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Baylor Football

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

September 16, 2017
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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)

111,841 Views | 708 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by bunation
Assassin
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Scratchy Bear said:

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!
We have several really interesting freshmen.
We have a great recruiting staff
We're a P5 conference
We're in the Big 12
We're not TCU

All good things we can build on

Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Chanceux
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There are some unfixable problems this year. The offensive line sucks, specifically center and left guard. The wide receivers suck. Gata hands.

Hopefully the DB's get better after some kids get back. Defensive line is ok. Don't understand why they give up so much cushion. Don't understand why they advertise their blitzes. Snow better pull his head out of his keister.

Lynch has gotta get back on offense.
BearKamp
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Yogi said:

College Game Day not coming to Central Texas anytime soon.
Just happy to have the memories now. Those days are long gone.
Pale Rider
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Tackling is so awesome.

And another penalty.

Wow.
OsoVerde
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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.
We would cheer for a first down. It was bad.
Celtic Bear
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We scored first last week also and then ... here we are again
BBWCBear
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Can't wait what kind of $******* spin Smoaky will put on this Monday.
Oldbear83
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Yogi said:

LOUD CUSS WORDS!!!
The new motto of Baylor Football
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Pale Rider
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Poorly coached.
BaylorProud77
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omg, Duke got a penalty
BearKamp
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Caught a lucky break there.
Oldbear83
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OsoVerde 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.
We would cheer for a first down. It was bad.
Well, in the pregame Coach Rhule was complimenting the team for dressing nicely on the trip here.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Keeno
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Maybe Rhule was in way over his head when he came here. This team is far worse than last tear's team.
BaylorProud77
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Intercepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Celtic Bear
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Interception!!!!
Assassin
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wow - our DT just got run over by the QB
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Oldbear83
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Where did that defense come from? I thought the BOR banned good football.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
bmili34
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Second gift of the day
BearKamp
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I'll be damned. Need to switch the DB's and WR's.
Assassin
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Sweet!@@
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
Beaneater
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Ok y'all are way ahead on the broadcast. I gotta stop reading here.
Jacques Strap
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Applemac_G4 said:

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.
fire him at halftime,That would be so aggy.. Please do it.
BaylorProud77
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Oldbear83 said:

OsoVerde 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.
We would cheer for a first down. It was bad.
Well, in the pregame Coach Rhule was complimenting the team for dressing nicely on the trip here.
Well that was sweet.
Yogi
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That's HUGE w/ us having the first possessipn of the 2nd half!!!
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
BearKamp
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Wait...I thought Smith couldn't run the ball? I guess he can do both.
Pale Rider
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Had some hope for this game.

We're so done.

Duke is a good team and well coached.
3rd String Kicker
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Give Henry Black some carries
RealLarryDon
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Smith finishes the first half 6-19 for 84 yards. Just awful. Give Brewer a shot.
BearKamp
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Fisher Price makes it's TV appearance....How sad.
Jacques Strap
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Chop block bailed us out cause that QB was in, Good ending to the half. Maybe thatt'll be a boost.
Chanceux
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RealLarryDon said:

Smith finishes the first half 6-19 for 84 yards. Just awful. Give Brewer a shot.
You aint watching if you think Smith is the problem.
Quinton
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So fortunate Duke doesn't look like they're any good. This is a mess so far. Its a stretch but the game is still winnable
INB
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Halftime....my goodness, this a hell of a game.
OsoVerde
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At least we brought the basketball goal
RealLarryDon
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Chanceux said:

RealLarryDon said:

Smith finishes the first half 6-19 for 84 yards. Just awful. Give Brewer a shot.
You aint watching if you think Smith is the problem.
The O line ain't helping but Smith is just as bad.
 
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