The Baylor Bears had some hype around them last season after they won the 2021 BIG 12 Conference Title. However, 2022 was a real disappointment for Baylor. They finished 6-7 and it led to some changes happening for the coaching staff. Can Baylor get back to the top of the Big 12 in 2023? Here is the preview for the 2023 Baylor Bears.
Offense
One thing that Baylor desperately needs is better overall play from quarterback Blake Shapen. The junior captain had a rough sophomore campaign. Shapen threw for 2,790 passing yards to go along with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Not terrible numbers for the first year full time starter, but not what Baylor needed to take it to the next level. Last year the running game was non-existent at times which hurt the Baylor offense. However, this year they brought in Dominic Richardson from Oklahoma State to come in and add a different dynamic to the Bears backfield. Baylor also is bringing back Freshman-All American running back Richard Reese who set school records as a freshman with 972 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
For the receiving core, Arkansas transfer Ketron Jackson Jr is coming in and should make a huge impact. Additionally, Baylor is bringing back three out of their four top receivers from last year in Monaray Baldwin, Josh Cameron, and Hal Presley. This should be a good enough core for Shapen to take that step forward for the Bears offense. The offensive line is going to be an issue for Baylor, as they lose a trio of sixth year seniors and a four year starter at left tackle. One thing they did was bring in a pair of brothers from BYU in Clark and Campbell Barrington to beef up the offensive line. The only starter from last season returning is Gavin Byers and he moved from right tackle to left guard. With the lack of chemistry at the moment, this Baylor offensive line is going to need to get affirmated with each other very quickly to compete in the Big 12.
Defense
Baylor is hoping to change the tides defensively after a bad campaign in 2022. They bring in Matt Powledge who wants the Bears defense to get in the face of their opponents. The Baylor defense will be more challenging on the line of scrimmage with this approach, which was an approach that the Bears used to win the Big 12 title in 2021. Baylor’s defensive line is super talented even after losing All-Big 12 nose tackle Siaki Ika. They brought in Jerrell Boykins Jr from Louisiana Tech and put him aside Gabe Hill and TJ Franklin. Those three are going to create havoc up front for the Bears.
At the linebacker position, they are led by proven playmakers Matt Jones and Gammon Randolph. They also brought in Mike Smith Jr from Liberty to deepen that linebacker core. In the secondary, Bryson Jackson is the big playmaker and a key part to that defense. Sophomore safety Devin Lemear was fourth on the team in tackles and is an impact guy. They also add Miami transfer Isaiah Dunson to add some depth to the cornerback position. That cornerback position is easily the Bears’ weakest spot on the team. If they can legitimize that spot, that defense will go back to wreaking havoc on opposing Big 12 offenses.
Win Total Bet
The win total is set at 7.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over set at +152 odds and the under set at -188 odds. If Baylor can fix their defense and the offensive line can assure me that Shapen plays a lot better in 2023, I really like Baylor’s chances at the over here. They have some tough spots which makes me think that they will finish just under this win total. Baylor for sure can get seven wins, but I think they struggle to go above that. The odds are too high for my liking, but Baylor is an interesting team to watch in the Big 12 in 2023.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Texas State (1-0)
Win vs Utah (2-0)
Blowout Win vs LIU (3-0)
Loss vs Texas (3-1)
Loss at UCF (3-2)
Win vs Texas Tech (4-2)
Win at Cincinnati (5-2)
Close Win vs Iowa State (6-2)
Loss vs Houston (6-3)
Closs Loss at Kansas State (6-4)
Loss at TCU (6-5)
Win vs West Virginia (7-5)