| MATCHUP | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs | Baylor Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Spread | +19.5 -110 | -19.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +750 | -1200 |
| Total | Over 49.5 (-110) | Under 49.5 (-110) |
| Where | McLane Stadium, Waco, TX | |
| When | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears meet Saturday in college football action from McLane Stadium in Waco. Here’s a Louisiana Tech vs Baylor prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best LA Tech vs Baylor pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
LA Tech Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Bulldogs didn’t have any issues with Northwestern State in their opener this year. Louisiana Tech scored a whopping 42 points in the second quarter and 21 more in the first during an 80-6 blowout victory. Blake Baker was 10-of-14 for 232 yards and three scores while Jalen Mickens had three catches for 133 yards and a touchdown to lead the receivers.
In a tough matchup versus LSU last weekend, the Bulldogs were able to hang around in the first half. LA Tech was only down 10-7 by the break, but eventually saw the Tigers pull away in a 45-14 loss to finish out. Baker went 11-of-21 this time for 128 yards, one TD and one interception. Andrew Burnette was the lead rusher with just 16 yards on six carries.
Baylor Bears Betting Preview
Over on the Baylor side, they took on Auburn in their opening game this year. It was pretty tight most of the way and Baylor ended up losing 17-16 in a tough outcome. DJ Lagway threw for 333 yards, two scores and one pick on 27-of-54 and Dawson Pendergrass carried 25 times for 88 yards. Leading receiver Gavin Freeman had 12 catches for 154 yards and a TD.
Matched up against Prairie View A&M for game two, the Bears had a pretty easy time. Baylor went into the second half sporting a 34-3 lead, then added 10 more points from there for a 44-3 victory. QB Nate Bennett was 23-of-35 for 301 yards and a pair of scores. Pendergrass carried 15 times for 69 yards to top the rushing attack for the Bears.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs @ Baylor Bears Betting Trends: Week 3
Baylor Bears Player Prop Facts
- Gavin Freeman has recorded 10+ receptions in two consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 3.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Jalen Mickens ranks 1st in the Sun Belt Conference for receiving yards (234) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Baylor ranks T11th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (59).
- Baylor ranks T13th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (321.0).
- Louisiana Tech ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (24.5).
- Louisiana Tech ranks 5th among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (35.0).
LA Tech vs Baylor Prediction
I’ll take a stab on LA Tech but in reality I’m probably not touching it. The Bulldogs surprised LSU with a strong first half last weekend but ended up with just 140 total yards (143 passing), eight first downs and three turnovers. The defense gave up 528 total yards and 26 first downs in their 34:09 on the field, but considering the competition the team didn’t perform terribly.
As for Baylor, they didn’t really need the injured Lagway to demolish an overmatched Prairie View A&M team last weekend. The Bears finished with 552 total yards (320 passing), 7.6 yards per play and 32 first downs. The nine penalties and three interceptions were just about the only things to complain about in that one. Baylor should have firm control in this one as well, but I think LA Tech can get in there.