June 16, 2004

Waco, Texas -- The 2004 Baylor University football schedule has been rated as the nation's 20th toughest according to the web site www.nationalchamps.net.

According to the preseason ranking, BU's schedule rates as the fourth-hardest in the Big 12 Conference behind Kansas (No. 4), Texas A&M (No. 5) and Texas Tech (No. 9). The Bears' slate was followed by Colorado (No. 34), Oklahoma (No. 41), Oklahoma State (No. 46), Nebraska (No. 51), Iowa State (No. 54), Texas (No. 57), Kansas State (No. 57) and Missouri (No. 61).

After playing seven of 12 games a year ago against teams that went on to earn bowl invitations and having a schedule rated as the nation's 55th toughest, Baylor will again face seven bowl teams in 2004. The Bears' 2004 opponents combined for an 81-59 (.579) record a year ago and seven teams earned bowl invites--North Texas (New Orleans), Texas (Holiday), Missouri (Independence), Nebraska (Alamo champion), Texas Tech (Houston champion), Oklahoma State (Cotton) and Oklahoma (Sugar).

All-told, six of BU's eight 2004 Big 12 games will be against teams that earned bowl bids last year. Baylor's eight Big 12 foes went 63-40 (.612) a year ago.

The Bears will report for practice on Aug. 8, with their first workout slated for Aug. 9. Two-a-days begin Aug. 14 with the annual Fan Appreciation Day scheduled for Aug. 21.

Season tickets for the 2004 Baylor football season are available by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 1-254-710-1000.