Baylor and SMU went toe-to-toe in an offensive shootout Saturday, with the game needing double overtime to decide a winner. Despite defensive struggles, the Bears’ offense kept pace and ultimately outlasted the Mustangs, 48-45. Baylor scored 21 unanswered points in the second half and didn’t take its first lead until overtime. A missed SMU field goal set the stage for Dave Aranda’s squad to complete the comeback, and the win marked Baylor’s 14th straight victory over SMU, extending its dominance in the series. Here are the top three takeaways in BU’s comeback win.
Baylor’s Secondary Struggles in First Half
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a flawless first half, completing all 10 of his passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. He shredded Baylor’s secondary early, hitting Romello Brinson for a 75-yard score just 12 seconds into the game, then added another 75-yard strike to Jalen Cooper. Despite the defensive breakdowns, Sawyer Robertson kept Baylor within striking distance, trailing just 24-21 at the half. The Bears’ struggles with explosive plays remain a glaring concern, especially after allowing Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold to break loose for multiple 20-plus-yard touchdowns in Week 1.
If Baylor can’t correct its issues defending the deep ball, it could be a long season in a Big 12 loaded with quarterbacks capable of taking the top off a defense. The Bears’ defense is set to face the likes of Sam Leavitt, Avery Johnson, Devon Dampier, and Josh Hoover in conference play, meaning these mistakes must be cleaned up quickly.
Sawyer Robertson Continues Rise Into Big 12’s Top Quarterbacks
In a game where it seemed Baylor needed a touchdown on nearly every drive, Robertson delivered, throwing for 440 yards and four touchdowns. Most impressive was his poise in the pocket, as he played mistake-free football despite the Bears trailing for much of the contest. Robertson spread the ball around to multiple receivers, keeping SMU’s defense off balance and unable to key in on one target. His ability to sustain drives and answer every Mustang score kept Baylor in the game. Performances like this not only give the Bears confidence moving forward but also cement Robertson as one of the Big 12’s most reliable quarterbacks.
His receivers were just as sharp, with Josh Cameron hauling in nine catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while Ashtyn Hawkins added 10 receptions for 145 yards. The Big 12 is consistently one of the highest-scoring conferences in college football, with explosive offenses putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. For Aranda and Baylor, seeing the offensive unit keep pace in a shootout is an encouraging sign, especially after past struggles moving the ball. If the Bears can continue to pair Robertson’s efficiency with their playmakers on the outside, they’ll be well-positioned to make noise in the conference.
No More Hot Seat for Dave Aranda
While Baylor’s tough non-conference slate is worth noting, another 0-2 start could have put Dave Aranda right back on the hot seat after last year’s slow start. Instead, a road win over No. 17 SMU, a team that reached the College Football Playoff last season, should quiet that talk in a hurry. The victory not only gave Baylor a signature non-conference win but also reinforced the Bears’ ability to close out tight games when it matters most.
Aranda’s squad displayed resilience, erasing a double-digit deficit and finding answers on both sides of the ball when it mattered most. If this performance becomes a trend, it could mark a turning point in Baylor’s trajectory under Aranda. Now, the Bears carry plenty of momentum into their Week 3 matchup with Samford, with a prime opportunity to move to 2-1.
