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Baylor Football: Ranking Bears’ 2020 opponents by toughness

By Connor Muldowney

Charlie Brewer, Baylor football (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Charlie Brewer, Baylor football (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Kansas State football
Skylar Thompson, Kansas State football (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Chris Klieman did one of the best coaching jobs of anyone in 2019, taking over at Kansas State and leading the Wildcats to an 8-5 season. Replacing Bill Snyder isn’t easy, but Klieman exceeded year one expectations.

Skylar Thompson is back as his starting quarterback and he only brings back one starter from last season.

The defense returns seven starters to the No. 44 unit in the country and it should be an overwhelming strength in 2020. If the offense, led by Thompson, can catch up to the defense, we may be look at a potential 10-win season for the Wildcats.

Baylor will open the season with a big neutral site matchup against SEC foe Ole Miss. The Rebels aren’t exactly in a good place, but first-year coach Lane Kiffin will soon change that.

Year one, however, will be rough for the Rebels. They bring back John Rhys Plumlee and Matt Corral at quarterback and Jerrion Ealy at running back. Don’t forget Elijah Moore at receiver and three starters along the offensive line. This offense ranked 26th in the country last season and third in the SEC. That makes this game even more intriguing.

Defense will be an issue, though. Sam Williams and Lakia Henry are intriguing defensive prospects but the Rebels ranked 85th defensively a year ago.

And Dave Aranda is familiar with the Rebels.

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