Baylor

HC: Matt Rhule OC: Jeff Nixon, Glenn Thomas DC: Phil Snow

2018 RECORD - 7-6

Most Likely 2019 RECORD - 7-5

OVERVIEW

If you flashed me forward to December and told me Baylor won 8 games and are shaping up for a decent bowl game I wouldn’t be surprised, on the other hand if you told me they won 5 games that wouldn’t surprise me either. It’s a razor thin margin in Waco, Texas this season and that starts with Matt Rhule and Charlie Brewer. The tandem hasn’t really been on the same page through two seasons together with Brewer either getting benched, hurt or not winning the job to start 2017. With those two not getting on the same page Baylor's offense has just been almost good.

The Bears scored 29.5 points per game in 2018 which is a respectable number in the Big 12. Heading into 2019, Baylor should improve on offense. Brewer and Rhule should finally be on the same page, the running back stable is returning and the WR corps returns several weapons. Will the offense miss Jalen Hurd? Absolutely. Can the other Baylor playmakers pick up the slack, probably. The skill positions will be ready, the offensive line is another question coming off a dreadful 2018. Even with the inconsistent offensive line play, it’s not the offense that’s been the problem in Waco. The Bears have had a defense problem.

Giving up 30 points a game is ok when you’re scoring 48 points per game. You can shake some wins out that way. But scoring 30 points a game and giving up 30 points a game doesn’t add up quite the same way in the win column. The Bears are shifting to a 3-man front this offseason but will still play a multiple defense. Returning 3 quality linebackers will help but the secondary is a mystery. So much of a mystery that 2018 leading rusher John Lovett played some safety during the spring.

Baylor will likely be in a lot of close games this year and if the offensive line and defense have improved that will be a positive.