1. USE THAT 4TH QUARTER: The fourth quarter of the West Virginia game might have been the first time all year that the three phases clicked at the same time. Baylor's defense threw its first fourth-quarter shutout and held the Mountaineers to just 11 yards on nine plays; the offense scored 23 unanswered points and averaged better than seven yards per pop; and the kicking game got a field goal from Connor Martin, recovered an onside kick and nearly recovered another one. Now, can the Bears do that for 60 minutes?

2. POINTS AT A PREMIUM: This is a Texas defense that seems to have hit its stride after a rough opening game against Maryland (51-41 loss). You don't usually win games with field goals. But, against a defense that has held teams to 17 points or less in regulation four times in the last six games, take what you can get.

3. WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE: Baylor's offense had its first turnover-free game of the season against West Virginia, but the defense didn't come up with any of its own, either. That's been an issue all year for the defense, which has had just one interception and five fumble recoveries through the first seven games (two others on special teams). With freshman Sam Ehlinger in concussion protocol, Shane Buechele gets the start at QB for the Longhorns and he's thrown only two picks in 80 passes this season.

4. GO WITH THE HOT HAND: Whether it's at quarterback, running back or receiver, the Bears have to find a good rhythm on offense and stick with the hot hand. Against West Virginia, that was Charlie Brewer and Trestan Ebner in the fourth quarter. This game, it could be Zach Smith, Terence Williams and Denzel Mims. UT's secondary is probably the biggest chink in the Longhorn defense's armor, so Baylor has to take some shots down field. But to do that, the line has to give Smith and Brewer time to make the throw.

5. FEED OFF THE CROWD: This is a game when the crowd, and particularly the student section, needs to bring it. The Longhorns are just 1-2 away from Memorial Stadium this season, and the one win was against Iowa State before the Cyclones made the switch at quarterback and got on a roll. If the Bears can get off to a good start and get the crowd into it, they could make the Longhorns uncomfortable. At 3-4, they're already teetering on the edge of not making a bowl game for the third consecutive year. And with road games remaining at No. 4 TCU and No. 22 West Virginia, this is a crucial game for UT's postseason hopes.