I have had difficulties posting the Baylor game preview for some reason. At this point, it is probably too late to generate much discussion. Here are the highlights in summary form:
1) Defensively Baylor has problems with run gap integrity with their backers and safeties. They are giving up big runs as guys struggle playing downhill. This also shows up in less than stellar pursuit angles against the pass.
2) Offensively, Baylor has a few dangerous skill players. Mims, Platt, and Hasty are explosive players that can make big chunk plays. Mims is an all around stud who has scored in each game and does damage outside and across the middle of the field. Platt follows the mold of a typical Baylor speed receiver. He is not going to be caught from behind very often. Hasty will be back this week, and his lateral agility is elite, and his elusiveness adds a dimension that they have been sorely missing. Their QB (Smith) has the ability to throw the ball deep, outside the numbers and across the middle. He is prone to some mistakes in the middle of the field when teams bail on pressure packages, but overall, he should put up good numbers against the Cowboys.
3) Oklahoma State should be able to attack the Baylor safeties and outside linebackers with the run-pass options, inside zone, and play-action passing game. The offensive line should be fine as Crabtree is back at right tackle and Tevin and Johnny have played well in limited action, giving the staff and team confidence. Besides, the Baylor defensive front lacks the interior difference maker that they have had regularly the past several years.
4) The Pokes' defense will be tested, but if they can make the Bears one dimensional, the Bears have shown enough self destructive tendencies with mistakes, penalties, and turnovers to get in trouble.
5) Against Oklahoma, the Bears had every chance to pull the upset as they mercilessly attacked Jordan Thomas on the outside. He failed to adjust to the flight of the ball, allowing receivers to make big plays. The Cowboys may give up some plays on the outside, but so long as they tackle well in space and get some pressure on the quarterback, they should show up pretty well.
With Washington State losing badly tonight and Clemson going down, the Big 12 champ suddenly looks much better from a national playoff perspective. Teams must now take care of business.
1) Defensively Baylor has problems with run gap integrity with their backers and safeties. They are giving up big runs as guys struggle playing downhill. This also shows up in less than stellar pursuit angles against the pass.
2) Offensively, Baylor has a few dangerous skill players. Mims, Platt, and Hasty are explosive players that can make big chunk plays. Mims is an all around stud who has scored in each game and does damage outside and across the middle of the field. Platt follows the mold of a typical Baylor speed receiver. He is not going to be caught from behind very often. Hasty will be back this week, and his lateral agility is elite, and his elusiveness adds a dimension that they have been sorely missing. Their QB (Smith) has the ability to throw the ball deep, outside the numbers and across the middle. He is prone to some mistakes in the middle of the field when teams bail on pressure packages, but overall, he should put up good numbers against the Cowboys.
3) Oklahoma State should be able to attack the Baylor safeties and outside linebackers with the run-pass options, inside zone, and play-action passing game. The offensive line should be fine as Crabtree is back at right tackle and Tevin and Johnny have played well in limited action, giving the staff and team confidence. Besides, the Baylor defensive front lacks the interior difference maker that they have had regularly the past several years.
4) The Pokes' defense will be tested, but if they can make the Bears one dimensional, the Bears have shown enough self destructive tendencies with mistakes, penalties, and turnovers to get in trouble.
5) Against Oklahoma, the Bears had every chance to pull the upset as they mercilessly attacked Jordan Thomas on the outside. He failed to adjust to the flight of the ball, allowing receivers to make big plays. The Cowboys may give up some plays on the outside, but so long as they tackle well in space and get some pressure on the quarterback, they should show up pretty well.
With Washington State losing badly tonight and Clemson going down, the Big 12 champ suddenly looks much better from a national playoff perspective. Teams must now take care of business.
