10 Things: Bears Stomp the Knights for a Homecoming Win

Baylor fans finally saw the team they’ve been waiting for. Against UCF, the Bears looked sharper, faster and more confident than they have in weeks — and it showed on both sides of the ball. From Michael Trigg’s bounce-back performance to Caden Knighten’s emergence in the backfield, there were plenty of positives to take away. Still, one question remains: where has this version of Baylor been all season?

1. We started…fast?

The Bears opened the game with exactly what fans have been waiting to see — rhythm, confidence and execution. The offense marched down the field with ease, capped off by a perfectly timed jump-ball grab from Michael Trigg in the end zone. Then, the defense answered with a quick three-and-out. For a moment, everything clicked. Where has this version of Baylor been hiding?

2. Michael Trigg still has some left in the tank.

These past few weeks, Trigg’s been quieter than usual — almost like he’d started to check out a bit. I’ll admit, I was worried he’d mentally clocked out of the season. But today? He looked like the guy Baylor fans expected all along. He set the tone early with the Bears’ first touchdown and kept making plays all afternoon. He also became Baylor’s all-time leader in receiving yards at tight end! I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: whichever NFL team lands Michael Trigg is getting a gem.

3. UCF’s playcalling is HORRENDOUS!

The Knights did plenty to make me scratch my head, but that fourth-and-one call in the first quarter might’ve topped them all. Baylor’s defense hasn’t stopped the run all season, and UCF’s rushing attack has been one of its biggest strengths. So what do they do? Dial up a deep play-action pass that falls incomplete in the end zone and hand the ball over. Bold strategy, Cotton.

4. Great day by the WR duo from Texas State.

Ashtyn Hawkins and Kole Wilson were everywhere today. It felt like every time Baylor needed a spark, one of them was open — and not just open, but making things happen after the catch. Both moved with confidence and rhythm all game long, turning short throws into chunk plays and owning the middle of the field. They were the heartbeat of Baylor’s receiving corps this afternoon.

5. Caden Knighten, very good!

With Bryson Washington coming in and out of the lineup, Caden Knighten got his chance to step up, and he made the most of it. He looked confident, found space and consistently moved the chains, averaging over five yards per carry with multiple runs past ten. There’s still room for him to hit the hole harder at times, but the vision and burst were there. Today was a strong foundation to build on.

6. The Bears stopped the run much better than expected.

The defense finally showed some real life today. Against a strong UCF rushing attack, Baylor held firm. The run defense looked miles better than it has in weeks, limiting the Knights’ ground game and keeping them off balance. Holding any team to less than 100 rushing yards is something to be proud of. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress, and that’s something this group has needed badly.

7. Everyone got some shine in the passing attack today.

The Bears had nine different pass catchers today, with five finishing over 20 yards receiving. Coach Spavital spread it around, and Sawyer Robertson distributed it well. You could feel how much smoother and more balanced this offense looked when everyone was involved. It finally felt like a full unit again, not just flashes from a few key guys.

8. Sawyer’s legs looked as healthy as ever.

It won’t show up on the stat sheet thanks to a couple of deep sacks by UCF, but Robertson quietly made an impact with his legs today. He pulled the ball a few times and even slipped down the sideline for a 16-yard gain in the fourth quarter. It’s the kind of play that makes you wonder why we haven’t seen more of that this season. His mobility changes the game, and it feels like something Baylor could’ve leaned on a lot more in tight moments.

9. Where has this been all season?

I get that this was a home game against a struggling UCF team, but Baylor just looked different today. The offense played with confidence, moving the ball with ease, while the defense held strong, limiting explosive plays and winning on third and fourth down. It’s refreshing, sure, but also frustrating. We’ve seen glimpses of what this team can be all season long. The talent is there, the potential is real… they’re just being held back.

10. Where do we go from here?

Be a fan. Support the boys on that field who fight for Baylor every Saturday. I’ve already shared my thoughts on Dave Aranda, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped believing in this team. There are still great games left to play, and these players deserve a full crowd and genuine support. Don’t let frustration with the coach or the record keep you from backing the team and the school you love.