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Baylor Football: Stock up, stock down after Baylor's blowout win over Samford

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 22:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Baylor’s Dominant Statement: A Blow‑out Over Samford Sets the Tone for the Season

In a game that left no doubt about its outcome, the University of Texas at Austin’s football squad demolished the Southern Methodist University‑based Samford Bulldogs, racking up a staggering score that put the Cardinals’ offense and defense on full display. The final tally – 55‑3 in favor of Baylor – was a textbook illustration of the squad’s early‑season momentum and a warning to any opponent who might think of testing the Texas‑based team before the conference battles heat up.

The Game in Numbers

Baylor’s offense, led by quarterback Caleb Brown (who had already been making headlines for his dual‑role contributions as a pass‑rushing and catching threat), threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Brown’s performance was punctuated by a 41‑yard touchdown run that showcased the way the coaching staff had emphasized mobility and vision in the offense’s playbook.

On the ground, running back Jaden Rucker added 97 rushing yards on 14 carries, all of which came on plays that leveraged the quarterback’s scramble and the defense’s gap‑keeping. While Rucker was not the star of the game, his effort helped keep the defense on its toes, forcing Samford’s defensive line to keep up with a running attack that, on paper, did not exist.

Defensively, Baylor was a wall. The Cardinals allowed just 70 rushing yards and no first‑down conversions in the red zone. The defense forced a total of six turnovers – three forced fumbles and three interceptions – all of which came from aggressive play‑calling that capitalized on Samford’s offensive miscues. The defensive line, which has been a point of emphasis for head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Eli Rains, forced an average of 1.8 sacks per game and recorded a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown by T.J. Carter.

The Context of the Win

The victory came on a Saturday night at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, and the atmosphere was electric. The Bears’ fans filled the stadium, and the noise level matched the dominance on the field. This was Baylor’s 12th consecutive win, a streak that extends back into the previous season and speaks to the resilience of a program that had been re‑building since Rhule’s arrival in 2019.

The Cardinals’ win is not only a statistical triumph but also a symbolic one. It demonstrates that the team’s defensive scheme, which blends zone coverage with a “hard‑in‑the‑box” approach, is effective against a variety of offensive styles. Coach Rhule’s comments after the game emphasized the importance of the defense’s ability to create turnovers, stating, “We’ve been working hard on that, and it’s paying off. The offense had to be on the sidelines for most of the game, which is a good feel‑good sign for us.”

Samford, on the other hand, had been a surprise story of the season, riding a streak of close games against stronger opponents. Their offensive coordinator, Jonas Smith, expressed disappointment after the loss: “We played with heart, but the Cardinals came out with everything in place. We’ll learn from this and try to adjust for the next game.”

Players Who Stood Out

While the overall team performance was impressive, a few individual contributions were particularly noteworthy:

• Caleb Brown – The 20‑year‑old junior, who has become an unofficial face of Baylor’s offense, threw for three touchdowns, added a 41‑yard rushing score, and was involved in 30 of the 35 plays in the offense’s 55‑point assault.
• T.J. Carter – A defensive end who had been under a microscope for his pass‑rushing ability, Carter recorded three sacks and forced a fumble that became a touchdown, earning him Defensive Player of the Game honors.
• B. J. Thomas – The Cardinals’ safety, who had a game‑high of six tackles, and was instrumental in turning a third‑down conversion into a missed opportunity for Samford.
• Chris Phelps – The team’s kicker, who added a crucial field goal early in the second quarter, setting the tone for the game.

Implications for the Season

The blow‑out win comes at a critical juncture in the Bears’ schedule. As the team approaches its first conference game against the Texas Longhorns, the victory over Samford serves multiple purposes. First, it demonstrates that the team can keep opponents on the sidelines, creating a defensive atmosphere that is hard for any rival to shake. Second, it shows that the offense is capable of producing consistent and high‑scoring outputs when the defense provides opportunities.

The psychological impact of such a decisive win cannot be understated. The team’s confidence has likely grown, especially in the eyes of the younger players who saw their mentors perform at a high level. The coaching staff will use the game as a teaching tool, highlighting how disciplined play and a focus on turnover creation can dictate the flow of a game.

For Samford, the loss is a wake‑up call. Their coaching staff, led by Smith, will need to revisit the game plan, particularly focusing on protecting the quarterback and creating space for their running game. The Bulldogs, who had been known for their disciplined ball‑control style, were forced into a defensive posture that allowed Baylor to take control of the tempo.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals’ next game will be a test of their ability to sustain this level of performance against a more seasoned conference opponent. While Samford was an “easy target” according to some analysts, the true test for Baylor will come in the upcoming rivalry games and the eventual bowl game, where the stakes and pressure will be higher.

In a season where the Baylor football program is in a rebuilding phase, the win over Samford was a crucial statement. It reaffirmed that the Cardinals can dominate when all three units – offense, defense, and special teams – are firing on all cylinders. It also underscored the depth of talent on the roster, indicating that the team is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

As the season progresses, the memories of the 55‑3 blow‑out will linger in the minds of fans, players, and coaching staff alike, reminding everyone that Baylor is no longer just a contender – they are a force to be reckoned with.