Baylor is one of the Big 12’s hottest teams over the past month. The Bears are sporting a three-game winning streak – matching Colorado’s win streak and behind undefeated BYU. One of the reasons for that resurgence is the improvement in the Bears’ running game, and catalyst for that is redshirt freshman Bryson Washington.
Washington has gained 390 of his team-best 576 rushing yards and scored six of his seven touchdowns this season in Baylor’s last three wins. WVU coaches know he needs to be a focus of the Mountaineer defense when the two teams clash at 4 p.m. Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium (ESPN2).
Washington’s season didn’t start until three games into the 2024 campaign. Injuries kept him out of Baylor’s first two contests, but he made his presence felt in his debut with 106 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries against Air Force.
Growing pains reappeared against Colorado, BYU and Iowa State, where he rushed for a combined 80 yards in those three games, but Washington rebounded in Baylor’s (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) wins over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and TCU.
His biggest game came against the Horned Frogs, where he bowled them over for 196 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. Baylor coach Dave Aranda said Washington’s physicality as a runner has bolstered his confidence.
“When he gets hit, he feels good,” Aranda said. “When he delivers hits, he feels better. He looks for those contacts.”
At 6 feet tall and 203 pounds, Washington has the frame to punish defenders. That type of running style also boosts the mood of his teammates.
“I think he adds physicality to our team,” Aranda said. “He’s looking for contact and finishing, and finishing contact.”
As Baylor’s run game has gone this year, so has its fortunes. The Bears’ current winning streak is evidence of that. Baylor has averaged 285 yards per game over its last three, as well as 7.43 yards per carry.
WVU head coach Neal Brown said the Mountaineers (5-4, 4-2 Big 12) are well aware of how effective Baylor’s running game is. Brown breaks it down into three reasons. First-year Baylor offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, a former WVU offensive coordinator, has gotten more comfortable in his role. Brown also believes Baylor’s offensive line is taking care of its business.
And he also made sure to mention how well Washington is playing the last few games.
“The young running back is playing really well,” Brown said. “He’s a load to tackle, very similar to the guy we just played in Cincinnati (Corey Kiner), and he’s a load.
“If you look at their offensive line, them settling on the running back and being able to run the football, offensively, that’s been the difference,” Brown added.
WVU has done well against the run this season, ranking 40th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in allowing 125.44 yards per game. The Mountaineers have made opponents work for their rushing yards in recent contests. They have held foes under four yards per carry in four of their last five games. Cincinnati gained 157 rushing yards against West Virginia, but needed 43 carries to do it.
-by Derek Redd
