Kansas Jayhawks vs Baylor Bears Predictions: The Final Exam

The Kansas Jayhawks finish up the regular season on the road, trying to qualify for a third straight bowl game for the first time in program history. Standing in their way are the Baylor Bears, who are on a hot streak thanks to a less than intimidating back half of the schedule.

With so much on the line, can the Jayhawks finish off their late season surge to extend their season? The crew gives their thoughts below:

Kyle Davis

Check out our Baylor Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Derek Noll

No way am I picking against the Jayhawks now. I’ve picked them to win the last three and I’m sticking with it. Both teams will be highly motivated but I think that KU has more and it will help propel them to a third bowl game in three years. Will Baylor be able to stop Devin Neal and if they do, can the KU receiving corps step up? Those will be the questions offensively because after last week’s performance, all Bear eyes will be on Neal as the focal point. Another point to look at is how Kansas defends Baylor’s running game. KU has been better lately, but it wasn’t too long ago that the run defense was letting them down, particularly a scrambling quarterback. Sawyer Robertson is Baylor’s third leading rusher so if he gets in trouble in the pocket, it might be trouble for the KU defense. Despite that threat, I still think KU goes to Waco and wins. Gimme the Jayhawks! 

Kansas 35, Baylor 27.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

Derek is completely right, I’m not flipping on this team now. However, Waco has been a house of horrors for the Jayhawks forever, so there’s still no margin for error in this game, even if the Bears aren’t quite as good as the last few KU opponents. I think Kansas needs to rely on Devin Neal for as long as possible, using play action and the program’s now-famous misdirection to take some shots in the passing game out of what look like run concepts. I think the Jayhawks are going bowling. 

Kansas 29, Baylor 23.

Andy Mitts

The Jayhawks are arguably the more motivated team in this game, and they are probably the more talented team as well. The point about the Baylor running game is solid, but this is also a Kansas rushing defense that is significantly better and more dynamic than the other teams that Baylor has faced. I don't expect this to be easy, but Devin Neal, Cobee Bryant, Mello Dotson and all the other seniors won't simply let this be the final game of their careers. 

Kansas 41, Baylor 21

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