For Baylor to become bowl eligible one season after posting a 1-11 record, the Bears needed some players to play at a higher level than expected.
Luckily, that's exactly what happened for the Bears en route to a 6-6 record that earned them a bid to the Academy Sports and Outdoors Texas Bowl.
Here are five Bears who exceeded expectations in the 2018 season.
1. Jalen Hurd, WR: In his first season at wide receiver, the Ex-Tennessee running back became an effective weapon for the Bears. He led the Bears in receptions (69) and receiving yards (946) and still rushed 48 times for 209 yards, good enough for him to be named the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.