Baylor’s defense has come a long way in a year, and the numbers tell the story cleanly: 32.6 points allowed per game last season, 14.2 through the first five games this year. That kind of swing doesn’t happen by accident. The Bears have played with more bite, more disruption and a lot more confidence on that side of the ball.
There’s still unfinished business, though. The ASU game was the closest Baylor has come to putting together a complete defensive performance this season, but the back halves of games have still been a problem. Too often, Baylor has looked out of sync after halftime, with misalignment and poor positioning leading to chunk plays or drives that drag on too long.
Up front, the defensive line has done plenty to earn its praise. Baylor has already piled up 18 sacks, a jump from last season’s total of 12, and that pressure has helped throw opposing passing games off schedule.
The issue is that the same aggressive style has also opened the door to straight-ahead runs, and that’s a leak the Bears can’t keep living with. Draws, delays and screens have also found success when Baylor gets too eager.
The linebackers have had to live with some of those same run-game issues, especially inside, but they’ve balanced that out with strong work on the perimeter and dependable pass coverage when asked to drop. They hustle to the ball, they set the tone, and they’ve become a disruptive presence for opposing offenses. What has kept this group from climbing even higher is the lack of splash plays; they’ve produced tackles for loss and sacks, but not many forced fumbles or interceptions.
The best part of Baylor’s defense has been the secondary. Through five games, the Bears have allowed only three passing touchdowns and 229.2 passing yards per game, and that back end has given this defense a much-needed lift.
Baylor has also accounted for four of its five interceptions from that unit, with the group staying disciplined in zone coverage and tight in man-to-man. The PFF rating over 90 backs up what the eye test has shown: this secondary has been excellent.
Special teams has been a mixed bag. Palmer Williams stands out as one of, if not the best punters currently active in all of college football. He has changed field position and pinned opponents deep, sometimes inside the 10 or even the 5, with the kind of precision that stands out every week.
The kicking game has been less steady. Rhett Armstrong drilled a 54-yard field goal that showed off his leg, but several misses from inside 40 yards have made his accuracy a real question mark.
There’s also the possibility of Jayden McGowan giving the Bears something as a punt returner, but through week five, “potential” is all he has shown there. For now, upside isn’t enough to boost the grade.
Overall, Coach Klanderman deserves a lot of credit for what Baylor has built so far. Last season ended with seven losses and 32 points allowed per game; this year, the Bears still haven’t given up a 20-point game to anyone. With Dave Aranda giving Klanderman control of the defense, the arrangement has worked, and Klanderman’s grade reflects that.
In Other News...
Baylor Finally Has A Chance To Change This TCU Rivalry Script
Baylor heads into this week with a chance to do something it has had trouble doing in this rivalry: carry the favorites label into a meeting with TCU and make it mean something. The buildup around the game has centered on Baylors offense and defense working together, with players and coaches stressing how difficult TCU can be on that side of the ball and how important it is for Baylor to stay patient, physical and organized from the opening series.
For the Bears, the challenge is less about style points than control. A fast start on the ground, a steady pace and a game that stays low-scoring are all part of the formula Baylor believes can tilt the matchup its way, especially against a TCU defense that has been stubborn all season. It gives this rivalry a different feel than usual, with Baylor trying to set the terms instead of reacting to them. [Read more 🡒]
TCU Comes Out Of The Bye Facing A Big 12 Gut Check
Baylor heads into its matchup with TCU in a familiar spot for this point in the season: riding momentum and trying to keep it going. The Bears are 4-1 and have piled up big margins in recent wins, a sign that the offense and defense have both been doing enough to separate early and settle games before they get uncomfortable. A week off gave Baylor time to reset, but it also put the focus squarely on what comes next against a conference opponent that has been searching for answers.
TCU arrives in Waco after back-to-back losses and with the benefit of its own bye week to regroup. The Horned Frogs are 2-3 and know this trip carries more weight than an ordinary midseason game, especially with both teams trying to make a statement in Big 12 play. Coaches and players on both sides have talked about preparation and the need to be ready, and the next step for Baylor is to see whether its early rhythm can hold up when the conference grind tightens again. [Read more 🡒]
Baylor Fans Should Be Watching Josh Cameron A Lot More Closely
A former Baylor walk-on kept turning up in meaningful moments for Jacksonvilles latest win, the kind of performance that makes alumni and Baylor fans take notice. Josh Cameron was involved on offense and on special teams, giving the Jaguars a useful spark while another former Bear, Terrel Bernard, logged seven tackles in Buffalos win and James Lynch chipped in during Chicagos victory over Green Bay.
Camerons night was especially notable because his impact went beyond a few routine touches, with his work on special teams helping tilt the finish in Jacksonvilles favor. For Baylor followers, it is another reminder that the Bears continue to have players making their mark around the league, even if the bigger question around a separate former Houston defender still hangs over the week as he works through an injury evaluation. [Read more 🡒]