Due to Big 12 scheduling, a lot of the TCU-Baylor debate this season has been put on hold. Well, the debate itself hasn’t, but the discussion of what the committee will do has been labeled “wait and see.” That’s because, while No. 3 TCU got an easy home stretch, No. 6 Baylor has played the better teams in the Big 12 in the latter part of the season. This game against No. 9 Kansas State will be the Bears’ biggest test of all, and it could ultimately leapfrog them over TCU in the rankings.
How to watch Kansas State vs. Baylor: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can Baylor make its last case for the playoff committee?
Baylor has consistently lagged behind TCU this year because of strength of schedule, despite the fact that it beat the Horned Frogs. The Bears didn’t do themselves any favors with a close win over Texas Tech last week, and now comes perhaps their second biggest test of the season against Kansas State.
The Wildcats were dismantled by TCU and lost at home to Auburn, but they’ve been solid all year and took down Oklahoma in Norman. If they beat Baylor, they could earn a New Year’s Six bowl bid.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Radio: Baylor radio, K-State Radio Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: The Wildcats are 9-2 and No. 9 in the College football Playoff poll, while the Bears are No. 6 and 10-1 overall.
Vegas: Baylor is an 8-point favorite at home with an over/under of 66.5, per Odds Shark.
Weather forecast: Mostly cloudy with a high of 67 and a low of 54.
Two things at stake
The Big 12 title is on the line for Baylor, along with a chance at the College Football Playoff. The Bears might need to blow out the Wildcats in order to make the playoff.
Kansas State should make a New Year’s Six bowl with a win.
One big matchup
Baylor defense vs. Kansas State offense: With Bryce Petty playing, Baylor’s offense should be able to put up points. The question is whether the Bears can stop Tyler Lockett and Jake Waters. That WR-QB combo has been deadly this year, and the Wildcats have had a very good offense this season. If the Bears’ defense plays like it did against Texas Tech, then it could have a tough time pulling out a win.
Further reading
Read Our Daily Bears for more on Baylor and Bring On The Cats for more on Kansas State.
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