College Football Playoff Rankings: Why Baylor Bears should be No. 1

A powerhouse football team lies deep in the heart of Texas and it’s the Baylor Bears who have a case to be made as the best team in the country when tonight’s College 

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In Texas it is quite normal for the state to house several extremely talented football teams. However, this year the state of Texas houses a team that could go toe-to-toe with any team in the country, and win. As a result, here are four reasons why Baylor is the best team in the entire NCAA and should be ranked as such in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

1. The Baylor Bears’ ability to attack other teams

When most people think of the Baylor Bears they probably would think about the Bears’ crazy passing offensive. In reality, the Bears are a dominate team offensively because they have a balanced approach to their strategy.

The Bears are the No. 3 team in rushing yards per game at 338.3 yards. Furthermore, the other teams that are in the top 5 of rushing yards per game average less than 160 passing yards per game. Baylor on the other hand averages 347.9 yards per game which is good enough to be No. 10 in the league.

The Baylor Bears are able to dominate teams because they have an elite offense in all facets. Opponents understand that regardless of which part of the Bears offense they attempt to shut down, the Bears will still shred their defense with their other weapons.

2.  The talent level of Baylor’s players

The Baylor Bears are blessed with the best halfback in the Big-12, Shock Linwood. By having such an exceptional back, the Bears are able to rely on his production game in and game out. Additionally, the Bears former starting quarterback Seth Russell had the highest quarterback rating in the nation at 189.7. Also housed in the offense is wide receiver Corey Coleman, who is leading the NCAA in touchdown receptions.

All of this goes to say, that the Bears have amazing offensive talent. At the end of the day football is a game about match ups. Any team with the better players have a much larger chance at winning the game.

Additionally, Baylor is going to be forced to play their freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has looked extremely poised this season. By having such dependable talent around a young quarterback, this will make his transition much easier. Moreover, the talent level around the Bears will allow this offense to make a few mistakes.

3. Baylor’s track record

Over the past three seasons, the Baylor Bears have gone 29-4. The Bears have achieved an excellent level of consistency. When a team has consistency this enables the team to make expectations about how they will play. This team has experienced winning and they recognize how to win games.

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It is always helpful when you have leaders on your football team that know a winning formula. This will impact the progression of the team’s younger players. Also, I can guarantee that this Baylor Bears team is hungry after barely missing the playoffs last season. That hunger for a playoff spot will help this team rally back from any tough situation.

4. The Baylor Bears’ complete victories

Baylor has been outscoring opponents by an average of 36.0 points per game and outgains their opponents by more than 300 yards.

While Baylor’s defense has never been considered ‘stingy,’ it is able to play a tough, physical brand of football. If the Bears can continue to drop points on opponents at the rate that they are, then this Bears team should not be afraid of its defense failing them.

Not many teams can put up more than 50 points on the board. If a team wants to beat the Baylor Bears, it just might have to drop close to 70 points on this Bears team and that’s just not gonna happen.