No. 19 Baylor, No. 17 SMU Renew Historic Football Rivalry in Dallas

The Baylor Bears volleyball team is entering a busy weekend with a three-match homestand as part of the Baylor Classic, aiming to build on a strong opening weekend and maintain their impressive 49-6 record in the tournament. Meanwhile, Baylor's football team faces a crucial challenge as they prepare to play the No. 17 SMU Mustangs in Dallas, a key game for morale after a Week 1 loss to Auburn. The football Bears struggled defensively against Auburn's powerful rushing attack and must improve run defense to contend with SMU's balanced offense. Historically, Baylor has dominated the SMU rivalry, holding a 39-36-7 series lead and currently on a 13-game winning streak, but SMU enters the game with strong momentum from a decisive Week 1 win and a recent College Football Playoff appearance. Analysts emphasize that Baylor’s offense, led by quarterback Sawyer Robertson, must start strong to increase their chances of victory, while stopping SMU’s run game is critical to their defense. The renewed rivalry, once a Southwest Conference staple, remains highly competitive and significant for both teams' seasons.