Everything you need to know about Baylor football: Key storylines, predictions and more (2024)

Baylor football is riding high after the program attained its first 12-win season, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship and Sugar Bowl win. With head coach Dave Aranda entering his third year in the driver’s seat, things are trending in the right direction for the Bears.

But, will the green and gold replicate that same glory this fall? Not so fast.

As great as last year was, Baylor’s schedule was favorable, having some of its toughest games at a friendly McLane Stadium. That flips this season, as the Bears have tough road contests against BYU, Oklahoma and Texas, to name a few. Baylor won’t be at the bottom of conference standings, but let’s pump the brakes a bit on repeat chatter.

You can’t blame fans too much, though, because even the media seems to be sold on Aranda’s group, as they received 17 first-place votes in the preseason poll and will begin the year the favorite to repeat.

On another positive note, it’s early August and we know who is going to be leading the offense, contrary to last year’s quarterback battle that lasted until late August.

Sophom*ore slinger Blake Shapen won the job over 2021 starter Gerry Bohanon, who has since transferred to USF. Baylor fans have a lot to be excited about with Shapen, as his dynamic ability gives him the chance to be a top-three QB in the Big 12. Don’t believe me? This should change your mind.

Let’s also acknowledge the fact that the Bears lost 11 guys to the NFL, including the 2021 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Jalen Pitre. While there is a lot to be excited about this season, expect some growing pains before banking on similar success, Baylor fans.

Baylor fact book

Head coach: Dave Aranda (third season at Baylor; 14-9 overall record in two seasons as a head coach)

2021 record: 12-2 (7-2 Big 12)

Bowl result: Win over Ole Miss, 21-7, in Sugar Bowl

2021 offense: 422.4 yards per game (203.07 passing, 219.3 rushing) | 31.64 ppg

2021 defense: 345.8 yards per game (227.50 passing, 118.3 rushing) | 18.29 ppg

Starters returning (off./def.): 7/7

Big 12 preseason media poll: 1st overall

Preseason All-Big 12 selections

Offense: TE Ben Sims

5th-year senior Ben Sims is returning after being featured a lot more in his 2021 campaign. The 6-5, 258-pound TE posted 361 receiving yards on 31 catches (contrary to 164 yards on 14 catches in 2020) and should be poised for another big year, especially after showing a strong connection with Blake Shapen in the 2021 Big 12 Championship game.

OL Connor Galvin

Baylor fans should feel great knowing the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year is back in the trenches to lead an O-line group that was among the nation’s best. The Katy native will be a front runner to repeat as the conference’s best offensive lineman.

OL Jacob Gall

Veteran leadership and dependability. That’s what you’re going to get with sixth-year senior Jacob Gall, who started all 14 games last season at center. Expect Baylor to keep pounding the rock effectively with Gall in the middle.

Defense: DL Siaki Ika

Siaki “Apu” Ika is a gamechanger. No, seriously, Apu shifts the weight of the scale on the gridiron. The 6-4, 358-pound nose tackle eats up blocks and plugs up the middle with the best of them. His presence alone will be invaluable to the Bears’ defense. Don’t forget about his unique sack celebrations, either.

LB Dillon Doyle

This is an interesting one. Doyle is stepping into a similar, yet different role. The former Iowa Hawkeye has been an elite inside linebacker, alongside 2022 Sugar Bowl MVP Terrel Bernard, since 2020. However, with Bernard gone, Doyle has to step up not only in production, but leadership as well. It’ll be interesting to see how the middle looks with the Iowa City, Iowa native leading the way, but I expect to see continued good things.

Fan guide

Five must-follow Twitter accounts for Baylor fans:

@JohnWernerTrib and @BriceCherry - These two gentlemen from the Waco Tribune-Herald will keep you up-to-date on everything. Whether it’s game day and John Werner is live tweeting notable incidents or Brice is giving you his thoughts on what’s going on, you won’t regret following them.

@mattmosley - Matt Mosely is easily one of the best radio-guys in central Texas, and he never disappoints to entertain you during his weekday show on ESPN Central Texas 1660 AM. His twitter presence is outstanding and be sure to check out any podcasts or interviews he posts or retweets.

@SicEm365 - The content the crew at SicEm365.com pump out is incredible. They are fast, accurate and super noteworthy. Be sure to follow this team, as they provide great information to Baylor faithful.

@OurDailyBears - From podcasts to stories, this group will keep you in the loop on anything and everything Baylor football. Trust them to give you the hard news and throw in some humor here and there.

@BULariatSports - This small team of student reporters can give you the latest in an impressive manner. Don’t underestimate what these young writers can do, as they pump out content amid their busy day-to-day life.

Best place to tailgate on Saturdays: If the weather is on your side, you can never go wrong with “sailgating” on the Brazos River. My suggested backup is Touchdown Alley, as there is lots of fun to get into for all ages. It opens three hours before the game starts and is free, although you need food and drinks. For a full tailgating guide, click here.

Best place to grab a post-game bite: Twisted Root Burger Co. has savory burgers and is right across the interstate. For something different, Buzzard Billy’s offers solid cajun food, and Clay Pot has tasty Vietnamese cuisine.

Best gameday tradition to take part in: You don’t want to miss the Bear Walk. Three hours before the game starts, Bears coaches and players trudge on the Basin Bridge through Touchdown Alley toward the stadium gates. As they walk, fans line their route and overwhelm the coaches and athletes with words of encouragement.

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Find more Baylor coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.