10 reasons you should be at McLane Stadium this Saturday
One thing we’re thankful for this week? Baylor football’s resurgence this year under head coach Dave Aranda. The Bears head into the final week of the season riding a five-game winning streak — the program’s longest since 2019, when BU finished 13th nationally after a Sugar Bowl appearance — and headed toward their third bowl game in Aranda’s five seasons.
Baylor closes out the 2024 regular season at home Saturday against a surging Kansas team (11 a.m., ESPN2). Here are 10 reasons you should be at McLane to see it:
1. The Baylor offense — You want offense? This team has it. Since their bye week in early October, the Bears are averaging more than 40 points per game. For October/November, Baylor ranks No. 8 nationally in points per game, and for the entire season, BU is averaging 33.7 points per game (which would be BU’s best output since 2016).
2. Sawyer Robertson — Like most offenses, this one’s success begins with the quarterback. Since taking over the starting role in week three, Robertson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. The junior heads into this weekend’s finale leading the Big 12 and ranked No. 6 nationally in quarterback rating, and among the top 20 in the country in touchdowns thrown.
3. Bryson Washington — Another big weapon in Baylor’s offense, Washington has emerged as an elite running back threat as a redshirt freshman. When he scored four touchdowns against TCU, it was a first for any Bear since 2011; Washington then duplicated the feat a week later against WVU. He enters the final week among the top three freshmen nationally in both rushing yards and rushing TDs.
4. Josh Cameron — It’s hard to believe Cameron started his career as a walk-on. The Bears’ leading receiver, now a junior, ranks No. 23 nationally in touchdowns receiving. He’s also added a dimension to BU’s special teams, ranking No. 2 in the country in punt return average (20.7 yards per return).
5 & 6. Matt Jones & Keaton Thomas — The Baylor linebacker duo lead the Bears in tackles and rank 22nd and 31st in the country, respectively. Jones, a senior, has already cracked Baylor’s all-time top 10 in career tackles for loss, and will likely finish among BU’s top 10 in career tackles, solo tackles and sacks.
7. Senior Day — In their last home game of the season, the Bears will honor a host of seniors playing their final games at McLane. Those who have played their entire career at Baylor played roles on the 2021 (and even the 2019) Sugar Bowl teams that rank among the best in BU history, and have contributed to this year’s resurgence as well. (The home finale is also a chance for seniors to run the Baylor Line one last time before the game.)
8. Big 12 title game chances — A lot has to go right to make it happen, but Baylor enters the final weekend with a shot at the 2024 Big 12 Championship Game. The Bears are currently one game behind a quartet of teams (ASU, BYU, CU and ISU) that are tied for first in the Big 12. If Baylor wins, and three of those four teams lose, then the Bears would have a chance to play for the Big 12 title on Dec. 7 in Arlington.
9. Ticket deal — Baylor Athletics is running a great deal this week: For just $30, you can get tickets to Saturday’s football game and the women’s basketball games at Foster Pavilion on Friday and Sunday. Make it a Waco weekend!
10. Baylor Family — Last but not least, why be at McLane Stadium on Saturday? Because that’s what the Baylor Family does — we cheer each other on, win or lose, rain or shine.
Get your tickets now, and we’ll see you Saturday at McLane!
Sic ’em, Bears!