BAYLOR BEARS AIM FOR REBOUND IN 2023 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

After a disappointing 6-7 finish in 2022, Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda and his team are eager to bounce back and regain their winning form. The Bears faced significant challenges last season, including departures on defense and struggles on the offensive front. However, with core starters returning and a sense of continuity within the program, Baylor is poised to make a strong comeback in the upcoming 2023 season.

Looking back at the 2022 season, Baylor had to navigate the loss of key players and coaching staff on defense, resulting in a decline in defensive performance. They finished 12th in points allowed and experienced a notable drop in defensive fortitude. In their last four games, the Bears allowed an average of 32 points per game, culminating in a disappointing loss to Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. In response to the defensive struggles, Aranda made changes to the coaching staff, bringing in Matt Prowledge as the new defensive coordinator. Prowledge previously coached at Oregon and has a deep understanding of the successful Baylor defensive system from the 2021 season.

While the defense will have to navigate the loss of several key starters, including safety Al Walcott and defensive lineman Siaki Ika, they possess a group of talented young players ready to step up. The defensive front, led by seniors TJ Franklin and Gabe Hall, brings size and strength to the team. The linebacking corps and secondary provide additional experience, which should contribute to overall improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

On the offensive front, the success of the Bears will heavily rely on the performance of rising junior quarterback Blake Shapen. Shapen showed flashes of playmaking ability, particularly during Baylor's Big 12 Championship run in his freshman year. However, he experienced a setback in his sophomore season, struggling to consistently produce in crucial moments. The Bears hope to address these inconsistencies and provide Shapen with the necessary support to elevate his performance. Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robinson is also waiting in the wings as a capable backup option.

As the Bears prepare for the 2023 season, they understand that the road to the Big 12 Championship won't be an easy one. They would need to replicate their successful 2021 season to contend for the conference title. With determination, improvements on both sides of the ball, and a resilient mindset, Baylor aims to rebound and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.

Fans and observers eagerly await the start of the 2023 college football season to witness the Bears' resurgence under Coach Aranda's guidance. Baylor's journey toward redemption promises excitement and the potential for a successful campaign as they strive to reclaim their status among the conference's elite teams.