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West Virginia Football: Betting Prediction vs. Baylor

By Robert Kennedy

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 17: Running back Kennedy McKoy #6 of the West Virginia Mountaineers slips through a gap to score a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first quarter on November 17, 2018 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 17: Running back Kennedy McKoy #6 of the West Virginia Mountaineers slips through a gap to score a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first quarter on November 17, 2018 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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The Mountaineers will be in action on Thursday night against No. 12 Baylor. West Virginia is a big underdog coming off their bye week.

After a 3-1 start, West Virginia has lost three straight. They will come off their bye week to play their second straight top-15 opponent. The Mountaineers were beat down by Oklahoma 52-14 in their most recent game.

The road does not get easier as they travel to Waco to take on the undefeated Baylor Bears. They are 7-0 overall this season but 4-3 ATS. The Mountaineers are 2-4-1 ATS this season. Both teams have played four overs in seven games.

One upside for the Mountaineers is that they will have their starting quarterback Austin Kendall back for this game. That may not factor in too much against one of the top teams in the nation. Here is what to bet on in this game according to the Hail WV staff.

Greg Patuto Pick & Prediction

The Mountaineers’ defense has been a huge problem all season. Their pass rush has been the lone bright spot. On the offensive side of the ball, Kendall has the ability to get hot but can also turn the ball over enough to take his team out of the game.

The offensive line for West Virginia has been poor and this significantly impacts the running game. This game has a high spread so it will all come down to if West Virginia can score enough to keep up with the Bears and their offense. The one negative is that there is no semblance of a downfield passing game for West Virginia.

Matt Rhule and the Bears are known for their tough offense and stingy defense. They have been turning their opponents over at a high rate this season which does not bode well for the Mountaineers. This game might be relatively close at halftime but Baylor should run away as the game progresses.

PICK: Baylor -18

OVER/UNDER: Over 55.5

SCORE PREDICTION: Baylor 45, WVU 20

Robert Kennedy Pick & Prediction

I’m old school, when it comes to football. I like try to determine which team has an edge in trench warfare, on either side of the ball. If your offensive line is keeping your quarterback from getting sacked and providing your backs with gaping holes that even a Mack truck could drive through, well, I’m giving the edge to that offense. Likewise, on defense, if your ends are pressuring the edges and  sealing off running lanes and your linebackers are wreaking havoc in the backfield, to me…that’s money.

I also take into consideration what the real professionals think. I’m talking about the House. The House stays the House because it doesn’t lose very often. The Action Network currently has the spread at -18 for Baylor and the over / under at 55.5. Baylor is a much more experienced team, they are playing at home and it’s prime-time television.

PICK: Baylor -18

OVER / UNDER: Under 55.5

SCORE PREDICTION: Baylor 36, WVU 14

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