The Baylor Bears had been the perennial patsies of the Big 12, stringing together 14 straight losing seasons following the demise of the Southwest Conference in 1996. Art Briles changed the complexion of the program. Capping a steady climb to respectability, the sixth-ranked Bears earned their first conference title in 33 years by beating Texas and were rewarded with a spot in the Fiesta Bowl alongside No. 15 Central Florida on New Year's Day. The Bears took baby steps at first, winning four games in 2008 and 2009 before putting together their first winning record since 1995 the next season. More...