Another week, another unfamiliar foe for Arizona football. So it goes in a new conference.
Baylor has never been on the UA schedule before, their only meeting coming in the 1992 Sun Bowl, with the Bears
winning 20-15. Ironically, the Wildcats could be headed back to El Paso next month based on the latest bowl projections.
The 2025 Bears are 5-5 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12 after losing 55-28 at home to No. 13 Utah. That was their third home loss this season and they’ve also dropped their last two road games.
To better understand Baylor, we reached out to Garrett Ross of 247Sports’ Bears Illustrated for some insight and a score prediction. Below are his vigorous answers to our lethargic questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: Baylor has dropped three of four since a 4-2 start. What has gone wrong lately, and can things be fixed in time to avoid missing out on a bowl?
Garrett Ross: “Everything that could go wrong with a program has gone wrong for Baylor this season. During that stretch, Baylor has fired their offensive line coach due to an incident in practice, the fanbase has completely bailed on head coach Dave Aranda, and AD Mack Rhoades was caught up in an incident with tight end Michael Trigg and a separate scandal that forced him to step down as CFP committee chair and be placed on administrative leave with no likelihood hood of returning. It’s going to be difficult to salvage the season with all of the distractions and uncertainty surrounding the future of the athletic department, but Aranda should be the coach for the remainder of the season.”
Sawyer Robertson leads the Big 12 in passing, both in yards and touchdowns. The Bears also have the league’s leading receiver in Josh Cameron and three other guys with at least 500 yards. How do you think they will try to exploit one of the top pass defenses in the country?
“Baylor’s offense is the most effective when they get Michael Trigg involved early and often. TCU and Utah did an excellent job of eliminating Trigg and making the Bears rely on their other targets to carry the load. Josh Cameron is really good, but he’s not the type of player who can completely take over a game. Ashtyn Hawkins will be unavailable for the first half following a fight against Utah where he was ejected. Kobe Prentice didn’t play last week, but he’s a walking touchdown, while Kole Wilson can be effective when he’s focused.
“If Baylor has any hope of upsetting Arizona, they have to get the ball to Trigg.”
The most effective teams against Arizona are the ones who can run the ball, particularly with the quarterback being involved. Is Baylor’s run game good enough to keep the Wildcats honest?
“Baylor’s rushing attack has been limited with injuries and constantly having to play from behind. Bryson Washington looked like he was set for a breakout game against Utah, but the Bears got behind and abandoned the run. Sawyer Robertson will run if needed, but he prefers to be a pocket passer. Freshman duo Caden Knighten and Michael Turner have proven that they can make plays when needed, but Knighten has just one 100-yard game this season.
Utah ran for 380 yards last week and all but one Big 12 opponents has scored at least 27 points. What has caused Baylor’s defense to struggle so much?
“It’s honestly a lack of talent and execution when needed. The defensive line is weak and struggles to create any pressure, while getting bullied by opposing offensive lines. Outside of Keaton Thomas, the linebackers are irrelevant.
“The secondary has a history of getting burnt and their most effective player is former walk-on Jacob Redding. Two of Baylor’s best players (Redding, Josh Cameron) are former walk-ons, you can’t compete for championships like that, especially in the transfer portal and NIL era.”
Dave Aranda’s name has been mentioned on plenty of ‘hot seat’ lists, and there’s a possibility of a third losing season in the last four. What does the fanbase think of him, and do you think his job is on the line these last few weeks?
“The fans have been out on Aranda for a couple of seasons now, but it’s officially over at this point. He’s made multiple staff changes and adjustments to his approach, but it’s just not working. Aranda is a tremendous person and the team absolutely loves him, but it’s a billion-dollar entertainment business now, and nothing is entertaining about Baylor football. I personally believe he finishes out the season and rides off into the sunset with a nice check.”
Prediction time. Does Baylor become bowl eligible and spoil Arizona’s Senior Day or do the Wildcats stay hot and win their fourth straight? Give us a score pick.
“I think Baylor makes it interesting for about a half, but Arizona finds a way to run all over the Bears and capitalize on a couple of turnovers while winning 42-31.”
