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Can the Big 12's least-supported football team turn it around?

BIG 12 HOTSEAT – Baylor's attendance is trending upward. Tonight the Bears may face a bigger challenge in the stands than on the field.

By BERRY TRAMEL | Published: September 23, 2011 Comment on this article

photo - Baylor players, from front left, Philip Blake, quarterback Robert Griffin III, Isaac Williams and Jordan Najvar (18) celebrate following their 48-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) ORG XMIT: TXTG114

Baylor players, from front left, Philip Blake, quarterback Robert Griffin III, Isaac Williams and Jordan Najvar (18) celebrate following their 48-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) ORG XMIT: TXTG114

Football attendance became an issue in the Baylor-Texas A&M flap. Baylor wouldn't let the Aggies leave for the SEC without a fight. So A&M went public with how many tickets Baylor sold for the A&M-Baylor game in College Station.

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Not many. A&M reported that Baylor sold just 830 tickets from its allotment of 3,850. That's a direct shot aimed at the Bears, who have been the Big 12's least-supported football team.

But Baylor averaged 40,043 fans per game at Floyd Casey Stadium last year. And this year, the Bears have drawn 43,753 for TCU and 43,090 for Stephen F. Austin.

The Bears have grown more competitive under coach Art Briles, and the fans have responded. Saturday, Baylor plays Rice, another non-marquee draw. Can Baylor keep up its relatively strong attendance?