Baylor University concluded their regular football season on a high note with a dominant 45-17 victory over the University of Kansas at McLane Stadium, effectively dashing Kansas’ bowl aspirations. Despite being eliminated from contention for the Big 12 Championship due to wins by Colorado and Arizona State, the Bears showcased their strength with an impressive performance, securing their sixth consecutive win.
The Bears excelled with a total offensive output of 603 yards, led by standout performances from quarterback Blake Robertson, who threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns. He also made significant contributions on the ground, rushing for 192 yards and scoring two touchdowns, breaking the 1,000-yard milestone for the season and setting a freshman record at Baylor. The team showcased remarkable depth, as two running backs exceeded the 100-yard mark and two wide receivers reached similar highs in receiving yards.
Baylor, having already secured a 21-10 lead at halftime, dominated the second half with touchdowns on their first three possessions, extending their lead to 42-17. The Bears did not allow Kansas, which came to the game on a three-game winning streak against ranked opponents, to find their footing. After Kansas opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown run by Devin Neal, the Bears quickly responded, taking control of the game with an array of offensive plays.
Although Kansas put up a fight, highlighted by Neal’s solid performance with 133 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with quarterback Jalon Daniels completing 12 out of 23 passes for 280 yards, the Bears’ offense proved too formidable.
With this victory, Baylor earns its spot in a bowl game for the 13th time in the last 16 years, marking a successful campaign under head coach Dave Aranda, who has now led the team to bowl appearances in three out of his five seasons.
As the Bears prepare for their upcoming bowl selection announcement on December 8, the team’s momentum and impressive finish to the season provide a hopeful outlook for their postseason match-up. This remarkable turnaround conveys Baylor’s resilience and potential as they aim to carry this winning momentum into the bowl season.