Baylor Football Set to Face Air Force in ‘Mission Black Ops’ Game at McLane
Baylor football is gearing up to take on Air Force this Saturday at McLane Stadium, with the highly anticipated game set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. and broadcast live on FS1 as well as the Baylor Sports Media Network. Fans are encouraged to show their support by wearing black attire as part of the ‘Mission Black Ops’ promotion, while the Bears themselves will don their new anthracite jerseys for the matchup.
Adding to the excitement, the game will also mark Baylor’s annual Salute to Service event, featuring a special pre-game flyover by a pair of F-16s, each piloted by alumni from both schools. Additionally, the 1974 Southwest Conference Champions, famously known as the ‘Miracle on the Brazos’ team, will be welcomed back, adding a nostalgic touch to the occasion.
This clash between Baylor, currently holding a 1-1 record, and Air Force, also standing at 1-1 in the Mountain West conference, will be their first encounter since the 2022 Armed Forces Bowl held in Fort Worth. The last meeting during the bowl game saw the Falcons emerge victorious in frigid conditions with a kickoff temperature of 13 degrees.
Following a recent 23-12 defeat against No. 11/11 Utah, where the Bears faced tough challenges early in the game including a returned field-goal block for a touchdown and a fumble recovery, Baylor is determined to bounce back. Despite a late surge that saw them score the final 12 points of the game, Baylor struggled to maintain offensive momentum against Utah’s formidable defense.
Noteworthy standout performer Palmer Williams, the punter for Baylor, delivered a stellar performance in the previous game, setting a program record by consistently booting the ball over 50 yards on all six punts, averaging an impressive 62.7 yards per punt. With notable kicks including distances of 79 and 76 yards, Williams currently leads the nation with an outstanding 57.9-yard average.
In anticipation of the upcoming matchup against Air Force, Baylor’s decision to sport the new Anthracite uniform has generated buzz among fans. This fresh uniform option incorporates unique design elements paying tribute to past special uniform combinations. The jersey will prominently feature “BAYLOR” across the chest with gold numbers, while bear claw prints on the sleeves pay homage to the successful 2013-14 Big 12 Championship teams. The pants will sport a subtle stripe design, deviating from the traditional green, white, and gold stripes. The helmet will also showcase a Bear head on the Anthracite uniform, with the green, gold, and white colors continuing to serve as Baylor’s core uniform base, offering fans an exciting alternative look for the upcoming game.