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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)

112,086 Views | 708 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by bunation
BillDauterive
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Covered the spread!!!


Chanceux
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BillDauterive said:

Covered the spread!!!



No they aint.

Spread was dead on.
BillDauterive
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Chanceux said:

BillDauterive said:

Covered the spread!!!



No they aint.

Spread was dead on.
Ended -15
Yogi
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BaylorProud77 said:

Yogi said:

Have mercy on us, Lincoln Riley!!!!
lol, OU will show none. They are ready to roll and Boomer Sooner will be played constantly!I I'm going to the mall with the other lady bears.
Not to mention that Riley is friends with CAB.

Baylor's chickens have come home to roost...
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Boatshoes
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Ball game. 34-20.

Enjoy our 0-6 start.
BaylorProud77
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MilliVanilli said:

BaylorProud77 said:

Yogi said:

Have mercy on us, Lincoln Riley!!!!
lol, OU will show none. They are ready to roll and Boomer Sooner will be played constantly!I I'm going to the mall with the other lady bears.
Would be nice to humble Mayfield, but alas this team likely will inflate his ego and stats when all is said and done.
Sorry to say but yes. I can't stand OU so I just can't watch the humiliation. However, I always ask what is the score and I hope.
Yeek
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Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,


I feel the same way. My dad who loves Baylor football so much just turned 90 a few weeks ago and I know seeing this team like this absolutely is disheartening. The last years of his life brings back Baylor football's dark days again. No more BCS bowl road trips, no more conference championship celebrations, and no more national title aspirations. I will never forgive Baylor and our BOR for this.
BillDauterive
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Applemac_G4 said:



Ball game. 34-20.

Enjoy our 0-12 start.
FIFY
BearKamp
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Applemac_G4 said:



Ball game. 34-20.

Enjoy our 0-6 start.
and 0-12 Finish!
MilliVanilli
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RealLarryDon said:

Meanwhile, Chad Morris, with significantly less talent than us, is leading TCU 13-7. Man, we whiffed when we didn't hire him.
I wonder if anyone said that when Guy Morriss beat #16 Aggy with significantly less talent.
903Bear
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Chanceux said:

BillDauterive said:

Covered the spread!!!



No they aint.

Spread was dead on.
Yep, ironic, isn't it? We will beat one team that we're predicted to lose to (which could be any of our future opponents) and someone will make a lot of money in Vegas. Until the offensive play caller changes, we won't win any games
Beaneater
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Pale Rider said:

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
Well then let's party like its 1999!!
Chanceux
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BillDauterive said:

Chanceux said:

BillDauterive said:

Covered the spread!!!



No they aint.

Spread was dead on.
Ended -15
I'm actually seeing -11 and -12 some places. You might be right though.
Yogi
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RealLarryDon said:

Meanwhile, Chad Morris, with significantly less talent than us, is leading TCU 13-7. Man, we whiffed when we didn't hire him.
Nah. Morris is going to be living in College Station in a few weeks.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
Assassin
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Pale Rider said:

Lin said:

I'm having a flashback to 1968.
And 1969, 70, and 71.
Bill Bealls first year, we scored 9 TDs. Total

We followed that with 16 TDs the next year. Total

Then we had a bit of a downturn and we dropped back to 9 TDs in Bealls final year. Total
Facebook Groups at 'Memories of... Dallas, Texas, Football in Texas, Texas Music, and our newest Memories From a Texas Window' Come visit!
MilliVanilli
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EvilTroyAndAbed said:

MilliVanilli said:

BEAR RAMMAGE said:

Piss poor run by Zach with the trip over our own guy.

Get this kid out of here.
I thought this board said he was a savior of the season 24 hours ago?


See, you are loving this. Such a troll.
I'm amused by your manic grasping at straws.
Chanceux
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903Bear said:

Chanceux said:

BillDauterive said:

Covered the spread!!!



No they aint.

Spread was dead on.
Yep, ironic, isn't it? We will beat one team that we're predicted to lose to (which could be any of our future opponents) and someone will make a lot of money in Vegas. Until the offensive play caller changes, we won't win any games
Texas at home. You can go ahead and book that as a random win.
Oldbear83
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Applemac_G4 said:



Ball game. 34-20.

Enjoy our 0-36 start.
Adjusted, based on apparent coaching level available to Baylor.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
Yogi
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Yeek said:

Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,


I feel the same way. My dad who loves Baylor football so much just turned 90 a few weeks ago and I know seeing this team like this absolutely is disheartening. The last years of his life brings back Baylor football's dark days again. No more BCS bowl road trips, no more conference championship celebrations, and no more national title aspirations. I will never forgive Baylor and our BOR for this.
Damn. To know you've seen Baylor in a bowl game for the last time in your lifetime.

Good thing there is YouTube...
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
BBWCBear
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Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,


You take maybe four of Briles' years and a couple of Teaffs' years and short of that, Baylor has sucked since '54. Somehow one would think a sane person would get the message.

Briles gave me something I thought I would never see in my lifetime, discussion and ranking that could put us in a MNC playoff. I guess that is the pinnacle of my wishes because with this Staff BU is headed for some crappy third tier conference.
Chanceux
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BBWCBear said:

Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,


You take maybe four of Briles' years and a couple of Teaffs' years and short of that, Baylor has sucked since '54.
Sigh. This is some cold hard truth. Baylor just half @$$-es it a lot in a lot of ways. Has for a long time.

Rev. Dr. Elmer Gantry
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2 cents worth:
1. Product on the field is pathetic on both sides of the ball. A cross between the the products of Bill Beall & Kevin Steele.
2. Ruhle & staff are vastly overpaid by several million.
3. Gross mismanagement of university funds by the BOR and the AD, who is also overpaid.
Solution is change at the top in BOR.
This team is looking at 0-12. KU is the only wild card.
bearlyafarmer
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Yogi said:

BaylorProud77 said:

Yogi said:

Have mercy on us, Lincoln Riley!!!!
lol, OU will show none. They are ready to roll and Boomer Sooner will be played constantly!I I'm going to the mall with the other lady bears.
Not to mention that Riley is friends with CAB.

Baylor's chickens have come home to roost...
C'mon, man. That's no way to talk about the illustrious BoR.
Life is more about asking the right questions than giving the right answers.
Oldbear83
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bearlyafarmer said:



C'mon, man. That's no way to talk about the illustrious BoR.
"Illustrious"? I imagine some the wealthier BOR members have money to make sure they have, say, "lustrous" hair, but calling the BOR "illustrious" is like saying Rhule is "qualified" as a Big 12 head coach.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
txkypreacherskid
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We desperately need a new offensive coordinator!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We should have lost that game by 5 TD's Our defense played lights out about 98% of the time. Number 12 on defense, Davion Hall, who is a Senior and usually a good player, gave up 2 TDs. I don't know if he was sick today or what. Our defense played too well today to lose. Johnston is an absolute stud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


bearlyafarmer
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Oldbear83 said:

bearlyafarmer said:



C'mon, man. That's no way to talk about the illustrious BoR.
"Illustrious"? I imagine some the wealthier BOR members have money to make sure they have, say, "lustrous" hair, but calling the BOR "illustrious" is like saying Rhule is "qualified" as a Big 12 head coach.

Your Yellow Pages may have a "Sarcasm Meter - Repair" section.
Life is more about asking the right questions than giving the right answers.
Quinton
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Yeek said:

Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,
I will never forgive Baylor and our BOR for this.
And rightfully so. You shouldn't.
merckywaters
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BBWCBear said:

Pale Rider said:

I never thought i would ever see Baylor football like this again, ever,


You take maybe four of Briles' years and a couple of Teaffs' years and short of that, Baylor has sucked since '54. Somehow one would think a sane person would get the message.

Briles gave me something I thought I would never see in my lifetime, discussion and ranking that could put us in a MNC playoff. I guess that is the pinnacle of my wishes
basically my sentiment
#FreeCinque
SteelCurtain
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Rev. Dr. Elmer Gantry said:

2 cents worth:
1. Product on the field is pathetic on both sides of the ball. A cross between the the products of Bill Beall & Kevin Steele.
2. Ruhle & staff are vastly overpaid by several million.
3. Gross mismanagement of university funds by the BOR and the AD, who is also overpaid.
Solution is change at the top in BOR.
This team is looking at 0-12. KU is the only wild card.


Nailed it right here!
Boatshoes
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Quote:

I wonder if anyone said that when Guy Morriss beat #16 Aggy with significantly less talent.

I'm just going to set this here for a minute till I get back, can someone watch it for me?


MilliVanilli
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Guy Morriss actually beat #16 aggy, some of you here were pining for Chad Morris because he led Tcu 13-7 for a moment before getting trounced by 30 points, it was a pretty easy way to mock you lot.
Lin
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Briles killed the program, remember? Do I need to explain to you how?
Oldbear83
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Lin said:

Briles killed the program, remember? Do I need to explain to you how?
You choose to blame Briles. Others with reasons just as solid consider Briles a scapegoat who should still be here.

The only salient point on which we can and should agree, is that Briles is gone and won't be back.
That which does not kill me, will try again and get nastier
bearlyafarmer
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Lin said:

Briles killed the program, remember? Do I need to explain to you how?
You're certainly welcome to present your hard evidence. In fact, you can still be the first ever to do so!
Life is more about asking the right questions than giving the right answers.
Pale Rider
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Oldbear83 said:

Lin said:

Briles killed the program, remember? Do I need to explain to you how?
You choose to blame Briles. Others with reasons just as solid consider Briles a scapegoat who should still be here.

The only salient point on which we can and should agree, is that Briles is gone and won't be back.
Correct OldBear, on both counts.
 
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