Baylor is heading into Big 12 play with two wins already in the bank, and the next stretch is the one that will define the season. That’s the message from Baylor as the Bears prepare for nine conference games, beginning with a home date against Colorado this weekend at McLane Stadium.
The home schedule ahead gives Baylor plenty to sell to its fan base, with four matchups at McLane Stadium, including this weekend’s game against Colorado, two historic in-state rivals, and Homecoming with Iowa State. Baylor said it is looking forward to sharing those moments with fans in Waco.
There was also a clear nod to the frustration many fans have felt with another midday kickoff. Baylor said it understands the inconvenience that comes with limited pregame tailgating time and the brutal Texas heat that has hung around all summer.
The message also pushed back on the idea that television networks alone are to blame, noting that the start times come from time slots agreed to in media contract negotiations. Baylor said future media deals need to put fans first, especially when it comes to kickoff times.
For this weekend, the emphasis is on making McLane as manageable and as lively as possible. Baylor said it will keep working to ease the heat for fans and reminded everyone to show up prepared: “HYDRATE EARLY AND OFTEN and be there.
Because a full McLane Stadium matters. A loud McLane Stadium matters.
And each of us has a part to play in how we do this together!”
The early feedback on Baylor’s new fan initiatives has been positive, according to the school. After the first two home games, Baylor said it wants more people to enjoy the venue experience and keep helping shape what comes next. Fans are being asked to share thoughts through the post-game surveys emailed out or by reaching FanFirst@baylor.edu.
That fan-first theme carried into a story from the Aflac Kickoff Game. Captain Sherwin "Weezer" Anderson brought his wife and three children to Atlanta looking for a good college football outing and a chance to make memories, with Anderson set to deploy for six months soon and hoping to celebrate his son’s birthday early since he will miss the actual day. They arrived with no team in tow, but left as Baylor Bears.
Baylor’s Spirit Squad made the difference. Throughout the day, the students welcomed the Anderson children, talked with them, included them, and gave them their spirit towels.
Those towels quickly became prized keepsakes. Anderson later wrote to thank the squad and sent photos of the students who made such an impression on his family, saying it was their kindness and hospitality that turned his children into Baylor fans.
On the field, Baylor’s other fall teams are already giving the school plenty to talk about. No. 17 volleyball is off to an 8-2 start after non-conference play, with both losses coming against teams currently ranked in the top 10.
Conference play begins with a tough road swing to the Utah schools, including a matchup at No. 22 BYU on FS1, before the Bears return for two home matches against UCF and Colorado.
Baylor is urging fans within driving distance to get to the Ferrell Center.
No. 12 soccer opened Big 12 play with a 1-1 draw at No. 9 West Virginia on Friday.
The Bears are 7-1-1 overall and unbeaten against power-4 conference opponents. They’ll host Oklahoma State on Thursday and Cincinnati on Sunday, with free admission for both matches.
Equestrian, golf, tennis and cross country are also underway as Baylor moves deeper into the fall calendar.
Baylor closed by circling back to the idea that runs through the entire department. It described “Something Greater” as more than a slogan, tying together R1 academics, power-4 athletics and a distinctively Christian mission. The message said Baylor’s competitive drive and Christian purpose are meant to strengthen one another, and that the Baylor family shares responsibility for that pursuit across student-athletes, staff, campus, fans and donors.
At Baylor, wins matter, losses matter, and so does the bigger picture.
“Something Greater is not a slogan or catchphrase but rather the capturing of Baylor's essence.”
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Dave Aranda Faces A Costly Colorado Problem In Baylor's Opener
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Aranda pointed to the ways Colorados Go-Go offense can manufacture one-on-one matchups and turn them into big plays, which is exactly the kind of problem that can snowball early in a season. Baylor has to be sharp against both the run and the deep ball, because letting either part of the offense settle in can open the door to a long night. In an opener, those are the kinds of schematic issues that can decide whether a favorite controls the game or spends four quarters chasing answers. [Read more 🡒]
Tyquan Thornton Gave Baylor Fans A Reason To Feel Proud Again
Several former Baylor football players turned in noticeable NFL performances over the weekend, giving Bears fans a little extra reason to keep an eye on Sundays. Tyquan Thornton was the headliner, catching four passes for 86 yards for the Kansas City Chiefs and helping set up a key overtime moment with a 30-yard grab that stood out in a tight game.
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Colorado Is Bringing A Shaken Young QB Into Waco
Julian Lewis walked out of his first rough outing in a Colorado uniform with the kind of film every young quarterback dreads and every coaching staff expects to teach from. Against Northwestern, he threw for 168 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, a stat line that underscored both the promise and the growing pains that come with putting a young passer in the spotlight.
Now Colorado turns to Baylor, where Lewis gets his next chance to steady himself against a Big 12 opponent that will be watching closely for how he responds. Deion Sanders made it clear the interceptions are part of the learning process, and for the Buffaloes the bigger question is how quickly their quarterback can turn a difficult afternoon into a sharper performance in Waco. [Read more 🡒]