Baylor at BYU Notebook: Bears Offense, Kicking Must Improve to be Big 12 Contenders
In a game that ultimately took more than four hours to decide a winner, No. 21 BYU came out on top in a 26-20 double-overtime victory over the No. 9 Baylor Bears.
It was Baylor coach Dave Aranda's -- and quarterback Blake Shapen's -- first true test this season, and one they came up just short in on the road in Utah.
And for a contest that didn't end until 1:20 a.m. Central Time, this game was truly an instant classic.
A few key takeaways from Saturday night's (actually Sunday morning's) loss as the Bears aim to learn from this experience with Big 12 play looming around the corner:
BAYLOR'S KICKING GAME MUST IMPROVE
When Isaiah Hankins missed an extra point with 1:37 remaining in the first quarter of play, it was hard to know the true impact of the mistake. However, that lone PAT could have been what won the game for the Bears.
Of course, that could be said about numerous plays for both teams on multiple plays in any given game though, so that point alone is moot. However, one thing remains certain: the Bears have GOT to improve on special teams, especially in the kicking game.
Despite that early missed extra point by the Bears, Baylor still had a chance to take a three-point lead in overtime, but Hankins missed a 43-yard attempt.
In short, the Bears MUST improve their kicking game if they want to have a successful season.
BYU COUGARS DEFENSE IS LEGIT
Say what you want about Baylor's kicking game or lack thereof, but the BYU Cougars' defense is legitimate. Time and time again, the BYU defenders were taking the proper angles and moves to take down Baylor's offense.
At times, Baylor took advantage of certain mismatches but ultimately, BYU's defense lived up to the hype -- and then some, especially in key moments when it mattered the most.
With Baylor relying heavily on the run by the time the second overtime rolled around (over 50 rushing plays at that time), BYU's defense clamped down.
After pushing all the way to BYU's 5-yard-line to make it first and goal for Baylor, it was time for the run game to continue its pursuit of the end zone.
The only problem was, that they ran into a Cougars defensive unit intent on stopping the Bears from scoring. And they did just that, stopping back-to-back Baylor runs at the line of scrimmage before forcing two passes from Shapen - both of which fell incomplete as BYU held on to win the game.
FIRST ROAD TEST, FIRST LOSS
Can the Bears win on the road? After one game in 2022, no.
Yes, it's only the second game of the season. Yes, conference play has yet to begin. However, the Bears are now 1-1 on the season and will likely be out of the top 10 come Monday.
Yes, the Bears are still technically contenders for being Big 12 Champions. A nonconference loss won't change that. But if the Bears are to face down the likes of Texas, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma, something offensively will have to change.
Head coach Dave Aranda will hope to use this loss as a learning experience that will help the Bears learn from their mistakes and take a step forward.
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com