Baylor Bears: Big 12 preview
Baylor is back on track after dealing with the controversial aftermath of the sexual assault allegations against former HC Art Briles. It might not look like the Bears are on an upward trajectory in the Big 12 after going 2-7 last year, but you can't count that against them.
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David Aranda was in his first year as head coach and it was his first-ever head coaching job. Due to the pandemic, Baylor didn't get any spring games or real practices before hitting the field and the team had no chemistry. Baylor was ranked #13 in 2019 in Matt Rhule's final year with a 11-3 record.
Here's a look at the Baylor Bears' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: Baylor Bears
Baylor's strengths: Baylor has a very deep wide receiver group which could be one of the most experienced in the Big 12. RJ Sneed, Gavin Holmes and Tyquan Thornton are all returning and have a decent connection with both QB Jacob Zeno and Gerry Bohanon. RJ Sneed led the team last year but Tyquan is a big playmaker in that group.
Baylor's weaknesses: Baylor seems to have questions to answer at the QB position. Their prolific QB Charlie Brewer transferred to Iowa, leaving the very mobile junior Gerry Bohanon and sophomore Jacob Zeno to fight it out for the starter's spot.
Baylor Bears key players: Offense
WR: Tyquon Thorton - In 2019, Thorton had 782 yards and an average of 17.4 yards per catch. He had just 16 catches for 158 yards and a single touchdown last year. RJ Sneed may have led the team in receiving yards last season but Thorton could be an explosive playmaker once again.
RB: Treston Ebner - Ebner is a fifth-year player who was named Second-Team All-American last year as a return specialist. He could be an all-round weapon who needs to stand out in his final year to help the Bears. Ebner's elusiveness will bolster the backfield and give them some life in the Big 12.
Baylor's wide-zone scheme will place Ebner all over the offense.
Baylor Bears key players: Defense
LB: Terrel Bernard - Bernard is a two-time Second-Team All-Big 12 selection. He had a league-best average of 11 tackles per game last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. The Bears expect him to bounce back and be a solid contributor once again.
LB: Jalen Pitre - Pitre led the Bears in 2020 with 60 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He also had 2 INTs and 2 TDs. He's a hybrid safety who can fly all over the field and is a sound tackler. The pass defense is getting all five starters back and Pitre is the best of the lot.
2021-2022 Baylor Bears Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, at Texas State
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs. Texas Southern
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Kansas
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs. Iowa State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at Oklahoma State
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs. West Virginia
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, vs. BYU
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs. Texas
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at TCU
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs. Oklahoma
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Kansas State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs. Texas Tech
2021-2022 Baylor Bears Big 12 prediction (6-6 overall, 5-4 Big 12)
The Bears will show they are better than last year's record by winning six games with a rebuilding roster.
Making a bowl game would really show a lot of growth and give head coach Dave Aranda a win. The Bears will have a four-game losing streak midway through the season: Oklahoma State, West Virginia, BYU, and Texas. They'll end the season with two wins against Big 12 opponents Kansas State and Texas Tech.
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