The Baylor Bears are ranked in the top ten after a 11-win campaign in 2014, and with a majority of their starters returning, all signs point to a successful run in 2015.
Could they make a run all the way to the College Football Playoff? We think so - if fact, we'll take it a step further. Here are four reasons why Baylor is guaranteed to make the playoff this season:
4) Shawn Oakman's ability
Oakman is he most freakish athlete in the country at 6'9", and 280 pounds with tremendous strength and athleticism. He finally put all of his physical tools together in 2014, making 51 tackles with 11 tacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Baylor expects him to take another step forward this season, which would turn him from a breakout star to a certified top-ten pick.
3) Seth Russell's upside
Russell didn’t get much playing time in 2014, but he definitely made the most of it – he completed 48 of 85 passes for 804 yards, 8 TDs and 1 interception. It wasn’t against the kind of defenses he’ll face as a starter, but it definitely bodes well for the next man up in Baylor’s offense factory. Art Briles’ team isn’t losing very many impact players, and Russell is coming into what might be the most QB-friendly job in NCAA football. Baylor insiders have raved about Russell’s potential since he hit campus – if he proves them right, he’ll be much higher on this list.
2) Easy schedule
Baylor does have to play TCU on the road this year, but they get West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas all at home. The table is set for an undefeated season for the Bears this year, and if they do that, no committee member would be able to keep them out of the playoff.
1) Art Briles' greatness
Briles has taken the Bears from relative obscurity to one of the best college football programs in the country in such a short time, and they've reeled off three double-digit win seasons in the past four years. Baylor is only trending up, and Briles has the ability to lead them to the top of the college football world this season.
Follow our Baylor Bears team page for all the latest Bears news and rumors!
Back to the Baylor Bears Newsfeed