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Baylor Football

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

September 16, 2017
157,570

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)

112,119 Views | 708 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by bunation
BearKamp
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Oldbear83 said:

BearKamp said:

merckywaters said:

how bad will Land Thieves game be?
You ever seen the movie Deliverance?
Yeah, we get to be Ned Beatty's character.
Exactly.
Yogi
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Ballgame.

Well don't want this celebration beer to go to waste...
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Pale Rider
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The lack of coaching on this team is abysmal.

This is sickening.
BillDauterive
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Oldbear83
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One reason Duke is getting extra yards, is the defenders keep hoping they can strip the ball.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
RealLarryDon
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Good god. Get Smith out of the game. A bad offensive line combined with his complete lack of sense that defenders are around him spells trouble.
BearInBigD
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Oldbear83 said:

BearInBigD said:

Oldbear83 said:

Keeno said:

We will not win a game this year.
I knew that after we lost at home to Liberty
OldBear, what's the consensus on the premium game thread? Lots of sunshine pumping or do they have a modicum of reality about what we're seeing?
Most have a wait & see attitude, they correctly noted last week that the defense had improved a lot, and we're seeing proof of it this week against Duke. So far not much to say on offense, I think due to lack of experience. There has not been a lot of success to point to, for signs of development.
Thanks.
Grizz Air
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We are so bad
MilliVanilli
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Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

STAFF - You boys get off your butts and put and end to this milli guy. I'm dadgum sick of it and everyone else is too.
They're literate, and well aware of how triggered you are, not to worry.

They think you're as ridiculous as all non CAB apologists do.
Quit !@#$ing up game threads you gotdanged moron!

Trust me. You're a goner.
Hugs n kisses, I just wish there was any actual value to the real estate in your head.
bear2011
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Oldbear83 said:

BearInBigD said:

Oldbear83 said:

Keeno said:

We will not win a game this year.
I knew that after we lost at home to Liberty
OldBear, what's the consensus on the premium game thread? Lots of sunshine pumping or do they have a modicum of reality about what we're seeing?
Most have a wait & see attitude, they correctly noted last week that the defense had improved a lot, and we're seeing proof of it this week against Duke. So far not much to say on offense, I think due to lack of experience. There has not been a lot of success to point to, for signs of development.
Do they take special drugs to help them feel that way?
Oldbear83
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RealLarryDon said:

Good god. Get Smith out of the game. A bad offensive line combined with his complete lack of sense that defenders are around him spells trouble.
Not sure any change would help at this point.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Doc Holliday
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Been telling you guys Zach is overrated all offseason.

3 interceptions!! Fumble. Slow and bad decision making.
BBWCBear
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Can Jersey Boy forfeit the next six weeks, including the open date, BU will get humiliated even then. I just can't see any thing positive about this staff.
Chanceux
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MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

STAFF - You boys get off your butts and put and end to this milli guy. I'm dadgum sick of it and everyone else is too.
They're literate, and well aware of how triggered you are, not to worry.

They think you're as ridiculous as all non CAB apologists do.
Quit !@#$ing up game threads you gotdanged moron!

Trust me. You're a goner.
Hugs n kisses, I just wish there was any actual value to the real estate in your head.
IS THERE STAFF AROUND?

DO YOU GUYS DO A DADGUM THING WITH TROLLS?
Pale Rider
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No offensive line. Freshman rbs. No imagination play calling.
Feel The Floyd
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Defense played 80 snaps so far?
Malbec
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BearInBigD said:

Oldbear83 said:

Keeno said:

We will not win a game this year.
I knew that after we lost at home to Liberty
OldBear, what's the consensus on the premium game thread? Lots of sunshine pumping or do they have a modicum of reality about what we're seeing?
It's mostly rainbows and unicorns, with a spoonful of rationalizing, a pinch of excuses and the occasional shark attack on anybody who dares to speak a dose of reality.
Michibear
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Applemac_G4 said:

merckywaters said:

how bad will Land Thieves game be?
Well, whatever else happens I can guarantee they won't actually steal the stadium.
Just your seats.
BearKamp
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When is the last time we started 0-3? OU is pissing themselves with how many points they will put up next week. Rhule is about to witness Big 12 play...and I imagine he beats out Fat Pat on who needs a towel girl more. We just went thru the easiest part of our schedule and are about to remember we are in a Power 5 conference....for now.
MilliVanilli
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Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

STAFF - You boys get off your butts and put and end to this milli guy. I'm dadgum sick of it and everyone else is too.
They're literate, and well aware of how triggered you are, not to worry.

They think you're as ridiculous as all non CAB apologists do.
Quit !@#$ing up game threads you gotdanged moron!

Trust me. You're a goner.
Hugs n kisses, I just wish there was any actual value to the real estate in your head.
IS THERE STAFF AROUND?

DO YOU GUYS DO A DADGUM THING WITH TROLLS?
Like I said, they're literate, they see what you are.
Yogi
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Have mercy on us, Lincoln Riley!!!!
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Oldbear83
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Down by 14 with 4:57 to go. Two seasons ago I'd have liked our chances.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
MilliVanilli
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Pale Rider said:

No offensive line. Freshman rbs. No imagination play calling.
Yep, all factors. Hopefully getting rbs back is a boost for an upset or two this year.
Pale Rider
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D still playing hard. As possible.
Boatshoes
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34-20, 4;57 to go.
BillDauterive
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BearInBigD
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Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

STAFF - You boys get off your butts and put and end to this milli guy. I'm dadgum sick of it and everyone else is too.
They're literate, and well aware of how triggered you are, not to worry.

They think you're as ridiculous as all non CAB apologists do.
Quit !@#$ing up game threads you gotdanged moron!

Trust me. You're a goner.
Hugs n kisses, I just wish there was any actual value to the real estate in your head.
IS THERE STAFF AROUND?

DO YOU GUYS DO A DADGUM THING WITH TROLLS?
I think we're on the wrong side of the tracks. Not much moderation for the trailer trash over here.
Doc Holliday
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BearKamp said:

When is the last time we started 0-3? OU is pissing themselves with how many points they will put up next week. Rhule is about to witness Big 12 play...and I imagine he beats out Fat Pat on who needs a towel girl more. We just went thru the easiest part of our schedule and are about to remember we are in a Power 5 conference....for now.


If conferences change, TCU will go way before we do. It's not about how good you are at football, it's how much money you bring in.

Baylor is more than twice the size of TCU with more than twice as many living alumni.
Michibear
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Well, it's not over yet. Remember when we came back in the 4th quarter against TCU?

{takes another drink of favorite beverage.}
Yogi
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More points than people in the stands...
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
chukronos
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2 tds. 5 minutes. Let's do this!
Pale Rider
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BearKamp said:

When is the last time we started 0-3? OU is pissing themselves with how many points they will put up next week. Rhule is about to witness Big 12 play...and I imagine he beats out Fat Pat on who needs a towel girl more. We just went thru the easiest part of our schedule and are about to remember we are in a Power 5 conference....for now.
1999
EvilTroyAndAbed
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Milli is loving this. The program is in shambles. What a joke we are.
Chanceux
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MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

MilliVanilli said:

Chanceux said:

STAFF - You boys get off your butts and put and end to this milli guy. I'm dadgum sick of it and everyone else is too.
They're literate, and well aware of how triggered you are, not to worry.

They think you're as ridiculous as all non CAB apologists do.
Quit !@#$ing up game threads you gotdanged moron!

Trust me. You're a goner.
Hugs n kisses, I just wish there was any actual value to the real estate in your head.
IS THERE STAFF AROUND?

DO YOU GUYS DO A DADGUM THING WITH TROLLS?
Like I said, they're literate, they see what you are.
If they're literate they can see you are a lunatic and a troll.
Wikstr9
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Any guesses when we score our first points in Big 12 play? Can't see us sniffing the 50 vs OU.
 
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