Louisiana-Monroe @ Baylor preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2012 ) Baylor 47, UL Monroe 42

The first two games this season haven’t provided much of a challenge for No. 19 Baylor, but a stiff one should lie ahead Saturday against visiting Louisiana-Monroe. Baylor held on to beat the host Warhawks in last year’s meeting 47-42 and Louisiana-Monroe returns Kolton Browning at quarterback. He was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns last weekend in a 21-19 victory at Wake Forest.

Baylor has outscored its first two opponents by a combined total of 139-16, so quarterback Bryce Petty hasn’t logged many second-half minutes. Still, he has connected on a nation-leading 80 percent of his passes and contributed four touchdowns through the air without an interception. Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk had just one carry when these teams last met, but has since reeled off six straight 100-yard games dating to last season.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Baylor -29

ABOUT LOUISIANA-MONROE (2-1): Jyruss Edwards has reclaimed the role of featured running back after missing the final five games last season with an undisclosed injury and battling back from another setback in August. He was limited to three carries in the season-opening loss against Oklahoma, but has seen that number increase from eight against Grambling State to 17 against Wake Forest while gaining 184 yards combined.

ABOUT BAYLOR (2-0): The Bears are expected to be thin at tight end as Jordan Najvar is sidelined with a lower back injury and backup Gus Penning is out with a foot injury. The good news is running back Glasco Martin, who was second to Seastrunk in rushing last year, is expected to play after re-injuring his ankle two weeks ago against Buffalo. The Bears have another strong 1-2 punch at wide receiver with Tevin Reese and Antwan Goodley.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Baylor has scored in the first quarter of 18 of its last 19 games.

2. Reese has scored from 40 yards or more on 16 of his 18 career touchdowns.

3. The Warhawks are 0-9 all-time against the Big 12.

PREDICTION: Baylor 41, Louisiana-Monroe 24