Baylor’s secondary gets a boost as Kyler Beaty is cleared to suit up for the Homecoming showdown against Iowa State.
Key points
- Kyler Beaty is cleared to play, adding depth to Baylor’s cornerback group for the Homecoming game.
- Baylor aims for bowl eligibility; a win over Iowa State would clinch that goal with three games left.
- Five players remain unavailable, including key defensive back Jamarion Richardson and safety Jacob Redding.
- Baylor’s offense looks to replicate its UCF performance, leveraging both the passing attack of DJ Lagway and the ground game of Ryelan Morris.
Cornerback Kyler Beaty has been moved from the unavailable list to probable for Saturday’s Homecoming contest at McLane Stadium, according to the Bears’ latest injury report (source: SI.com).
The Bears entered the game with a 5‑3 overall record and a 3‑2 mark in Big 12 play after a dominant 41‑9 victory over UCF, which marked interim head coach Joe Klanderman’s first win and his inaugural home game in charge. A triumph over Iowa State would secure bowl eligibility with three games remaining on the schedule.
Beaty’s status and role in the secondary
Baylor will still be missing five players who were ruled out against UCF: safety Jacob Redding, cornerback Jamarion Richardson, defensive lineman Devonte Tezino, offensive lineman Cayden Tone and wide receiver Ashton Jones. With Richardson sidelined, Beaty provides an additional option behind starters Devon Jordan and LeVar Thornton Jr., and he also contributed on punt coverage in the final six games of last season.
Offensively, Baylor posted 503 total yards against UCF, with quarterback DJ Lagway throwing for 319 yards and four touchdowns while the ground game amassed 184 yards. Running back Ryelan Morris led the rush with 82 yards and a pivotal 26‑yard run that set up a Lagway touchdown pass to Tony Livingston. Continuing that balance could help the Bears avoid long third‑down situations against Iowa State.
Baylor’s recent surge under interim coach
Iowa State’s recent offensive output includes a 323‑yard passing performance and a 210‑yard rushing effort by Oklahoma State in a prior matchup, highlighting the need for Baylor’s defense to contain the Cyclones’ quarterback, identified in the report as “Flora.” Keeping him in check early could open up more rushing opportunities for Lagway’s offense.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central Time, and the game will be televised on FS1. Fans can follow live updates through the SI.com article and the Bears’ official channels.
Reader questions
Will Kyler Beaty suit up for the game against Iowa State?
Yes. The Bears listed him as probable on Saturday morning after removing him from the unavailable report (SI.com).
What does a win over Iowa State mean for Baylor’s postseason hopes?
A victory would make Baylor bowl‑eligible, leaving three games on the schedule to secure a postseason berth.
Source: si.com
