Baylor and Iowa State are two programs that have a lot in common, even though the Bears have more hardware to display for their efforts over the course of time. Both are smaller campuses, both aren’t the easiest to recruit to, and it takes the right type of coach to come in and have success at the helm of each team.
Earlier this week, Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell discussed the similarities of each program ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
“I think Baylor is a mirror image of us this season,” said Campbell. “They are a young team who’s starting to find their identity and they are playing really good football right now.”
When Baylor has been able to find success this season, it’s come from the play and leadership of Blake Shapen. While he missed on a few throws last week that you can’t afford to miss, he still puts up ridiculous numbers through the air — unfortunately finding the end zone has been a challenge.
Campbell has been really impressed with Shapen’s development and ability to lead Baylor’s offense and he knows the Cyclones must apply pressure and not let Shapen get into a rhythm.
“If you look at just the last six quarters, he’s (Shapen) has been exceptional. He’s great at escaping the pocket and he’s consistently made big play after big play,” said Campbell. “They have so great talent in their receiving room, which has been really impressive and I just think they lost a lot of guys and are trying to work through who their identity is just like us.”
While Baylor’s defense has been disappointing overall for a majority of the season, you’re starting to see the younger players on that side emerge as the true leaders and players you can actually rely on. Despite the lack of consistency from the veterans that the Bears have, especially along the front, Campbell still has a lot of respect for those elder statesmen.
“That defense is made up of a lot of veterans along their line and at linebacker, those guys have played a lot of good football and have been successful throughout their careers,” said Campbell. “I feel like they are a good football team in general. They’re starting to evolve and that goes back to their great coaching staff and having a lot of tough guys who’ve played a lot of football.”
Baylor (3-4, 2-2) leads the series against Iowa State (4-3, 3-1) 12-9 and the Bears are 7-3 in the series when games have been played in Waco. The Bears and Cyclones will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. and the game will be aired on ESPN+.
