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Baylor Football Outlook 2024

Baylor Football Outlook 2024

2 min read 25-11-2024
Baylor Football Outlook 2024

The Baylor Bears are gearing up for another exciting season in the Big 12 Conference, and fans are eager to see what the 2024 campaign has in store. After a remarkable turnaround in 2022, the Bears are looking to build on their success and make a deeper push into the postseason.

A New Coaching Era

The offseason brought significant changes to the Baylor coaching staff, with the departure of Dave Aranda and the arrival of new head coach, Ryan McGinn. McGinn, a veteran coach with stints at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Waco. His hiring has injected fresh energy into the program, and fans are eager to see his vision for the team come to fruition.

Returning Talent

Despite the loss of several key players to the NFL draft, the Bears return a solid core of talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Blake Shapen, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season, will be back under center, and he'll be joined by a deep stable of running backs, including Craig Williams and Taye McWilliams. The receiving corps, led by Hal Presley, is also stocked with playmakers.

Defensively, the Bears will rely on a strong front seven, anchored by linebacker Bryson Jackson and defensive tackle Siaki Ika. The secondary, which was a weakness last season, has been bolstered by the addition of several talented newcomers.

Schedule Breakdown

The 2024 schedule is filled with challenges, including a season-opening trip to Oklahoma and a daunting home matchup against Texas. However, the Bears also have several winnable games on the docket, including contests against Kansas and Iowa State.

Season Predictions

While it's difficult to predict exactly how the season will play out, most experts agree that the Bears will be a bowl-bound team once again. With McGinn at the helm, Baylor has the talent and depth to compete with the top teams in the conference.

Here's a breakdown of our predicted season outcomes:

  • Regular Season Record: 8-4
  • Conference Record: 5-3
  • Bowl Game: Cheez-It Bowl (vs. NC State)

Conclusion

The 2024 Baylor Bears have all the ingredients to be a force in the Big 12. With a new coach, a talented roster, and a challenging schedule, this season promises to be an exciting ride for fans in Waco. Will the Bears be able to navigate the ups and downs of the season and emerge as a top contender? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Baylor football is back, and it's ready to make some noise.