Three Keys for Baylor to Challenge No. 10 BYU

Baylor enters its first matchup with a ranked opponent this season facing No. 10 BYU in Provo, Utah. With three regular-season games remaining, the Bears’ defense has been a strength, while the offense has shown progress under interim head coach Joe Klanderman.

One opportunity is to get tight ends Tony Livingston and his teammates involved between the 20-yard lines. They have contributed as red-zone targets, but tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson said they need to make catches in open space and create room against man coverage. More production from the group could give quarterback DJ Lagway another option.

Baylor also needs to avoid a sluggish opening. The Bears trailed Iowa State by 10 points in the second quarter, and a similar start could be difficult to overcome against BYU. Baylor has opened more strongly on the road than at home, a pattern it will need to sustain. Klanderman said players must genuinely believe they can start with energy, rather than simply talk about it.

Discipline is another priority. Baylor had its most polished performance this season against Iowa State, with one accepted penalty, after earlier struggles with penalties and sloppy execution. Klanderman said the team’s margin for error would be small and stressed avoiding mental mistakes and lapses in effort.

If Baylor plays with energy and limits mistakes, it will have a chance to stay competitive for four quarters and make BYU earn the win.