Three Takeaways: October 20
10/20/2025 3:57:00 PM | Football
Bears trying to clean up the self-inflicted wounds, hit more explosive run plays
Director of Sports Journalism Jerry Hill gives his three takeaways from Monday's weekly press conference with head coach Dave Aranda and quarterback Sawyer Robertson discussing the 42-36 loss to TCU and this week's matchup between the Bears (4-3, 2-2) and No. 21 Cincinnati (6-1, 4-0). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Nippert Stadium, with the game broadcast by ESPN2:
- SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS: Although the defense had a scoop-and-score fumble return by linebacker Keaton Thomas, the Bears finished with a minus-3 turnover margin in the loss to TCU with three interceptions by Robertson and a second-quarter fumble by Bryson Washington. "A lot of self-inflicted stuff," said Robertson, who threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns. "They did a good job of disrupting, whether it was a route or getting pressure. But it's nothing we haven't seen. . . . Like I said, we hurt ourselves. You're not going to win a game that I throw three interceptions. It's as simple as that."
- MISSING THE BIG-HITTERS: Aranda said the offense became too one-dimensional with the lack of a consistent rushing attack, particularly explosive plays. The Bears' lone double-digit-yardage carries were runs of 13 and 12 yards, respectively, by freshmen Michael Turner and Caden Knighten. "I think that's one of the things that's missing," Aranda said of the explosive running plays. "Last year, fans just naturally, I imagine, have a level of angst when the game starts of, 'How's this going to go?' And you have these runs that kind of settle everybody down. And we're missing those right now. We've been able to get a few four- or five-yard runs, which are always good to have to move the chains and get in better third-down and fourth-down situations. But we need those explosive runs."
- 'CLEARLY THE BEST TEAM': Taking into account that the Bears have lost to Auburn, Arizona State and TCU and beat SMU when the Mustangs were ranked, Aranda said Cincinnati is "clearly the best team, most competitive team" Baylor has faced so far this season. "They don't make mistakes, they don't beat themselves," he said. "Really good offensive line, quarterback play, running back play. They've got receivers that can make you miss. And defensively, they swarm to the football. They're physical; (I'm) impressed. So, it's going to take our best effort. We've got to stack some wins here this week (in practice) to get it done. . . . I think a couple of their additions have really hit. They were able to go into the portal and get some guys that are playing considerable time for them right now."
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/ FootballBaylor Football: Weekly Press Conference with Sawyer Robertson | October 20, 2025
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Baylor Football: Weekly Press Conference with Dave Aranda | October 20, 2025
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