Baylor Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers: Preview, Odds, and How to Watch

The Baylor Bears (5-4) are set to face the West Virginia Mountaineers (5-4) in a crucial Big 12 conference game on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Baylor comes into this game on a strong note, having won three consecutive games against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU. During this streak, the Bears have averaged 44.7 points per game, highlighting their recent form as one of the hottest teams in the Big 12. Baylor’s offense, led by quarterback Sawyer Robertson and the emergence of freshman back Bryson Washington, will look to exploit West Virginia’s vulnerable secondary, which ranks 130th in coverage according to PFF.

West Virginia, meanwhile, returns home after a grueling two-game road trip, where they secured back-to-back one-possession victories against Arizona and Cincinnati. Despite their recent wins, the Mountaineers have struggled defensively, particularly against the pass, ranking 14th-worst in the FBS with 263 passing yards allowed per game. However, their run defense has been more robust, ranking 40th in the FBS.

The matchup is significant for both teams as they are among the 12 Big 12 teams still in contention for the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game. Both Baylor and West Virginia are also on the cusp of becoming bowl-eligible, with a win here being crucial for their postseason aspirations.

In terms of betting odds, Baylor is favored by 1.5 points, with the total set at 59.5 points. The Bears’ recent performance and statistical advantages, particularly in defending the run and exploiting West Virginia’s secondary, make them a favorable pick for many analysts.

The game also holds special significance as it is part of West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Week and is designated as a Military Appreciation Game. Coach Neal Brown emphasized the importance of this game, noting the team’s strong performance in similar games in the past.