Baylor’s defense enters Big 12 play with one of its strongest traits already showing up on film: the back end has been steady. The Bears have done a good job forcing mistakes and keeping explosive plays off the table, and that’s a big reason the secondary has looked dependable through the early part of the season.
The numbers back that up. Baylor’s defensive backs picked off Auburn three times, added another interception against Louisiana Tech, and kept Prairie View A&M to just 74 passing yards.
With Colorado likely trying to lean on the run first, that secondary could be tested in a different way on Saturday. The Buffaloes have had success on the ground this season, and if they get traction there, it could help unlock the passing game behind it.
That challenge gets a little easier for Baylor with starting safety Devin Turner expected back this week. Given how the secondary has played so far, there’s reason to think this unit can keep rolling against Colorado.
The more worrying spot for Baylor has been up front on offense. The offensive line has been the biggest concern so far, mostly because the Bears haven’t consistently opened lanes for the run game. That has to improve now that conference play is here.
Penalties have only made that problem worse. Coach Aranda pointed to the offensive line’s mistakes as something that has held the whole offense back, and that kind of self-inflicted damage is a tough way to survive against stronger competition.
Protecting Lagway will matter just as much, especially if his ankle is still not fully right. He can’t be dealing with constant pressure on passing downs.
If Baylor can clean up the run blocking and keep Lagway upright, the offense should be in its best shape.
That’s where Colorado’s defense gives Baylor a real opening. The Buffaloes’ secondary has struggled this season, and Baylor should have a chance to attack it.
Gavin Freeman and Louis Brown IV have been steady pieces for the offense, and both could be set up for a productive day. Jayden McGowan has also emerged as a real weapon, piling up four touchdowns and 159 receiving yards so far.
One more name to keep in mind is Dre'lon Miller. The transfer from Colorado was expected to have a larger role, but that hasn’t happened yet. Still, this matchup has the feel of a spot where he could make something happen against his old team.
In Other News...
Baylor Just Showed Why Its Big 12 Push Is So Dangerous
Baylors home conference opener at Betty Lou Mays Field had the feel of an early Big 12 test, and the Bears answered it well. After Oklahoma State struck first through Laudan Wilson, Baylor settled in and turned the match with goals from Aryanna Jimison and Noelle Sather, then backed it up with a clear edge in pressure and possession.
The Bears finished with a 19-9 shot advantage and got four saves from goalkeeper Azul Alvarez to help protect the lead. It was the kind of conference win that can travel well, especially for a team trying to establish itself quickly in a league where every result tends to matter. [Read more 🡒]
Dave Aranda And Baylor Enter A Game They Cannot Afford To Lose
Baylor heads into its matchup with Colorado in a spot that feels pretty straightforward on paper but carries real weight in the standings. Analysts are leaning toward the Bears because Colorado has struggled lately and has dealt with plenty of its own issues, but the bigger question for Dave Arandas team is whether it can finally put together a complete performance against quality opposition. The offensive line and quarterback play figure to be central to that effort, especially with Baylor still looking for its first win over a Power 4 opponent this season.
A victory would do more than quiet any doubts about the Bears direction. It would give Baylor a much-needed boost in the postseason picture and help validate a team that has spent much of the year trying to turn solid expectations into results. The challenge is less about the betting line and more about handling the pressure of a game Baylor is expected to win, because slipping here would leave the Bears with even less margin as the schedule tightens. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Injury Concerns Could Change Baylor's Big 12 Opener
Colorado heads into its Big 12 opener against Baylor dealing with a longer injury list than the Bears, and that could shape how the Buffaloes try to attack on offense. Several key players remain out or questionable for Week 4, leaving Colorado with fewer healthy options than it would like as it tries to get through a conference road test.
The absences already include tight end Charlie Williams and running back Henderson, which could force Colorado to adjust its game plan and lean on players who have had to fill bigger roles. Even in the middle of that uncertainty, some replacements have begun to settle in, including kicker Elliot Arnold stepping up for injured teammates, but the overall picture still leaves plenty to sort out before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]