Dec. 13, 2005

Seven home games and six contests against 2005 bowl participants highlight Baylor University's 2006 football schedule released today by Director of Athletics Ian McCaw and Head Football Coach Guy Morriss.

"I believe this is a very good schedule; one that will again challenge us each week," said Morriss, entering his fourth season as the Bears' head coach. "The opportunity to play seven games at home will give us a chance to build on the momentum we generated a year ago."

Baylor will play four of its first five games at home in 2006 beginning with its Sept. 2 season-opener against 2005 Houston Bowl participant and Mountain West Conference champion TCU. It will mark the first meeting between the former Southwest Conference rivals on the gridiron since 1995.

Following the TCU contest, Baylor will entertain Southland Conference entrant Northwestern (La.) State on Sept. 9 before facing Washington State at Qwest Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Sept. 16. The Bears then return home to host Army for Parents' Weekend on Sept. 23.

Baylor will begin its second decade of Big 12 competition against a pair of North Division opponents who will be breaking in new head coaches as the Bears host Kansas State on Sept. 30 before playing at Colorado (Champs Sports Bowl entrant) Oct. 7. Following the trek to the Rocky Mountains, BU plays at 2006 Rose Bowl entrant Texas on Oct. 14.

The Bears' annual homecoming game is set for Oct. 21 against Kansas (Fort Worth Bowl participant), while Texas A&M visits Waco for the 103rd installment of the Battle of the Brazos on Oct. 28.

November will see the Bears close out the regular season by playing two of three contests against 2005 bowl teams. BU plays at Cotton Bowl entrant Texas Tech on Nov. 4 and at Oklahoma State on Nov. 11 before closing the season in Waco against Oklahoma (Holiday Bowl), Nov. 18.

Baylor averaged 38,899 fans for its five 2005 home games, its highest single-season home average since 1995 and its sixth-highest mark all-time. Since Morriss' arrival in Waco for the 2003 season, the Bears' attendance at Floyd Casey Stadium has increased each year.

Fans wishing to purchase season tickets for the 2006 season may do so by contacting the Baylor Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-BAYLOR-U.

2006 Baylor Football Schedule

Note: All dates are subject to change and kick off times will be set at a later date.