Baylor is losing key veteran starter Taylor Young to graduation, and his presence will be missed on the field. For the players on the field like Clay Johnston, the run defense must be fixed before going into next season. The Bears ranked ninth in the Big 12 in rush defense last season (189.9 yards per game), and allowed over 220 yards five times last season. The 4.9 yards average per attempt was tied for last in the Big 12 (West Virginia).
One of the main issues facing the Bears in run defense was poor tackling. The Bears allowed four running plays over 60 yards last season, including two over 70.