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Baylor Football

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

September 16, 2017
157,391

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)

111,934 Views | 708 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by bunation
Celtic Bear
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I'm glad their FG kicker is helping us. The officials sure ain't.
BaylorOkie
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LOL it took the TV crew about 30 seconds to realize the field goal was missed.
OsoVerde
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These announcers suck
Yogi
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lawmaker said:

Can we not open the offense up a bit?

UNREAL
Have to get an offensive identity first. Not quite sure what this is. It's like a casserole of good things that just don't click together.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Assassin
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and still to come;

Oklahoma State through one half at Pitt: seven drives. seven TDs (not including taking a knee before halftime). QB Mason Rudolph has thrown for 423 yards -- a school record for a half. All told, the Cowboys have 521 yards of offense and are 9-for-9 on third downs. Mike Gundy's crew making a statement, up 49-14 at halftime.
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Jacques Strap
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I love the way we have opened things up on the offensive side today.
BearKamp
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We really should stop running those stupid up the middle running plays.
Beaneater
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BaylorOkie said:

LOL it took the TV crew about 30 seconds to realize the field goal was missed.
I saw the ref under the post raise his hands to signal good. They didn't show a different call. What happened?
Jacques Strap
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Assassin said:

and still to come;

Oklahoma State through one half at Pitt: seven drives. seven TDs (not including taking a knee before halftime). QB Mason Rudolph has thrown for 423 yards -- a school record for a half. All told, the Cowboys have 521 yards of offense and are 9-for-9 on third downs. Mike Gundy's crew making a statement, up 49-14 at halftime.
Reminds me of another team a few years back
3rd String Kicker
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I'd rather see Phil Tran carry the ball.
Yogi
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My how the great have fallen....
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
BearKamp
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We are such a joke of a team. So many damn mistakes and penalties. Rhule has done a stellar job.
EasyE
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Assassin said:

Same thing we saw in G1 and 2, our OL/DL needs some more talent


Aren't they mostly the same guys from the end of last year? Weren't they playing better at the end of last season then now? What has happened with Lewis, Roy, and Hunt. Roy looked clueless and soft on one of those TD runs.
RealLarryDon
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I wasn't old enoigh to remember early 2000s Bear football, but I can't imagine any offensive line as bad as this one.
BaylorProud77
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watch Duke get another TD here
JumboShrimper
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No run game.
BaylorProud77
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EasyE said:

Assassin said:

Same thing we saw in G1 and 2, our OL/DL needs some more talent


Aren't they mostly the same guys from the end of last year? Weren't they playing better at the end of last season then now? What has happened with Lewis, Roy, and Hunt. Roy looked clueless and soft on one of those TD runs.
playbook
Grizz Air
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We are the best in the nation!!!!!!!!!







At offensive 3-and-outs...
DAC
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I'm still wondering what they have been doing in practice. Do they run any plays at all or just beat the snot out of each other?
Assassin
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We are really hurting on the OL. Teck is probably asking the coaches to move him back to TE...

Rhule came in with a half full cupboard I think
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
CorsicanaBear
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More "fabulous" tackling. And then the 10th penalty.
Illigitimus non carborundum
RioRata
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Galitz will win the Ray Guy Award.
BearKamp
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RealLarryDon said:

I wasn't old enoigh to remember early 2000s Bear football, but I can't imagine any offensive line as bad as this one.
In 2002, we had 4 games of scoring zero points and another 3 games of only scoring 9,10, and 11. We had some bad days back then.
BaylorProud77
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Just about ready for the TD
Celtic Bear
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Totally open. Where's our defender?
Yogi
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College Game Day not coming to Central Texas anytime soon.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Assassin
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BearKamp said:

RealLarryDon said:

I wasn't old enoigh to remember early 2000s Bear football, but I can't imagine any offensive line as bad as this one.
In 2002, we had 4 games of scoring zero point and another 3 games of only scoring 9,10, and 11. We had some bad days back then.
And the Beall years were horrendous.
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Scratchy Bear
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Assassin said:

We are really hurting on the OL. Teck is probably asking the coaches to move him back to TE...

Rhule came in with a half full cupboard I think
At least you're the optimist that sees the cupboard as half full. I'm not that hopeful!
Pale Rider
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This is a poorly coached team.
Scratchy Bear
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BUBear90 said:

Totally open. Where's our defender?
Don't go looking to the BOR...you won't find any Baylor defenders there.
Jacques Strap
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End of half sag.Second half could get ugly if they punch it in here
RioRata
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BUBear90 said:

Totally open. Where's our defender?

Tailgating
BearKamp
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Pale Rider said:

This is a poorly coached team.
Frank gets it.
BaylorProud77
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Yogi said:

College Game Day not coming to Central Texas anytime soon.
lol, if ever again
Boatshoes
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BaylorProud77 said:

timetraveler said:

Watching the aggies lose is such a better game than ours
who are they playing?
Louisiana Ragin Cajuns 21
A&M 14
Halftime.

If he loses this game, Sumlin would do well to go seek refugee status somewhere.
 
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