Full Breakdown
Baylor Bears vs. Samford Bulldogs: A Week 3 College Football Preview
9/13/2025, 9:24:57 PM
Game Overview
The Baylor Bears (1-1) are set to host the Samford Bulldogs (0-2) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 PM ET and will be available for streaming on ESPN+. Baylor enters the matchup as a significant favorite, with betting lines opening at a 46.5-point spread in their favor.
Team Performance and Context
Baylor is coming off a thrilling 48-45 double-overtime victory against the SMU Mustangs, showcasing a potent offense led by quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who has thrown for 859 yards and seven touchdowns in the first two games of the season. In contrast, Samford has struggled, suffering a 40-13 defeat to The Citadel and a 45-7 loss to the Florida Gators, scoring just 16 points across both games.
Historically, Baylor has dominated the series against Samford, winning both previous encounters in 2002 and 2005 by scores of 50-12 and 48-14, respectively. This matchup marks Samford's first game in Texas since 2014.
Key Players to Watch
For Baylor, Sawyer Robertson is expected to continue his strong performance, with playmakers like Josh Cameron and Ashtyn Hawkins contributing significantly to the passing game. The Bears' rushing attack, led by Bryson Washington, aims to improve after a slow start to the season.
Samford's offense is spearheaded by quarterback Quincy Crittendon, who has completed 72.9% of his passes for 478 yards, albeit with three interceptions. Running back CJ Evans scored the Bulldogs' only touchdown against The Citadel and will be crucial for their ground game.
Official Statements & Responses
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda emphasized the need for his team to respect every opponent, stating, “You have to respect everybody you play.” He acknowledged the struggles of the Bears' defense, which has allowed an average of 41.5 points per game, and expressed hope that this game could serve as a confidence booster heading into Big 12 play.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Analysts predict a dominant performance from Baylor, with many expecting them to cover the spread comfortably. Staff predictions range from Baylor winning 55-0 to 60-7, reflecting the perceived talent gap between the two teams. The over/under for the game is set at 58.5 points, with expectations that Baylor's offense could approach this total on its own.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Baylor's offense, concerns linger regarding their defensive performance. Critics point out that if the Bears do not improve defensively, they could face challenges against stronger opponents in the future. Samford's struggles also raise questions about their ability to compete effectively against a Power 5 team.
What's Next
Following this matchup, Baylor will prepare to face Arizona State, marking the beginning of their Big 12 schedule. For Samford, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing their offensive inefficiencies as they continue their season.
In summary, the upcoming game between Baylor and Samford is anticipated to be a showcase of Baylor's offensive capabilities against a struggling Samford team, with significant implications for both programs as they look to build momentum moving forward.
