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Kansas vs. Baylor Football 2022: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

As the excitement for the 2022 college football season builds, the Big 12 Conference is poised for an exciting matchup between two traditional rivals: the University of Kansas Jayhawks and Baylor University Bears. Both teams enter the season with high hopes and intriguing storylines, making this a game not to be missed. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Kansas vs. Baylor football 2022 matchup, covering everything you need to know.

Team Previews

Kansas Jayhawks

Coming off a 2-10 season in 2021, the Kansas Jayhawks are looking for a turnaround under new head coach Lance Leipold. Leipold has a proven track record of success at the FCS level, leading the North Dakota State Bison to six national championships. He has brought his winning ways to Lawrence and hopes to inject a new level of energy into the Jayhawks' program.

Kansas returns several key players from last season, including quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal. Daniels, a sophomore, showed flashes of brilliance in 2021, passing for 1,420 yards and seven touchdowns. Neal, a true freshman, impressed as a versatile playmaker, rushing for 454 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver.

The Jayhawks' defense will need to improve significantly in 2022 after allowing an average of 36.8 points per game last season. They have added some experienced players through the transfer portal, including linebacker Lorenzo McCaskill from Texas A&M and defensive end Caleb Sampson from Ohio State.

Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears are coming off an 11-2 season in 2021, including a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory. Head coach Dave Aranda has quickly established Baylor as a contender in the Big 12 and will look to continue that success in 2022.

Baylor returns a wealth of talent from last year's team, including quarterback Blake Shapen and running back Richard Reese. Shapen, a sophomore, showed maturity beyond his years in 2021, passing for 2,403 yards and 18 touchdowns. Reese, a true freshman, emerged as one of the most productive running backs in the country, rushing for 939 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Bears' defense was one of the best in the Big 12 last season, allowing just 21.3 points per game. They return nine starters from that unit, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, who led the conference in tackles with 105.

Game Preview

The Kansas vs. Baylor football game will take place on September 17, 2022, at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM CST.

Kansas will be looking to snap a seven-game losing streak against Baylor, while Baylor will aim to extend their dominance in the series. The Bears have won the last three meetings by an average of 32.3 points.

Prediction

The Baylor Bears are the clear favorites in this matchup. They have more experience, more talent, and a better home-field advantage. However, the Kansas Jayhawks have shown signs of improvement under Lance Leipold, and they will be looking to prove that they can compete with the top teams in the Big 12.

Prediction: Baylor 34, Kansas 21

Impact on the Big 12

The Kansas vs. Baylor football game could have a significant impact on the Big 12 standings. A Baylor win would likely cement their status as the top team in the conference, while a Kansas win would shake up the Big 12 race and give hope to other teams looking to challenge Baylor.

Other Important Information

Tickets: Tickets for the Kansas vs. Baylor football game can be purchased through the Baylor University Athletic Department.
Parking: Parking is available at McLane Stadium for a fee.
Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in designated areas around McLane Stadium.
Radio Broadcast: The game will be broadcast on the Baylor Radio Network.
TV Broadcast: The game will be televised on ESPNU.

Conclusion

The Kansas vs. Baylor football game is a highly anticipated matchup that could have a significant impact on the Big 12 standings. The Bears are the clear favorites, but the Jayhawks are looking to make a statement under their new coach. This game is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama, so make sure to tune in or attend the game in person.

Additional Information

Tables

Table 1: Kansas Jayhawks Team Statistics (2021)

Category	Stat
Record	2-10
Points For	22.8 (126th in FBS)
Points Against	36.8 (117th in FBS)
Total Yards	380.5 (106th in FBS)
Passing Yards	214.6 (93rd in FBS)
Rushing Yards	165.9 (78th in FBS)
Turnovers	26 (118th in FBS)

Table 2: Baylor Bears Team Statistics (2021)

Category	Stat
Record	11-2
Points For	31.3 (42nd in FBS)
Points Against	21.3 (18th in FBS)
Total Yards	427.0 (48th in FBS)
Passing Yards	267.3 (61st in FBS)
Rushing Yards	159.7 (62nd in FBS)
Turnovers	12 (22nd in FBS)

Table 3: Kansas vs. Baylor Head-to-Head Record

Year	Winner	Score
2021	Baylor	30-17
2020	Baylor	47-14
2019	Baylor	30-20
2018	Kansas	27-26
2017	Baylor	38-9

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: Lance Leipold's Transformation of Kansas

Lance Leipold is in his second season as head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, and he has already made a significant impact on the program. In his first season, he led the Jayhawks to a 2-10 record, but they showed signs of improvement throughout the year. Leipold has brought a new level of energy and discipline to the program, and he has instilled a belief that the Jayhawks can compete with anyone.

Lesson Learned: Even struggling programs can turn around quickly with the right leadership.

Story 2: The Emergence of Blake Shapen

Blake Shapen became the starting quarterback for the Baylor Bears as a true freshman in 2021, and he quickly emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Shapen passed for 2,403 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the Bears to an 11-2 record and a Big 12 championship. Shapen is a mature and polished quarterback, and he is poised to have another big season in 2022.

Lesson Learned: Don't be afraid to put your faith in talented young players.

Story 3: The Importance of Defense

The Baylor Bears had one of the best defenses in the country in 2021, allowing just 21.3 points per game. They were led by linebacker Terrel Bernard, who led the Big 12 in tackles with 105. The Bears' defense was able to generate turnovers and make big plays, which was a major factor in their success.

Lesson Learned: A strong defense is essential for winning consistently.

Effective Strategies

Effective Strategy 1: Running the Football

Both Kansas and Baylor have strong running games, and they will need to establish the run early in order to control the game. The Jayhawks have Devin Neal, who is one of the most versatile and explosive running backs in the country. The Bears have Richard Reese, who is a powerful and productive runner.

Effective Strategy 2: Protecting the Quarterback

The Kansas and Baylor quarterbacks are both key to their team's success, so it is important to protect them from the opposing defense. The Jayhawks have a solid offensive line, led by center Earl Bostick. The Bears have a young but talented offensive line, which will need to step up and protect Blake Shapen.

Effective Strategy 3: Generating Turnovers

Turnovers can be game-changing plays, so both Kansas and Baylor will need to force turnovers on defense. The Jayhawks have a opportunistic defense that is led by safety Kenny Logan. The Bears have a disruptive defense that is led by linebacker Terrel Bernard.