record of bouncing back after a loss suggests a favorable outcome against Baylor.
Baylor, on the other hand, has played well on the road with a 2-2 record but has struggled to maintain consistency against stronger opposition. While they have shown the ability to cover the spread as underdogs this season, their defense could face challenges against a BYU offense that has been effective at home. Additionally, BYU's solid defense will likely disrupt Baylor's offensive rhythm.
BYU's defensive strength, ranked 73rd in points against, will be crucial in limiting Baylor’s offensive advances. With their home advantage and statistical backing, BYU appears well-positioned to cover the -7.5 spread against a Baylor team that might struggle to keep up with their pace, especially in an outdoor field environment.
The predicted final score reflects BYU's advantage both offensively and defensively, projecting a decisive victory at home. This outcome aligns with BYU's recent trends of covering the spread in home games and as favorites.
- BYU vs Baylor Prediction: BYU -7.5
- BYU vs Baylor Score: BYU 31 - Baylor 20
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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