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Baylor is coming off of their first loss of the season, while TCU is desperate for a win to help them reach bowl eligibility. This certainly isn’t the matchup we all thought it would be at the start of the season, but it’s still a rivalry game, so throw records out the window.
Baylor, sitting at 6-1, feasted on weak competition through the first six games of the season (excluding a win over Oklahoma State), before falling to Texas 35-34 last week.
The Bears aren’t putting up the gaudy numbers we’re used to seeing, but they still have a potent offense. This season, though, Baylor’s defense has looked much improved, but it’s yet to be seen if that’s a byproduct of their schedule.
1. Seth Russell, QB
Russell came away from the Texas game with concussion-like symptoms, but has cleared protocol and will play Saturday against the Frogs. He’s looked good thus far for Baylor, despite completing just over 56% of his passes this season. He’s thrown for 18 touchdowns on the season, and has already rushed for six (he’s the third-leading rusher on the team in terms of carries and yards gained).
When healthy, Russell is a true dual threat quarterback, but TCU’s improved cornerback and defensive line play could force him into some bad decisions.
2. KD Cannon, WR
Cannon is more than just a burner, he’s become a good route runner with solid hands. He’s leading the Bears in all receiving categories, with 35 receptions, 531 yards, and six touchdowns. He’s Russell’s go-to guy, and if TCU can take him away, it’ll make life difficult for the Bears’ O.
3. Terence Williams, RB
Williams is the leading rusher for Baylor this season, and, as a sophomore, has rushed for 623 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He’s is gashing opposing defenses for six yards a carry and will be a big test for TCU’s front six.
4. Orion Stewart, S
Stewart leads Baylor with four interceptions on the season, and he’s a ballhawk. The two-time All-Big 12 defensive back has been a stalwart in the secondary for Baylor over the past few years, and he’ll definitely be a guy to look out for if your name is Kenny Hill or Foster Sawyer.
5. Shock Linwood, RB
Linwood is a part of Baylor’s three-headed rushing attack. He’s carried the ball 94 times this season for 567 yards (6 yards a tote). In fact, Baylor has four players with over 50 carries who are averaging 6+ yards per carry. Their run game is for real.