Keys to the Game: What Baylor Must do Against Kansas

After reeling off five consecutive wins, Baylor (7-4, 5-3) now faces one of the other hottest teams in the Big 12 in Kansas (5-6, 4-4). The Jayhawks have found their rhythm down the stretch like the Bears and head into Waco on Saturday, needing one more win to become bowl-eligible and salvage their season.

Here are three keys to the game that Baylor must achieve to keep their streak rolling into the bowl game.

1: Slow Down Devin Neal

Baylor is all too familiar with how successful running backs can be in Jeff Grimes' offense when it’s clicking, and that’s exactly what’s happening right now with Devin Nea (Sr.)l. The Lawrence native has rushed for over 1,100 yards this season on 199 carries while finding the end zone on 15 occasions.

Neal is coming off a career performance against Colorado last week (37 carries, 207 yards, three touchdowns — four receptions, 80 yards, one touchdown)  that earned him Walter Camp Player of the Week honors. He is currently the all-time leader in rushing yards (4,210), rushing touchdowns (48) and scrimmage touchdowns (52) for the Jayhawks.

2: Attack the Middle of the Field

Kansas has one of the best cornerback duos, not only in the Big 12 but the nation, in Cobee Bryant (Sr.) and Mello Dotson (Sr.), who lead the nation in career interceptions (25). Last week against Colorado, Bryant had two of the Jayhawks’ four pass breakups and came away with 1.5 TFL. Dotson is currently tied for third nationally and first in the Big 12 for interceptions on the season with five.

Baylor needs to avoid attacking this duo at all costs and find a way to work the middle of the field with tight end Michael Trigg (RJr.) and their slot receivers. If the Bears can establish the run early and work the middle of the field early, then they can take some shots deep if Bryant and Dotson start creeping in.

3: Avoid Costly Turnovers 

Last week, Houston’s defense forced Sawyer Robertson (RJr.) into some uncharacteristic situations, which caused him to throw three interceptions. Robertson has been one of the more efficient quarterbacks in the nation over the past five games, leading the Big 12 and ranking sixth nationally with his QBR.

Given the previous key above, it’s crucial for Robertson to take care of the football against Kansas in order for Baylor to get one for win in front of their fans inside McLane Stadium this season.

Conclusion:

I fully expect a shootout with the team that doesn’t turn the ball over to come away victorious. It would shock me if Kansas were to win, but I chose Baylor to get the job done 42-38 during our staff picks, and that’s what I’m going to ride with.

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and will be televised on ESPN2. Be sure to tune into the 365 Sports pregame show from 9-10:30 a.m. on YouTube or KWTX.