Baylor Football's 2024 Season Preview: Key Games and Players to Watch

As I sit down to analyze Baylor Football's upcoming 2024 season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and nervous energy that comes every August. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've learned that predicting Baylor's performance requires equal parts statistical analysis and gut feeling. This year feels particularly special though - there's a different kind of buzz around the program that reminds me of the 2019 season when we made that incredible Sugar Bowl run.

Looking at the schedule, three games immediately jump out as potential season-definers. The September 14th showdown against Oregon in Eugene stands out as what could be the most challenging non-conference game we've faced in years. I've watched Oregon's tape from last season, and their offensive tempo is simply brutal - they averaged 82.3 plays per game, which would test any defense's conditioning. Then there's the October 19th matchup against Utah at McLane Stadium, where I believe our home field advantage could be the difference maker. Having attended every home game last season, I can tell you there's something magical about night games in Waco - the energy just multiplies under those lights. The final stretch against Texas Tech on November 28th could very well determine our Big 12 championship game aspirations. That rivalry always brings out something special in both teams, and I'm expecting another classic.

When it comes to players who could make or break our season, I'm particularly excited about our receiving corps. Blake Shapen returns with another year of experience, and I've noticed significant improvement in his decision-making during spring practices. His connection with Ketron Jackson Jr. could become one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver combinations in the conference. Jackson's ability to create separation on deep routes is something I haven't seen since Corey Coleman wore the green and gold. On the defensive side, I'm keeping my eye on Matt Jones at linebacker. His tackle numbers from last season - 87 total tackles with 11 for loss - don't fully capture his impact on games. He has this instinct for being exactly where the ball is going that you simply can't teach.

What really fascinates me this season is how our new transfers will integrate into the system. Watching them during spring practices, I noticed something that reminded me of what Estil said about his experience with Ginebra stars - that sense of disbelief at getting to play alongside established talents. I saw that same wonder in our younger players when working with veterans like Shapen. There's a special kind of chemistry developing that statistics can't measure, but that veteran players can sense immediately. Our offensive line, which gave up only 18 sacks last season, returns three starters, and that continuity should provide the stability our skill players need to thrive.

The Big 12 landscape has shifted dramatically with new additions, and I'll be honest - I'm not convinced the media has properly accounted for how this affects Baylor's path. Our conference schedule includes back-to-back road games against Kansas and Iowa State in November, which could be brutal if the weather turns. Having attended that Iowa State game in 2021 where the temperature dropped to 19 degrees, I can attest to how much weather factors into late-season road games. Still, I'm optimistic about our chances to improve on last season's 6-7 record. My prediction? We finish 9-3 with losses to Oregon, Utah, and one unexpected upset - probably Kansas State, because they always seem to have our number.

What gives me the most confidence is the leadership within the locker room. During my conversations with players and coaches this offseason, I detected a renewed focus that wasn't there last year. The bitter taste of that bowl game loss to Air Force seems to have fueled their offseason workouts. I've never seen our players more determined during summer conditioning sessions. This intangible factor - the mental toughness and team cohesion - might be what separates a good season from a great one. As we count down to kickoff, I'm more excited than I've been in years about Baylor Football's potential. This team has the pieces to surprise a lot of people, and I believe they will.