Story Poster
Photo by Jim Black
Baylor Football

Gameday Thread: Baylor (0-2) at Duke (2-0)

September 16, 2017
157,241

BAYLOR (0-2) at Duke (2-0)

Wallace Wade Stadium | 11:30 a.m. CT | ACCN/FSN

Depth Chart | Class Breakdown | Schedule | Big 12 Standings | Baylor Staff | Baylor Roster


BEARS STILL SEARCHING FOR FIRST WIN OF 2017

It's been a long time since the Bears have started 0-2 and, without sounding too obvious, it's been even longer since they have started 0-3. Traveling to Duke (2-0) to try and get their first win of 2017 doesn't look too great right now despite being a preseason favorite to leave Durham with a victory.

As Baylor's slow start has grabbed plenty of headlines, Duke's 2-0 start was highlighted by a 41-17 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats last week and made a victory look even less likely for the Big 12 program. Duke is led by sophomore quarterback Daniel Jones who has thrown for 518 yards with a 4/1 touchdown to interception ratio while also rushing for 127 yards and three scores through two games.

Though Duke picked on a depleted Northwestern defense, a unit that was missing three starting defensive backs prior to the conclusion of the first half, it was still an extremely impressive outing for the Blue Devils who will match up against a Baylor defense that showed signs of life against UTSA, but is only two weeks removed from giving up 48 points and just under 600 yards to FCS Liberty.

If Baylor wants a chance to win, points from their offense is a must, but containing a steadily improving Duke offense will prove to be even more important.


SIDENOTE STORYLINE

Sophomore QB Zach Smith given ball as starter against Blue Devils

It's been 263 days since Baylor quarterback Zach Smith torched Boise State in the Cactus Bowl with 375 yards and three touchdowns on way to a 31-12 victory. Now a sophomore, Smith once again has control of the Baylor offense that sputtered through two games behind senior grad transfer Anu Solomon, putting up just 274 yards and 10 points against UTSA last week.

In four starts to end the 2016 season after a season-ending injury to Seth Russell, Smith led Baylor to an average of 489.3 yards and 27 points, but only posted a 1-3 record in games against Kansas State, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Boise State.

Smith will face a Duke defense who has given up only 12.0 points and 174.5 yards in two games against North Carolina Central and Northwestern.


MATT RHULE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

How the team has been after losing to Liberty and UTSA...

“Yeah that’s what I just said, I think they’re outstanding. I think they’re not happy, and this isn’t Pop Warner. We’re not handing out popsicles. But I think the thing that they see is what I told them during the game. They are saying to themselves, “Why can’t we score? We’re used to scoring, why can’t we score?” And then you go back and watch the film and see that we had three penalties on the first drive. And then the second drive, you’re moving, and you throw an interception. And those things happen. And then the next drive, you get all the way down to the 20-yard line, and it’s a nothing-nothing ballgame, and we get a holding penalty. It’s just a play here and a play there. It’s one thing when you’re getting blown out, and you say to yourselves that you’re ten plays away. But those two ball games were just a play here and a play there. We’re going to play some better teams, so we better get better quick, as we’re playing a better team this week. But I think they see the progress. I think the defense felt the progress from week one to week two. I think the offense sensed that, you know when [Chris] Platt ran by his guy on the third play of the game and he lays out for that ball and we couldn’t quite put it on him, if he catches it that changes the game. Sometimes we think it’s these big things, but it’s these little things right in front of us. That, to me, is why they’re positive. And I think it’s also because we’re playing so many young kids. The seniors you worry about, right? Our seniors are great leaders. Mo Porter is out there fighting. Davion [Hall], I talked about him, Taylor Young. They’re out there fighting. Taion Sells is on the scout team right now and he’s fighting. I think that the young kids see that we’re getting better and to keep working. So I’ve been pleased. We had 20 guys up in my office watching Monday Night Football last night. This is a process, and so the kids are going through it with us.”


PLAYERS TO WATCH

SicEm365
QB, Zach Smith

Smith gets the nod as the starter in Baylor's third game of the 2017 season and the Bears will need him to be at his best to have their best shot at pulling an upset victory. Expect the offense to be tailored to his strengths and the offense to move a little quicker than typical, but the success is still yet to be seen.

SicEm365
CB, Blake Lynch

In a game against an offense with an elite quarterback, Baylor's secondary will need to be at the top of their game. That includes converted WR Blake Lynch who will make his first career start at the position. If he plays well, it could be a good sign for the outcome of the game.

SicEm365
OL, Ishmael Wilson

Wilson is the second player on the list who will make their first start of the season. The senior started 12 games as a junior and is now slotted to start at left guard against the Blue Devils. If Baylor's running game can get on track, it will be a big help to Zach Smith and the passing game.

Jim Black
LB, Taylor Young

It was difficult to not place a second cornerback on this list, but the running ability of Duke QB Daniel Jones is a significant threat and Baylor's linebackers will need to play contain more often than not. Senior Taylor Young should be able to lead the way in keeping an eye on Jones.

 

Discussion from...

*** Official Gameday Thread: Baylor (0-2) at Duke (2-0)

111,786 Views | 708 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by bunation
MBGA
How long do you want to ignore this user?
were are worse in every aspect of the game. i thought these were supposed to be better coaches.
Grizz Air
How long do you want to ignore this user?
We are so bad
BaylorProud77
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Penalty
BearKamp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I can't believe we finally got a penalty
Boatshoes
How long do you want to ignore this user?
...and another flag.
CorsicanaBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
A twofer on penalties. Lovely.
Illigitimus non carborundum
Yogi
How long do you want to ignore this user?
#penaltyu
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
BaylorProud77
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Duke offense actually gets to leave the field
Team America
How long do you want to ignore this user?
2 guys could have picked that ball off, but they had no clue the ball was even thrown.
BearKamp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
At first this game gave me hope for playing KU...but that's gone.
Assassin
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Yogi said:

#penaltyu
One Briles tradition we intend to keep...
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Boatshoes
How long do you want to ignore this user?
BearKamp said:

At first this game gave me hope for playing KU...but that's gone.
For what it's worth, last I checked, it was Ohio 18, Kansas 0.
Yogi
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Youlve gotta block.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Bearupnobly
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Took 2 days for that play to develop.
Assassin
How long do you want to ignore this user?
The announcer was right about one thing. The dinky 5 yd penalties for dumb stuff. I'm okay with aggression penalties. They happen when you're playing balls out. But 12 men, offsides, stuff like that will drive you crazy.
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
BearKamp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Applemac_G4 said:

BearKamp said:

At first this game gave me hope for playing KU...but that's gone.
For what it's worth, last I checked, it was Ohio 18, Kansas 0.
BearInBigD
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Yogi said:

Youlve gotta block.
We've missed tons of open field blocks today. Pathetic.
Assassin
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Duke is beating the crap out of Zach but its not getting called
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Yogi
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Playcalling is AWFUL
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Keeno
How long do you want to ignore this user?
The Baylor community was mislead in the offseason and I am angry about it. We were told this would be a competitive team and even possibly go to a bowl. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's all so embarrassing.
BaylorProud77
How long do you want to ignore this user?
where are our receivers
3rd String Kicker
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Why in the world are the handing the ball to this Dixon dude over and over?
BearKamp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Imagine if Zach had the first 2 games to work on timing with his receivers.
Assassin
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Dixon has a really long stride for RB. Doesnt help him in close quarters
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Scratchy Bear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
BaylorProud77 said:

where are our receivers
The University of Texas
Yogi
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Little chance to be successful on the road when you keep putting yourself in third and long situations.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
3rd String Kicker
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Surely we have 40 or 50 guys on the team who can run the ball better than this.
Boatshoes
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Keeno said:

The Baylor community was mislead in the offseason...
I guess when I heard the message come down from on high that "we are not an institution of football", I pretty much knew what was coming.
RealLarryDon
How long do you want to ignore this user?
We're really calling fullback dives for a guy who moves slower than my grandma?
CorsicanaBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
9 penalties enforced for 70 yards in the first half. Smart football. Toughness. Character.
Illigitimus non carborundum
Jacques Strap
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I have trust issues with the process
VegasBlackBear
How long do you want to ignore this user?


Hey Fam, ok we suck, but we can capitalize off of this!!!

PS. Also take Clemson, Miss State & Miami-Ohio all UNDER.
Yogi
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Penalty Score

Baylor 70 yds
Duke. 5 yds
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Oldbear83
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Assassin said:

Duke is beating the crap out of Zach but its not getting called
Same as basketball, personal fouls are always on Duke's opponent
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Scratchy Bear
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Earl the Goat said:

Surely we have 40 or 50 guys on the team who can run the ball better than this.
I'm afraid we don't. And don't call me Shirley.
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.