Just a little more than two weeks ago, this game looked like it would be a blowout. The Bears were ranked higher than they ever had and had legitimitate national championship aspirations while the Longhorns were languishing in the realm of the unranked. But things change fast in college football. These two teams are now trending in opposite directions. Texas is coming off one of their best wins of the season, a 41-16 beatdown of Texas Tech. The Bears, on the other hand, look lost. After getting embarrassed by Oklahoma State, Baylor struggled heavily against a bad TCU team, winning by only three points. To make matters worse, their star safety, Ahmad Dixon, got ejected for targeting in the second half meaning he will miss the first half of this game. There is so much
talent on this Baylor team, and they should still be able to win at home, but I don’t think they can be trusted to cover such a large point spread. If Texas can get running backs Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron going like they did against Texas Tech, it should be able to stay in the game and at least cover the spread.

Texas (+14) at Baylor

Lock of the Week

Central Florida (-7) at SMU

The Mustangs are fighting for bowl eligibility, but the Golden Knights are fighting to secure a spot in the BCS. Starting SMU quarterback and former Longhorn Garrett Gilbert’s status is questionable due to a knee injury. If he can’t play, or if he plays but isn’t feeling right, things could get ugly for the Mustangs.

Upset Alert

Ohio St. vs Mich. St. (+5.5)

If I had a vote in the coaches’ poll, Ohio State would not be my No. 2. Where is there an impressive win? To date, the Buckeyes’ best victory has been a seven-point win at home against a currently unranked Wisconsin team that just lost to Penn State. The Buckeyes were lucky to get past a five-loss Michigan team last week. Michigan State has played a similar level of competition but has looked impressive doing so. The Spartans have held six teams to less than 10 points, including holding Michigan, who scored 41 points against Ohio State last week, to six points. Michigan State is, by far, the best team Ohio State has faced this season. If the Buckeyes play like they did last week, their national championship hopes will be dashed.

Darren’s record: 15-18 (.455)

Last week: 1-2