Stephen Nover's Friday Night Lights Special
(NCAAF) Baylor vs. Southern Methodist,
Point Spread: 37.00 | -115.00 Southern Methodist (Home)
Result: Win
Baylor blew out SMU, 45-0, at home opening week last season.

Now the Bears are laying five touchdowns on the road against a much more stable and improved Mustang squad.

SMU was dysfunctional after June Jones bailed on them just nine days into the season.

Chad Morris, the former offensive coordinator at Clemson, has had nearly two years to put his imprint and upgrade SMU after replacing Jones. Look for the Mustangs to be improved under the respected Morris, who has an up-tempo offensive style.

That style is key here because the Mustangs practice against it so they should be somewhat prepared for Baylor. The Bears were a scoring machine last year. They'll likely be a scoring machine this year, but they might be a little flat in this mail-in game. The Bears aren't that good to cover this monster road number without playing above average.

Baylor is breaking in a new quarterback, offensive coordinator and punter. The punter the Bears lost was All-Big 12 punter Spencer Roth. He's replaced by a freshman.

This is a much bigger game for the Mustangs. They bring back experience at the skill position and a quarterback, Matt Davis, who is a good runner and is experienced operating Morris' offense. Baylor ranked 107th against the pass last season.

Baylor is just 3-7-1 ATS as road chalk during the last three years. The Bears, with new players at key positions, will use this game to work some kinks out. The Mustangs will be going all out. Given their expected improvement and motivation, they should be able to keep within five touchdowns of the Bears.