Sneak peak at Baylor, LSU’s Texas Bowl opponent

12/30/2024

Graphic By: LSUsports.net

Da Boot Sports
12/30/2024
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Grant Chachere

LSU will face a tough task in the 2024 edition of the Texas Bowl, going up against a solid Baylor squad.Despite starting the season 2-4, Baylor won six straight games to finish the regular season with an 8-4 record. During that stretch, the Bears averaged 41.3 points per game.

Baylor’s head coach is Dave Aranda, who served as the defensive coordinator at LSU from 2016 to 2019. He was the defensive architect for LSU’s 2019 national championship team. Since joining Baylor, Aranda has compiled a 31-29 overall record. His best season at Baylor so far was in 2021 when he led the Bears to a 12-2 record, winning both the Big 12 Championship and the Sugar Bowl.

The Bears average 434.5 yards per game, ranking 25th in the country, and employ a balanced offensive scheme that thrives on controlling the tempo and exploiting mismatches. Their rushing attack, featuring an experienced offensive line and physical running backs, remains the centerpiece. However, quarterback Sawyer Robertson has shown flashes of brilliance, delivering timely throws to keep defenses honest.

Although Baylor’s defense can be inconsistent, it is experienced and performs well in high-pressure situations, excelling at stopping offenses on third down and in the red zone.

Here is everything you need to know about Baylor heading into the Texas Bowl on December 31.

Offense
Robertson anchors Baylor’s passing attack and has enjoyed a great season in his first full year as a starter.
Robertson, who became the starter in Baylor’s third game of the season, has completed nearly 63% of his passes for 2,626 yards, with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His 155.0 passer efficiency rating ranks 14th in the country, making him one of the most efficient quarterbacks nationally.

The Bears provide Robertson with a wealth of reliable pass-catching targets. Redshirt junior Josh Cameron is Baylor’s leading receiver, with 44 receptions for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. Cameron is also a prolific punt returner, averaging over 20 yards per return, earning a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team.

Ashton Hawkins, a Texas State transfer, is Baylor’s second-leading receiver with 41 receptions for 512 yards and four touchdowns.
Tight end Michael Trigg, an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has recorded 30 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the best in the country.

Baylor’s running game is led by redshirt freshman Bryson Washington, who has carried the ball 170 times for 1,004 yards and 12 touchdowns. Washington has rushed for 100 or more yards in five of the last six games.
When Washington needs a breather, sophomore running back Dawson Pendergrass steps in capably, contributing 100 carries for 608 yards and four touchdowns.

The offensive line is highly experienced, with four of the five starters having at least two years of starting experience. This unit has been instrumental in Baylor’s balanced attack, enabling the Bears to rush for 188.5 yards per game (34th nationally) and nearly five yards per carry.

The standout of the offensive line is guard Omar Aigbedion, an All-Big 12 honorable mention. Aigbedion, a former Montana State player, has started 38 games in his career and was an All-Big Sky performer in 2023.

Defense
LSU’s offense should feel confident. Baylor’s defense has been inconsistent throughout the season, ranking in the bottom half of the Big 12 in total defense. The Bears allow 382.8 yards per game, placing them 10th in the Big 12 and 83rd nationally. This includes 227.6 passing yards allowed per game (85th nationally) and 155.2 rushing yards per game (78th nationally).

Despite these struggles, Baylor excels at forcing turnovers and performing in high-pressure situations. The Bears have intercepted 13 passes, ranking 31st in the nation, and are tied for 43rd in turnovers gained.

Baylor ranks second in the Big 12 and 36th nationally in third-down defense, allowing conversions just 34.9% of the time. Additionally, Baylor ranks second in the conference and 37th nationally in red zone defense, an area where LSU’s offense has struggled, ranking 74th in red zone efficiency.

Baylor’s defensive line features two All-Big 12 performers at defensive end—Treven Ma’ae and Jackie Marshall. Defensive tackle Elinus Noel, a New Orleans native, anchors the interior.

Ma’ae has 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Marshall has recorded 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble.

Noel, who previously played at Nicholls and Texas Southern, has collected 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.

Linebackers Matt Jones and Keaton Thomas, both All-Big 12 First Team selections, form one of the best linebacker corps in the Big 12. Jones has 103 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble, and six pass breakups. Thomas leads the team with 107 tackles, including seven for loss, along with 2.5 sacks and an interception.

At the JACK position, Garmon Randolph and Steve Linton rotate effectively, each contributing three sacks.

In the secondary, four of Baylor’s five starters have at least one interception. Cornerbacks Caden Jenkins and Lorando Johnson lead the unit, with Jenkins recording an interception and four pass breakups, while Johnson has one interception and 10 pass breakups.

Free safety Devin Lemear and strong safety Devyn Bobby contribute significantly to pass coverage. Lemear has one interception and two pass breakups, while Bobby has 66 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and two pass breakups. Corey Gordon, who rotates with Bobby, also has three interceptions.

Carl Williams IV starts at the STAR position, assisting with pass coverage and run support near the line of scrimmage.

Special Teams
Baylor boasts one of the best special teams units in the country. The Bears rank first in punt returns (20.71 yards per return), fifth in net punting (43.55 yards per punt), and eighth in kickoff return defense (allowing just 15.68 yards per return).

Kicker Isaiah Hankins has made 13 of 18 field goal attempts, with a long of 51 yards. He is perfect from 39 yards or less but has gone 6-for-11 from beyond 40 yards.

Palmer Williams, an All-Big 12 First Team punter, averages 49.6 yards per punt. He has downed 14 punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded 21 punts of 50 yards or more.

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