Baylor Bears Aim to Rebound Against Tarleton State Texans in Season Opener

WACO, TEXAS – The Baylor Bears are set to open their 2024 football season against the Tarleton State Texans on Saturday at McLane Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Coming off a challenging 3-9 season in 2023, Baylor is looking to establish a stronger start this year, following five consecutive losses to close out last season. With upcoming matchups against Utah, Air Force, and Colorado, the Bears see this game as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum.

Tarleton State enters the contest with one game already under its belt, having secured a 26-23 victory over McNeese State in Week 0. The Texans capitalized on McNeese's mistakes, forcing four turnovers while committing just one penalty to edge out the win.

Tarleton State's Path to Victory

The Texans' Week 0 success was anchored in disciplined play and a strong defensive effort. By avoiding turnovers and capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes, Tarleton State was able to take an early lead and hold on for the victory. However, to challenge Baylor, the Texans will need to enhance their offensive production, particularly against a Baylor defense that struggled last season.

Baylor's Strengths

Baylor's defense is expected to improve this season, with a stronger linebacking corps that could be crucial against Tarleton State’s offense. On the offensive side, the Bears are looking to be more consistent, with former Texas State head coach Jake Spavital now guiding the unit. Baylor's receivers are in place, and the team hopes to see significant progress if the offensive line performs better than it did last year.

Baylor is approaching this game as a key opportunity to set the tone for the season, as they prepare for a challenging schedule ahead.