Sun Devils will take aim at Baylor's aerial attack

Ah, the Big 12 conference. A magical land where offense runs rampant.

In 2024, 11 of the 16 teams averaged at or near 30 points per game; West Virginia being the cutline at 29.2 points per game. Baylor's offense ranked 2nd in the Big 12 at 34.4 points per game, thanks in large part to their spread air raid system brought in by Jake Spavital when he was hired before the start of the season.

What is the air raid? Well it's exactly what it sounds like, a pass heavy offense popularized by the late Mike Leach that typically uses four wide receivers to spread the defense out and force them to cover a lot of ground with little opportunity for safety help over the top. Baylor makes heavy use of spread formations, which in turn make the defense need to cover sideline to sideline.

Additionally, the Bears work the run-pass option in to their scheme, but not quite to the degree that the Devils have seen the last two weeks. Tempo will be a factor, looking to keep the defense off-balance and unable to make formation substitutions.

The focus on the air raid logically starts with the quarterback. Redshirt senior Sawyer Robertson is coming off a year in which he broke in to Baylor's top-10 in single season passing yards (No. 7 with 3,071), and through three games is on pace to set his career high. He has thrown for 3+ passing touchdowns in each game, including a 4 touchdown performance in a double-overtime comeback win at SMU.

Wide receivers Ashtyn Hawkins, Josh Cameron, Kole Wilson, and Kobe Prentice represent the weapons at Robertson's disposal. A 5th year senior in his second season at Baylor, Hawkins has emerged as Robertson's top target early in the year, hauling in 17 catches for 257 yards, good for 3rd in the Big 12 to start the season.

Cameron also enters the game nearing 250 receiving yards with 15 catches, including three for touchdowns. Prentice has gotten a lot of action in the red zone, with 4 of his 10 catches on the season resulting in touchdowns. Tight end Michael Trigg presents much like Chamon Metayer, a physical tight end with above-average route running ability and the versatility to line up as a slot receiver.

Baylor also integrates the running game into their pass heavy attack. With Dawson Pendergrass missing the entire season due to a foot injury he sustained during fall camp, the bulk of the touches have gone to redshirt sophomore Bryson Washington.

A true workhorse, Washington was Baylor's lead back with over 1,000 yards rushing, and has jumped out to 304 yards and 4 touchdowns so far this year. While his vision and agility in tight spaces are the strengths of his game, he falls short with top end speed, unable to outrun defenders down the field. He is also very one dimensional in his game, offering limited pass catching ability out of the backfield.

Nicknamed "The Union", Baylor boasts a veteran offensive line, returning four of five starters in Sidney Fugar, Ryan Lengyel, Omar Aigbedion, and Coleton Price. Aigbedion was named Second Team All-Big 12 yast season, and was named to the preseason watchlist for the Outland Trophy for best interior lineman.

Price received preseason accolades as well, named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist for best center. As a unit, the offensive line excelled in pass protection in 2024, ranking 36th in sacks allowed and allowing the 4th-fewest tackles for loss. There is also depth on the line, with Kaden Sieracki emerging as starting right tackle after being considered the "sixth man" on the line.

Baylor will throw (literally and figuratively) a lot for the Sun Devil defense to be aware of on Saturday. However, the focus can be a little more compartmentalized as each position group stays pretty true to their primary objective. The secondary will be put to task defending a well-rounded receiving group, but after an improved performance at home against Texas State, I believe the Sun Devils can rise to the challenge.

The Sun Devils and Bears will kick off at 4:30pm Arizona time on Saturday from McLane Stadium in Waco on Fox. Stay with us all week as we bring you up to the minute reports ahead of game time.