Recap: Week 3 vs Air Force

After a slow and sloppy start to the game, the Bears absolutely throttled the Air Force Falcons in the second half for a 31-3 victory. Three lost fumbles and a failed 4th down attempt in the first half only afforded Baylor a 6-3 lead heading into the half, but the Bears (led by Robertson) dominated the rest of the way.

Takeaway: Right now, Sawyer Robertson is the best QB on Baylor’s roster. Simply put, Robertson put on one of the best QB performances Baylor fans have seen in a while. He was accurate. He was on time. He found open receivers. He moved well in the pocket. He showed running ability. It was an all-around stellar showing from the Junior. He finished the game with 248 yards on 18/24 passing with a touchdown on the ground as well. His rating was a whopping 161.8.

Dequann Finn reportedly did not practice last week and was seen on the sideline with his arm in a sling. We don’t yet know how long we can expect him to be out, and you never want to see a guy lose his job due to injury, but no one who has watched Baylor football in recent years can deny that what we saw from Sawyer Robertson was different. Charlie Brewer, Gerry Bohanon, and Blake Shapen all had their own moments, but this looked…and felt, different. Sawyer looked comfortable, like he was built to run this Spavital offense. He deserves to take the reins moving forward.

Robertson’s numbers could have been even better if it weren’t for the previously mentioned fumbles, all of which occurred while the offense was driving efficiently. Giving an option team like Air Force extra possessions can stifle your time of possession, something that absolutely came to fruition as the Bears only possessed the ball for 5:55 in the first half.

An additional “new but not new” offensive player rose to the occasion this week. Sophomore RB Bryson Washington was clearly the hot hand against the Falcons, gashing them for 106 yards and a TD on only 12 attempts. He came alive in the third quarter and showed some great vision and quick feet. Just like Robertson, he deserves a look at being the featured player at his position moving forward. Richard Reese, Dawson “Moose” Pendergrass, and Dominic Richardson combined for 108 yards, but the headlining story on the ground was Washington.

The offense as a whole finished with 478 yards and a 7.7 yards per play average. A very solid game against anyone, but especially against a ball control team like Air Force. The more this offense plays, the more they will feel comfortable in this new offense, and the more their new OC will understand how to use his weapons.

Defensively, the Bears handled business in a way that most teams cannot vs an option team like Air Force.

Substitutions were quick and often, as the defense was field for over 34 minutes and 46 plays and only surrendered 3 points. Stuck in unfortunate circumstances by the offense three different times times, they held Air Force to 218 total yards, only 3 points, and only allowed 3.4 yards per play. Brooks Miller and Jackie Marshall each forced a fumble and RS SO Corey Gordon Jr. had an interception as well.

The defense, with Dave Aranda on the sticks, has shown new fire and discipline. Holding any opponent to only 3 points in a game is a huge feat in modern college football, no matter what offense they run.

Attention has to be paid to this Baylor special teams unit. A blocked punt, and another solid kicking game for Isaiah Hankins (3/4, with makes from 46 and 51) is indicative of a potential trend upward for this third of the game.

Air Force did what most expected them to do. Control the clock, utilize every down, and limit the possessions of their opponent. Forcing Baylor turnovers in the first half really compounded that strategy. All credit to their performance in the first half, they moved the ball on multiple occasions as Baylor adjusted to the scheme. But, as fans had hoped, they didn’t have the horses to keep up with a P4 team.

Baylor is 2-1 heading into conference play. The Bears will head to Boulder to face Colorado next.

Hey Baylor, win this one? You’ve already matched your win total from 2023.