Before speaking at Sunday’s press conference, a smiling head coach Art Briles slapped himself. He offered an explanation to the media in attendance, but there was more understanding among the reporters and camera operators than confusion.

It has been a momentary breath of fresh air for the Bears since their last regular season game on Nov. 20, but this year the breath is shorter than it has been in 16 seasons as they look to down the Fighting Illini Dec. 29 in the Texas Bowl.

A look back at the Bears’ 7-5 campaign

In 3 weeks, Baylor will head down to Houston, Texas, to face the Illinois Illini in the fifth Texas Bowl held at Reliant Stadium.

Baylor’s seniors will have one last game to wear the green and gold; they will have one last chance to showcase their abilities on the field and possibly earn their eighth win of this season. Here is a recap a just few of the seniors who have made an impact.

Driving to Houston to support our Baylor Bears in their first bowl game since 1994 will be an exciting affair. The real question is: What do you do in the down time before and after the game?

Around Reliant Stadium and downtown Houston, you can find a multitude of restaurants varying in cuisine, atmosphere and quality. Whether you want to eat close to the stadium or grab a bite on your way in from surrounding cities, you are guaranteed a great meal at these local favorites, including many one-of-a-kind eateries.

Sitting on a 500-acre plot of land that overlooks the Nile River in Uganda is an orphanage housing more than 50 children, about half of whom lost their parents to the violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group that has terrorized civilians in various regions of Africa for years.