Dave Aranda’s rookie season as Baylor Bears head coach could not have gone worse. First, the pandemic prevented the full implementation of his system. And that led to a 2-7 season that raised College Football betting doubts. But the Baylor administration offered full support to Aranda. And he stormed back in 2022. To show, the Bears finished 12-2 and won the Big 12 championship game. A Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss was the capper to a tremendous turnaround. Now comes the question as to where the Bears go from here?
2022 Baylor Bears College Football Betting odds at SBG
| Prop | Odds |
|---|---|
| Big 12 Championship | +600 |
| National Championship | +10000 |
| Over – Under Win Total | 8.5 |
2022 Baylor Bears SBG Odds Analysis
At the onset of future betting were mixed sportsbook signals. Baylor is the fourth choice behind Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State in the Big 12 future market. The Bears gained a lot of respect last year. But there are legitimate questions about the Bears’ ability to sustain that level of success for the long term.
A Potential Young Star at Quarterback for 2022
Sophomore Blake Shapen is rated high for his natural ability as a passer. Shapen won a tight quarterback battle in the spring. As a result, that sent Gerry Bohanon to the portal as a grad transfer.
Shapen delivered in the Bears’ 21–16 win over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship game. In sum, he completed his first 17 passes and threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns to earn MVP honors. His leadership skills are a work in progress. Consider that he got just two starts last season. Also, he sat out the bowl game with a shoulder injury. Shapen will play behind an experienced line.
Overall, the running back rotation that’s expected to include Taye McWilliams, Craig Williams, and converted receiver Josh Fleeks. Tight end Ben Sims is the leading returning receiver.
Defensive Holes to Fill
Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts orchestrated a complete makeover of a beleaguered unit. However, he lost considerable production. Roberts must replace All-America safety Jalen Pitre, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and safety JT Woods. Also, Bernard and Pitre leave a leadership void on the defense.
The good news is that the defensive front returns its entire two-deep. First-team All-Big 12 nose tackle Siaki “Apu” Ika will be supported by Cole Maxwell, Gabe Hall, TJ Franklin, and Brayden Utley.
A Special Kicking Team Unit
Correlate that the Bears are loaded at kicker. Starting with the program’s all-time career leader in field-goal percentage, John Mayers (76.5%). Yet Mayers will be backing up sophomore Isaiah Hankins. Last year Hankins won the job in fall camp and hit 14-of-20 field goal attempts. Also back are punter Issac Power, who averaged 45.0 yards per punt average. And then kickoff specialist Noah Rauschenberg returns too.
2022 Baylor Bears Summary
On the whole, Baylor is solid in both the offensive and defensive lines. Thus, the Bears should be in a position to contend for another conference title. But they must identify playmakers to make a serious run. Of great concern is a terrifying road schedule. Baylor goes to BYU, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas this season. Those College Football Betting matchups will determine their fate.