New era dawns as 2017 Baylor football season approaches

In many ways, the key word for Baylor football in 2017 is “new.”

A new head coach. New assistant coaches. New offensive and defensive philosophies. New emphases on involvement and service, both on campus and in the community, and on building both good football players and good men.

Yet for fans, the gameday experience will remain much the same. The Baylor Line will still run. The Golden Wave Band will still play. Sailgating is still a distinctly Baylor experience. And McLane Stadium remains an amazing place to watch a college football game.

So how might the Bears fare in head coach Matt Rhule’s first season at the helm? The Dallas Morning News’ game-by-game breakdown projects an 8-4 regular season, which would send Baylor bowling for the 8th straight season. SB Nation and Bleacher Report each put the Bears in the Cactus Bowl (vs. Oregon and Utah, respectively), while Athlon Sports and Sports on Earth each project Baylor to face Arkansas in the Texas Bowl.

Sure, there are question marks. What will the offense look like? Who will start at quarterback? Does this team have the depth to survive a rugged Big 12 schedule? But as the saying goes, “That’s why they play the games,” right?

See you at McLane Stadium!

Sic ’em, Bears!

[Limited single-game Baylor football tickets are still available, including a special three-game package. Visit BaylorBears.com/tickets for more info or to purchase.]