Gameday Thread: Baylor (0-1) vs. UTSA (0-0)

BAYLOR (0-1) vs. UTSA (0-0)

McLane Stadium | 7 p.m. CT | FSN

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BEARS LOOKING FOR FIRST WIN IN 2017

Baylor's 2017 season is only an 11-game season. Well, it should be now at least after the Bears dropped the season opener to a Liberty team who is in the middle of making a transition from FCS to FBS last Saturday at McLane Stadium.

The Bears were without six potential starters to begin the game against the Flames and then lost another one right before half when running back JaMycal Hasty went down with an injury that will sideline him for multiple weeks. Mo Porter did return to lineup to offset the number situation, but another returning contributor going down was not welcomed news.

With the return of four defensive backs to the rotation, Baylor hopes to end their struggles against the pass, move forward from the worst loss in the Big 12 so far this season, and get a victory over a solid UTSA team that presents many challenges of their own even for a fully healthy Power 5 program.

The Bears enter the game was more than two-touchdown favorites over the Roadrunners.

SIDENOTE STORYLINE

Baylor gets boost of depth in secondary

CB, Timarcus Davis (Freshman) - The true freshman is expected to contribute on special teams and in passing situations on defense as a third cornerback according to head coach Matt Rhule.

CB, Jameson Houston (Sophomore) - Houston was the starter throughout the spring and fall camp, but a head injury in practice the week prior to the season opener kept him out last week.

S, Davion Hall (Senior) - Hall could become a big part of the puzzle for Baylor's secondary, but he has had very limited time in action in the new scheme under Phil Snow.

S, Rajah Preciado (Sophomore) - If nothing more, Preciado will provide critical depth for the Bears who lacked it last week against Liberty. If more, Preciado could prove to be more reliable than other options.

MATT RHULE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

On expectations heading into the game after loss to Liberty...

"I expect to win every game I play, but at least now we know where we are. So, as we go out to play UTSA, I don’t want to play them on coverages and if we’re not good enough, we’re not good enough, but we can’t beat ourselves. We can’t have to call timeout because we have 12 guys on the field for a field goal. That’s coaching, and that’s going to get corrected. We gotta get the players to buy in to the things they can change, and then eventually, the lights will go on for everybody on defense. Offensively, we were explosive, but we weren’t efficient enough for me. But we were explosive. One guy, instead of running a slant and crossing a guy’s face, he quits on the play and they pick it off and run it back for a touchdown. I’m not calling the kid out, but I tell you to go across his face. And I think some of those kids are saying “okay coach I see why I have to do that.” Anu took some heat on some plays, but we had guys running the wrong routes on third down, thinking “I need to get to the sticks” instead of just running the route. So Anu is trying to adjust when they’re not where they’re supposed to be. So, all that panic that set in during the game, we just need to calm down and go play. They know how to play, so I think you’ll see a much better football team this week.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SicEm365 S, Davion Hall The former WR was moved to defense last fall and has stayed on the defensive side of the ball under the new staff. He spent time with the first-team defense this week in practice and is expected to return from injury. In 2016, Hall collected 52 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one interception in 10 games.

Jim Black RB, John Lovett The true freshman was asked to carry the weight in week one after JaMycal Hasty went out with injury. The New Jersey native carried the ball 14 times for 89 yards and two TDs, including a score from 34 yards. He is one of three true freshmen expected to receive carries against UTSA.

Jim Black TE, Ish Wainright Another injury, another new starter. A former basketball player for Baylor, Wainright will receive his first-career start with the absence of senior TE Jordan Feuerbacher who will miss time with a hand injury. The TEs weren't utilized in the passing game last week, but that could change against UTSA.

Jim Black OL, Mo Porter returned from suspension in the second half against Liberty and showed why the staff has held him in high regard throughout the spring and fall. The challenege will increase greatly with a solid defensive unit from UTSA. If Porter plays well, Baylor's chances for victory improve greatly.