Baylor Football's Remaining Schedule Ranked: Toughest Tests Ahead for the Bears
Baylor enters its bye week riding a four-game winning streak after a dominant 55-19 victory over Arizona State, moving the Bears to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play. With seven games remaining, the path to a conference title runs through some of the league's toughest teams, including unbeaten BYU and defending champion Texas Tech.
Here's how Baylor's remaining opponents stack up from easiest to hardest based on performance, strength of schedule, and available personnel.
1. TCU: A Wounded Opponent Baylor Should Beat
TCU's defense has kept games close, but its offense has struggled mightily against quality competition. The Horned Frogs managed just 10 points against North Carolina, 13 against UCF, and 10 against BYU, falling to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play.
TCU's two wins came against Grambling and Arkansas State, making their offensive woes against stronger opponents hard to ignore. They've allowed just 13.4 points per game, but quarterback Jaden Craig's 280 passing yards per game haven't translated into enough scoring.
The rushing attack has averaged just 125.4 yards per game at 3.6 yards per carry. This is a game Baylor should win comfortably if the offense builds on its Arizona State performance.
2. Iowa State: Inconsistent Cyclones Show Two Sides
Iowa State's last two games paint a confusing picture. The Cyclones needed a massive performance from running back Aiden Flora to escape West Virginia with a 45-42 win, then managed just 200 total yards in a 24-10 loss to BYU.
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 16 of 29 passes for only 98 yards against BYU. First-year head coach Jimmy Rogers inherited substantial roster turnover, and the Cyclones have struggled to find consistency against stronger opponents.
Flora remains a bright spot, but Iowa State's offense becomes limited when he isn't carrying the load.
3. UCF: Talented but Prone to Costly Mistakes
UCF has shown it can compete with ranked opponents but has struggled to finish games. The Knights blew a 17-0 third-quarter lead against Houston, losing 27-17, then fell 42-28 to Oklahoma State despite a strong performance from quarterback Keyone Jenkins.
Jenkins threw for 265 yards and four touchdowns in relief of Alonza Barnett III, who sat out with a hamstring injury. The Knights were also missing key offensive linemen and a starting linebacker.
UCF's only conference win came against TCU, and their recent losses show a pattern of costly mistakes in crunch time.
4. Kansas: Better Than Its Record Suggests
Kansas fell to 2-3 with a 41-24 loss to No. 12 Utah, but quarterback Isaiah Marshall delivered a career-high 333 passing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Cam Pickett added eight catches for 134 yards.
The Jayhawks' early-season numbers were inflated by blowout wins over LIU and Middle Tennessee. All three losses came against Power Four opponents, including ranked Missouri and Utah.
Kansas needs more from its running game and defense, but Saturday's performance showed real potential in the passing attack.
5. BYU: Unbeaten Cougars Adjust Without Star Running Back
BYU improved to 5-0 with a 24-10 win over Iowa State, responding well to the absence of running back LJ Martin, who is expected to miss four to six weeks with a lower-body injury.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier stepped up with 329 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 109 rushing yards. The Cougars outgained Iowa State 506-200 and have won every game by at least seven points.
BYU's defense has allowed just 27 points over the past two games, making them a legitimate conference contender.
6. Houston: Balanced Attack Makes Cougars Dangerous
Houston delivered its most complete performance of the season in a 35-16 win over Kansas State. Quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns, all to tight end Patrick Overmyer.
The Cougars added 233 rushing yards and held Kansas State to 299 total yards. Their only loss came against Texas Tech in a 28-26 heartbreaker.
Injuries are a concern, with freshman running back John Hebert out for the season and two other starters sidelined. But Houston showed it can control games from start to finish.
7. Texas Tech: Defending Champions Present the Biggest Test
Texas Tech remains unbeaten at 5-0 and has the strongest case as the best team left on Baylor's schedule. The Red Raiders have allowed just 91.4 rushing yards per game, and no opponent has scored 30 points against them.
Quarterback Will Hammond threw for 257 yards and a touchdown in the Red Raiders' closest game, a 28-26 win over Houston. Running backs J'Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey provide a strong ground game.
Houston's success since that meeting adds weight to Texas Tech's victory, making this the toughest remaining matchup for Baylor.
John Damon is a contributor to Just The News Iowa.