Player’s Club: Starting Fast and Setting The Tone
Linebacker Matt Jones (6Sr.), quarterback Dequan Finn (6Sr.) and defensive lineman Treven Ma’ae (RSr.) met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the season opener, the importance of starting fast and how Baylor must set the tone against Tarleton.
Linebacker Matt Jones, who’s gearing up for his sixth and final season in Waco, can’t contain his excitement about returning to McLane Stadium on Saturday, even mentioning that he still gets pre-game jitters all these years later.
“I can't wait to finally hit someone else and hit another opponent,” Jones said with a smile.” I can't wait for the atmosphere of the stadium, going to the hotel [on Friday] leading up to the game, just the whole process – I’m ready for it.”
Quarterback Dequan Finn, who transferred from Toledo this offseason, is also excited about putting on a show for the fans and getting the opportunity to play in front of bigger crowds on Saturdays throughout the fall.
“Obviously, it’ll be different playing in McLane Stadium, but I’m looking forward to it,” Finn noted. “I’m excited for week one. I can’t wait to see all of the fans out there roaring and cheering us on.”
For Baylor to put 2023 in the rearview mirror, a solid showing in week one against Tarleton can put things on the right track and get momentum back flowing in a positive direction for the rest of the season.
“[Playing well in the first game] is huge, especially coming off of last year where it didn't start right, and it didn't end right,” defensive lineman Treven Ma’ae said. “A game's a game, and it doesn't matter about the opponent, but for us, it’s an opportunity to fly around, be fast and play [the] right [way].”
It’s also critically important for the Bears to get off to a fast start and set the tone early to avoid a repeat of last season’s home opener, where they were handily upset by Texas State, 42-31.
“You can't go out there and start slow,” Jones said. “You can't go out there and give them hope. We’ve got to go out there and put our foot on their throat from the beginning and not give them any hope, any chance.”
Finn added to that, saying, “It's very important to start off strong. We want to come out and make a statement. … [We need to] create our own energy, have that edge to us, be aggressive and be violent.”
Jones takes it upon himself to provide that leadership and edge on the defense because he was embarrassed about how last season went and has no plans to experience that again.
“I want to go out there and set the tone from the beginning,” he said. “Like that clip of Kobe Bryant in the Olympics, whenever he ran through Pau [Gasol’s] face and set the tone. That was his best friend, but he set the tone for his team and set the tone for the other team and let them know, ‘Hey, we're here, and we're here to send y'all home with an L.’”
On offense, leadership starts with the quarterback, and Finn, who is entering his first year at Baylor, spent the summer traveling from his home in Detroit, Michigan, to the Lone Star State to work out with the Bears’ wide receivers.
“[Texas] is a new area [to me], and I needed to get the timing and the connection with my receivers,” he said. “I'm willing to do anything to build that relationship. Hal [Presley] and I were working in the offseason, and it is really starting to pay dividends. I can't wait to see it going forward during the season.”
While the offensive line remains a question mark, head coach Dave Aranda noted on Monday during his weekly press conference that they’ve been the most improved group throughout fall camp.
Finn agreed, saying the O-line is “looking good – real good.” The starting signal caller added, “[There’s been] steady improvements each day and each meeting. They'll come to me asking questions, and I'll go to them asking questions to clarify some things. But overall, I'll say the O-line is doing just fine. There’s nothing to worry about with them.”
Ma’ae sided with Aranda and Finn, noting that left tackle Alvin Ebosele (RSo.) and left guard Ryan Lengyel (RJr.) have been particularly impressive leading up to the season opener.
“Those boys bring it every day and make me better,” Ma’ae said. “The O-line communicates really well. They work well together. It seems like they’re on a tight string with doubles and blocks, so that’s been good to see, and iron sharpens iron.”
Baylor will kick off its season against Tarleton at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at McLane Stadium. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.