Why This Game Matters

• Final non-conference game before Colorado opens Big 12 play next week
• Family Weekend at McLane; Baylor Backyard Live with Members Only
• Both starting QBs are out: DJ Lagway (ankle) and Blake Baker (hand)
• Nate Bennett makes his second start after 314 yards and 4 TDs vs. PVAMU
• Need to clean up 9 penalties and 3 turnovers from last Saturday

Series History

• Baylor leads 5-1 all-time; last meeting was 1996 in Shreveport (24-16 BU)
• Tech’s only win: 10-9 at Floyd Casey in 1992
• Tech this year: W 80-6 vs. Northwestern State, L 45-14 at No. 8 LSU
• Tech trailed LSU just 10-7 at half after four first-half takeaways

Keys for Baylor

1. Protect the ball. Tech is +2 in turnover margin and picked Sam Leavitt three times.
2. Cut the flags. Aranda: “Right now, it’s too easy to beat us, with the penalties and the turnovers.”
3. Start fast. Tech hung around into the third quarter at LSU. Do not wait for a punch.
4. Win the line without Tezino. Season-ending leg injury last week. Mitchell’s injunction keeps him available.
5. Let Bennett play on schedule. Run Pendergrass, take the easy throws, avoid the two-pick repeat.

Players to Watch

Baylor: QB Nate Bennett • RB Dawson Pendergrass • WR Gavin Freeman, Louis Brown IV, Dre'lon Miller • DE Kyler Jordan • DL Hosea Wheeler, Traevon Mitchell • LB Travion Barnes

Louisiana Tech: QB Trey Kukuk (start with Baker out) • WR Jalen Mickens • DB Jordan McRae (100-yard INT return vs. LSU) • a DL/LB group Aranda called talented and takeaway-heavy

SicEm365 Louisiana Tech week reading

• DJ Lagway Expected to Miss Second Straight Game Against Louisiana Tech
• Presser: Dave Aranda Gives Injury Updates, Previews Louisiana Tech
• Dave Aranda Provides Update on Quarterback DJ Lagway’s Ankle Injury
• The Bear Cast: Final Thoughts on Baylor vs. Prairie View, Turning the Page to LA Tech
• Aranda Encouraged by Baylor’s Progress, Emphasizes Cleaning Up Mistakes Ahead of La. Tech
• Traevon Mitchell Granted Temporary Injunction, Will Remain Eligible for Baylor