Offense
Key returners: Charlie Brewer (QB), John Lovett (RB)
Key losses: Denzel Mims (WR)
Key additions: None
Star player: Charlie Brewer (QB)
Name to look for: Tyquan Thornton (WR)
Analysis: If there is a dark horse for the best quarterback in the Big 12, it is Charlie Brewer. A senior out of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Brewer is going into his third season as the starter for Baylor. His 3,1161 passing yards ranked fourth in the conference in 2019.
Having second-round wide receiver Denzel Mims helped, as he was the star of the Baylor offense. However, he is now off in the NFL with the New York Jets. Replacing Mims will be Tyquan Thornton, a 6-3, 180-pound third-year receiver. A starter of 11 games last season, Thornton was Baylor’s second-leading receiver with 45 receptions and 782 yards and five touchdowns.
While the run game may not be the Bears’ strength, returning John Lovett is a bonus. Over the past two seasons, the running back has a total of 1,228 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Lovett has done so on only 212 carries, averaging nearly 5.8 yards per carry.
The only issue for Baylor is their offensive line and the struggle over the past few years. In 2019, the Bears allowed 38 sacks, the most in the Big 12. With the talent that is Brewer, allowing defenses to get pressure ruins what is a sound Baylor offense at skill positions.
If/when the offensive line is sorted, there will not be many factors holding Baylor back from being a top offense in the Big 12. Even with the problems upfront, the Bears averaged over 30 points per conference game. Pass protection will be key to challenging for another Big 12 championship appearance.