Bears are underdogs, but talent gap is way overblown

A premier Big 12 vs. SEC season-opener with storylines and implications galore draws closer to the banks of the Brazos—a season opener unlike any other in recent program history. 

Many despise the idea of college football encroaching on the territory of Texas high school football and the hallowed grounds of Friday nights. 

However, in the case of Baylor vs. Auburn, the opportunity and potential payoffs are well worth any grumbling from the THSCA and traditionalists. 

TALENTED UNDERDOGS

Despite the Bears’ own lofty expectations, returning talent, general media respect and what should amount to one of the more unique home events in McLane Stadium history, I don’t get the sense many have faith outside of Big 12 circles. 

The Bears have received widespread praise this offseason, including regular mentions in the general discussion of Big 12 contenders, along with a slew of others. Sawyer Robertson is the one player everyone seems to know and name, and he usually gets his due among the best QBs entering this season. There’s not a strong second name that rolls off tongues, but there are plenty of great candidates to change that narrative.

The talent card is being pulled left and right in discussions about this game’s outcome, in favor of Auburn, and based on the inexact comparative measurements we do have, like recruiting rankings and NFL production, one would be naive not to have some level of concern about a disadvantage in the trenches, for example. 

However, even though Baylor only bears one borderline household name, the talent narrative further reinforces what an opportunity and potential challenge this game presents.

And if Auburn comes rolling in with that presumption, they’ll get a wakeup call pretty quick.  

RADIO WAVES 

Many, including myself, have wondered how the school would approach its radio broadcasts this season, following the abrupt passing of longtime color commentator and program legend J.J. Joe.

It will be strange to walk throughout the press box and not hear his voice as part of the backdrop and narration. However, I look forward to how the school will continue to honor him this season. 

In steps another esteemed Baylor QB in Nick Florence, who takes over the role alongside John Morris in the booth, and Ricky Thompson on the sidelines. Florence is a solid, logical choice, and I look forward to hearing how the broadcast gels over time. 

RIP J.J. Joe. 

SEC NARRATIVE

“The SEC is overrated.” 

“The bottom half of the league gets overrated based on the handful of elite teams at the top.” 

We’ve all thought these things and more. But when push comes to shove, they usually come bearing receipts. And unlike some of their brethren, Auburn can actually lay claim to helping earn some of that entitlement. 

And that would only make a win that much sweeter. 

INJURIES 

Injury news wasn’t great earlier this week. We’ll see come game time, but Aranda casting extreme doubt on RB Michael Turner and CB Carl Williams IV’s availability for Friday is no bueno. The RB position goes from okay and hopeful, despite the loss of Dawson Pendergrass, to suddenly on the brink of thin ice with no games yet played. And with secondary already a concern even at full health, missing a veteran like Williams is just another thing to monitor. 

SELLOUT 

Chrome helmets, black uniforms, and an official Black Out for the home crowd. This game was already buzzing with promotions, and then they added a halftime drone show into the mix. 

Just playing Auburn was a real draw for fans, but the bonuses are going above and beyond to make this as big and bright an event as possible, and I’m here for it. 

And when you think there’s nothing to really amp this up much further, news drops that RGIII is on the broadcast for FOX back at the house he and his Heisman season helped build. 

All the elements in play for this one are insane from a Baylor perspective. Of course, the joy and excitement can dissipate quickly depending on performance, but the payoff of success in this one could be enormous. 

PREDICTION 

Auburn 31, Baylor 27

The talent differential isn’t the massive gulf some proclaim, but it does give the Tigers enough of an edge to scratch out a road win.