In what seemed like a tale of two halves, Baylor football overcame early miscues to dominate Air Force, 31-3, on a raucous Saturday night at McLane Stadium. After a first half filled with mistakes—three fumbles and limited ball control—many fans might have worried that the Bears were on track for another disappointing performance. Yet, something clicked during halftime, and Baylor emerged with renewed energy and focus, outscoring Air Force 25-0 in the second half. This victory not only snapped a grueling nine-game home losing streak to FBS opponents, but it also served as sweet revenge for the Bears’ bitter Armed Forces Bowl defeat at the hands of the Falcons in 2022.
Leading the charge was redshirt junior quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who filled in for the injured Dequan Finn and made a strong case for more playing time. Robertson, who had started four games the previous year, completed 18 of 24 passes for a career-high 248 yards while also rushing for a touchdown. His performance was steady, composed, and showcased his potential as a dual-threat quarterback capable of commanding an offense under pressure. In my opinion, Robertson’s poise in the pocket and ability to bounce back from a tumultuous first half could be the spark that Baylor needs moving forward, especially with tough games ahead.
What was perhaps most impressive about this victory wasn’t just the stat line, but how the team responded when their backs were against the wall. The Bears seemed out of sync in the first half, fumbling away key possessions and allowing Air Force to dictate the pace of the game. Yet, head coach Dave Aranda’s halftime adjustments were critical. His message to the team about fighting and staying unified resonated, sparking a completely different mentality when the Bears came out of the locker room. Baylor’s 25-point second half felt like a statement: this team is capable of resilience, and it won’t be defined by past struggles.
One of the standout moments of the game came from redshirt freshman running back Bryson Washington. Making his first career start, Washington not only scored his first career touchdown but also racked up 106 yards on 12 carries, providing the Bears with a physical, dynamic presence in the backfield. His hunger was evident, especially after fumbling early in the game. Instead of letting that miscue define him, Washington bounced back with a vengeance, and his 19-yard touchdown run to open the second half was the catalyst Baylor needed to take control of the game. In my view, Washington’s performance cements him as a key figure in the Baylor offense moving forward. His ability to shake off adversity and lead the team when they needed him most is exactly what championship teams are built on.
The defense also deserves tremendous credit. Facing a methodical Air Force offense that is known for its disciplined running game, the Bears' defensive unit roamed the field with energy and intensity. They held the Falcons to just 3.4 yards per carry and two completed passes—a near-flawless performance that set the stage for the second-half offensive explosion. Senior linebacker Matt Jones, who recorded 11 tackles on the night, continued to prove why he’s the heart and soul of this Baylor defense. His leadership and relentless pursuit of the ball were pivotal, and it's hard to overstate the impact he had in keeping Air Force’s offense at bay. It’s not every day that you see such a complete defensive effort, and Jones’ performance in particular stands out as the embodiment of Baylor’s grit.
Another unsung hero of the game was kicker Isaiah Hankins. While kickers don’t often get the spotlight, Hankins delivered when the team needed him most. He nailed a 24-yard field goal to extend Baylor’s lead in the third quarter and had already put the Bears on the scoreboard earlier with a pair of long-range kicks—one from 46 yards and another from 51. Though he missed one attempt later in the game, Hankins’ accuracy from distance was vital in keeping momentum on Baylor’s side.
What makes this win even more significant is the broader context. Baylor hasn’t exactly had the easiest path over the past couple of seasons, struggling to find consistent play at key positions and dealing with the pressures that come with competing at the highest level of college football. With this victory, the Bears not only ended a long-standing home losing streak but also regained a sense of pride and momentum, especially after avenging their bowl game loss to Air Force.
However, while the second-half turnaround was exhilarating, it’s clear that ball security remains a major concern for head coach Dave Aranda and the coaching staff. The Bears’ seven fumbles through their first three games are alarming, and they cannot afford such carelessness as the season progresses. "The ability to hold onto the ball on offense and not get in our way is something we have to do better with,” Aranda said postgame. If Baylor wants to compete with tougher opponents, cleaning up those turnovers will be crucial.
Looking ahead, Baylor now sets its sights on a revival of a former Southwest Conference rivalry with Colorado. The two teams haven’t faced off since 2010, but with the Buffs coming into the game at 2-1, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch clash. Robertson’s performance has added intrigue to the quarterback situation, and fans will be eager to see whether he gets the start again or if Finn returns from injury. Either way, Baylor’s win against Air Force has injected some much-needed confidence into the team, and the showdown with Colorado could be a pivotal moment in their season.
Baylor’s victory against Air Force wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Bears have the talent, the leadership, and the heart to turn their season around, but the road ahead will be challenging. With a strong defense, emerging offensive weapons, and an emboldened coaching staff, Baylor football is showing signs of life, and this win could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
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