Baylor Football: 3 things we learned from 2020 season

3. Pass defense was among the best in the conference

The 2019 defense was among the best of the decade. It kept Baylor in multiple games and featured 10 NFL-caliber players, four of which started a game during the 2020 season.

Replacing All-Big 12 players like James Lynch, Clay Johnston and Grayland Arnold was going to be a tall task. Instead, the defense reloaded with impact players at linebacker and the secondary.

Terrel Bernard was playing at an All-Big 12 level until getting hurt against Iowa State. He had 55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks at linebacker. He recorded all of that in just five games. His replacement in Abram Smith held his own, finishing fifth on the team in tackles and had five tackles for loss. Jalen Pitre was named to various All-Big 12 lists and led the team in tackles.

The converted linebacker to safety, led the team in tackles for loss and grabbed two interceptions, both going for touchdowns. Pitre was part of the 2017 recruiting class, and was committed to Baylor even after Art Briles and his staff left the program. He was the only one to stay committed in that class, and is now quite possibly the most impactful player on the defense.

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Baylor had 12 interceptions, which ranked second in the conference. They also allowed the second least yards per game and finished third in defensive efficiency.

The good news for the future of the Bears is all of the members of the secondary are coming back. Raleigh Texada is a former All-Big 12 honoree and JT Woods and Christian Woods both had three interceptions last season.

With the defensive line getting a year of growth and development, this secondary should be among the best in the conference, heading into 2021. Even with a rather unappealing season, the few bright spots was the playmaking of the secondary.