Three Takeaways: September 21
9/21/2026 4:31:00 PM | Football
Bears hoping to capitalize on deep passing game
Director of Sports Journalism Jerry Hill gives his three takeaways from Monday's weekly press conference with head coach Dave Aranda talking about the Bears' 36-19 win over Louisiana Tech and this week's final Big 12 opener between Baylor (2-1) and Colorado (2-1), which kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium and will be broadcast by ESPN2:
- BOMBS AWAY: Filling in for injured starter DJ Lagway, junior QB Nate Bennett got some big-chunk yards with touchdown passes of 51 yards to Louis Brown IV and 43 and 36 yards to Jayden McGowan. "The one-on-ones on the outside were clearly one-on-ones," Aranda said, "so there were double moves and shots that hit. Our ability to run the ball will bring those safeties down closer to the line of scrimmage and give us those opportunities (to throw the deep ball). I think with DJ being able to hit on some of those and then the receivers feeling, 'Hey, we've hit on them in the past, and they're there for the taking, go get yours!' That is something that we hope becomes very real."
- THEY'RE BAAAACK: This could be as healthy as the Bears have been since the opening week, with four starters – Lagway, wide receiver Jadon Porter, safety Devin Turner and offensive tackle Logan Moore – all expected to return. Following Saturday's game, Aranda reported that Lagway was about 60% last week and he'd like to get him closer to 85 or 90%. "All indications are yes," he said Monday of Lagway being closer to full strength. "He was actually able to work out Saturday prior to the game on the field and felt really good. And he feels good walking around and all of it now. So, he's excited, he's ready."
- DEFENDING THE OPTION: First-year Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion utilizes "some unusual back sets, and there are triple-option looks coming out of the backfield." The Buffaloes have run for at least 180 yards in each of their first three games and averaging 4.5 per carry. Baylor struggled against the QB run this past week, allowing 75 yards on 11 attempts. "A lot of runs, a lot of gaps created," Aranda said of the Buffs. "There are three backs back there, and a lot of tight ends, acting as lead blockers. I think for them, (they want to) establish the run and try to hit on the big plays. For us, we have to be able to limit the run game and then have help on top with safeties to help with the explosives. The pass game is going to come off the run game. So, that's critical for us."
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Sunday, September 20
