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Baylor Football

Questions of the Week: Identity Crisis, Bowl Aspirations in the Balance, Robertson QB1

September 30, 2024
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Baylor (2-3, 0-2) will hit the road to face No. 16 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Jack Trice Stadium. Here are some of the top questions heading into the contest.


Are Slow Starts an Identity of Dave Aranda Teams?

Slow starts have been a recurring theme for much of the Dave Aranda era, and the loss on Saturday was no exception. Before you could blink, No. 22 BYU marched into McLane Stadium and held a 21-0 lead with just under four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Entering the contest, something had to give. The Cougars had lost 10 straight day games against FBS opponents, and Baylor had lost seven consecutive home conference games. In his weekly press conference, Aranda mentioned the excitement of playing an 11 a.m. kickoff against BYU.

“It'll be awesome," he said. "All of us are up way early, and to get up and just play football is something that I think we're getting accustomed to, and I think we get the most energy when it's that way.”

The game itself was a huge opportunity for Baylor to make a statement and beat a ranked team at McLane for the first time since 2021. Instead, Aranda’s Bears came out flat, and their late comeback bid ultimately fell short. The hole they dug themselves early proved too insurmountable, an all too familiar theme in recent years.

Since Baylor’s loss to No. 19 Kansas State in November of 2022, the Bears have been outscored in the first half at home, 192-89. Since the start of the 2022 season, both at home and on the road, they’ve been outscored by FBS teams 440-332 in the first half. That’s an alarming trend that has continued to rear its ugly head time and time again.


Can the Bears Make a Bowl Game after Loss to No. 22 BYU?

For Baylor to make a bowl game in Aranda’s fifth year at the helm, splitting the Colorado and BYU games was critical. Now, coming off back-to-back losses, the Bears’ bowl hopes are dwindling going into the back half of the schedule.

This weekend, Baylor will head to Ames as two-touchdown underdogs for a prime-time matchup on FOX against the undefeated No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones (4-0, 1-0). After a bye week to recoup, the Bears will take on Texas Tech (4-0, 2-0) in Lubbock, Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2), TCU (3-2, 1-1) West Virginia (2-2, 1-0) in Morgantown, Houston (1-4, 0-2) and Kansas (1-4, 0-2).

The path to six wins is technically still there, but the Bears will be forced to win a handful of coin-flip games. Going 3-4 across the final seven games feels much more likely than 4-3 with Baylor’s proverbial backs to the wall. Regardless, bowl aspirations will be interesting to monitor in the coming weeks and will likely determine Aranda’s job status in late November.


Can Sawyer Robertson Carry Baylor’s Offense Every Week?

Sawyer Robertson (RJr.) put any doubts to rest this weekend about whether he should be Baylor’s starting quarterback, even when Dequan Finn (6Sr.) returns from injury. Robertson threw for 324 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 27-of-48 passing; he also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts.

Robertson has developed a rapport with wide receivers Josh Cameron (RJr.) and Hal Presley (Sr.) in his three starts as QB1 this season. Against the Cougars, Cameron hauled in two touchdowns and totaled a career-high 125 receiving yards on seven receptions. Presley caught a career-high eight passes for 82 yards.

However, with virtually no run game and porous offensive line play, Robertson and the wide receivers are being asked to carry the Bears' offense on every drive. Whether that’s sustainable week in and week out remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, though: Robertson has the best combination of passing-running abilities the Bears have had at the quarterback position in recent memory and will be a must-keep this offseason, depending on what happens with the coaching staff.

Discussion from...

Questions of the Week: Identity Crisis, Bowl Aspirations in the Balance, Robertson QB1

2,554 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 7 days ago by Guitarbiscuit
Oso Pardo
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324 yards and 2 TD's is great but 27 of 48 isn't a good stat. I won't hold one of the interceptions again him because it was batted at the line and just happened to fall into the hands of the defense. But the second one was a bad decision/off target throw that's squarely on him. He's still off target on down field passes that could/should be going for 6 when our receivers get separation, especially our burners who have the ability to make magic in space. The receivers making some incredible catches have bailed him out a lot. I know he's the best option we have and I'm thankful that he's here to bridge the gap but let's not act like he's irreplaceable. He's an average P4 QB just like our other recent QB's have been. I hope he will continue to grow into something more but only time will tell.
chorne68
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Oso Pardo said:

324 yards and 2 TD's is great but 27 of 48 isn't a good stat. I won't hold one of the interceptions again him because it was batted at the line and just happened to fall into the hands of the defense. But the second one was a bad decision/off target throw that's squarely on him. He's still off target on down field passes that could/should be going for 6 when our receivers get separation, especially our burners who have the ability to make magic in space. The receivers making some incredible catches have bailed him out a lot. I know he's the best option we have and I'm thankful that he's here to bridge the gap but let's not act like he's irreplaceable. He's an average P4 QB just like our other recent QB's have been. I hope he will continue to grow into something more but only time will tell.
You do not give him the credit he deserves. The line is not good at giving him time. I give him more credit.
Killing Floor
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Our identity is a bunch of very respectful young men enjoying daily exercise. And always a handful of agro football players who are mysteriously absent on game days.

It's weird we have running backs who can make plays for us that we keep on roster just for grins.

It's confounding that the transfer portal doesn't have linemen.

It's even more confounding the portal doesn't have place kickers.

Robertson is better than Finn. If that's really your bar I cannot add much to that.

Unfortunately our identity is pretty much set as long as Aranda is in charge. Our identity is 4 win optimistic ceiling.
Let’s Go!
ImABearToo
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"And always a handful of agro football players who are mysteriously absent on game days." Inquiring minds want to know….more!
Killing Floor
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Off field issues? Or just as likely, Dave has a long habit of icing out a top player to make a point that he never gets round to making.
Let’s Go!
BEAR 45
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Oso Pardo said:

324 yards and 2 TD's is great but 27 of 48 isn't a good stat. I won't hold one of the interceptions again him because it was batted at the line and just happened to fall into the hands of the defense. But the second one was a bad decision/off target throw that's squarely on him. He's still off target on down field passes that could/should be going for 6 when our receivers get separation, especially our burners who have the ability to make magic in space. The receivers making some incredible catches have bailed him out a lot. I know he's the best option we have and I'm thankful that he's here to bridge the gap but let's not act like he's irreplaceable. He's an average P4 QB just like our other recent QB's have been. I hope he will continue to grow into something more but only time will tell.
It actually may not be that bad of a stat. Fans here seem to equate size speed and hands as the only criteria for a great receiver. Necessary tools for sure, but what makes a great receiver is their ability to GET SEPARATION and unfortunately this receiver core is average at that quality, at best. Good reason why some of their catches are referred to as bailing out the QB. Lots of throw away balls when no one is open as well. Line that could be confused for a fantastic group of matadors, if this show was in Spain. Sawyers last interception , I would argue , is from lack of experience. He had a minute thirty some seconds left and felt the time slipping away, so he forced a throw that was not open. With experience, he would throw that ball away. He is the only real bright spot I see !












JP1037
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Oso Pardo said:

324 yards and 2 TD's is great but 27 of 48 isn't a good stat. I won't hold one of the interceptions again him because it was batted at the line and just happened to fall into the hands of the defense. But the second one was a bad decision/off target throw that's squarely on him. He's still off target on down field passes that could/should be going for 6 when our receivers get separation, especially our burners who have the ability to make magic in space. The receivers making some incredible catches have bailed him out a lot. I know he's the best option we have and I'm thankful that he's here to bridge the gap but let's not act like he's irreplaceable. He's an average P4 QB just like our other recent QB's have been. I hope he will continue to grow into something more but only time will tell.
He is definitely above average. He will make good decisions and be accurate more times than not but he will not carry an otherwise below average team. Next year he could be really good... he is yet to play a full year of college football.
JP1037
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Killing Floor said:

Our identity is a bunch of very respectful young men enjoying daily exercise. And always a handful of agro football players who are mysteriously absent on game days.

It's weird we have running backs who can make plays for us that we keep on roster just for grins.

It's confounding that the transfer portal doesn't have linemen.

It's even more confounding the portal doesn't have place kickers.

Robertson is better than Finn. If that's really your bar I cannot add much to that.

Unfortunately our identity is pretty much set as long as Aranda is in charge. Our identity is 4 win optimistic ceiling.
Don't understand the shot at the kicker. He missed a 50 yarder but that happens even in the NFL. Plus we will have that fixed next year.
Daveisabovereproach
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Killing Floor said:

Our identity is a bunch of very respectful young men enjoying daily exercise. And always a handful of agro football players who are mysteriously absent on game days.

It's weird we have running backs who can make plays for us that we keep on roster just for grins.

It's confounding that the transfer portal doesn't have linemen.

It's even more confounding the portal doesn't have place kickers.

Robertson is better than Finn. If that's really your bar I cannot add much to that.

Unfortunately our identity is pretty much set as long as Aranda is in charge. Our identity is 4 win optimistic ceiling.


"We bench good players"
bear2be2
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Oso Pardo said:

324 yards and 2 TD's is great but 27 of 48 isn't a good stat. I won't hold one of the interceptions again him because it was batted at the line and just happened to fall into the hands of the defense. But the second one was a bad decision/off target throw that's squarely on him. He's still off target on down field passes that could/should be going for 6 when our receivers get separation, especially our burners who have the ability to make magic in space. The receivers making some incredible catches have bailed him out a lot. I know he's the best option we have and I'm thankful that he's here to bridge the gap but let's not act like he's irreplaceable. He's an average P4 QB just like our other recent QB's have been. I hope he will continue to grow into something more but only time will tell.
Daveisabovereproach
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Why is bowl eligibility a big accomplishment in year five? Especially in this conference?
Oso Pardo
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Just a difference of opinion I guess. He completed 75% of his passes against AF which is above average, but it was against a secondary that was Swiss cheese. Against CU he completed 52% and last week against BYU he completed 56%. Very average stat. I've watched every game and have seen him miss wide open guys too many times to call him anything but average. He's not an RG III or Nick Flo or Petty or Russell who can put the team on his back and force a win. We haven't had one of those QB's in a long time. Brewer done it a couple of times until we let him get his brains beat out and his decision making started suffering. Shapen tried but he just wasn't that guy and unfortunately so far Sawyer isn't either. Like I said, maybe he will develop into that guy but right now he's just an average P4 QB. I will agree that he's head and shoulders better than Finn which is why I said I'm glad he's here, I just think it's unfair to expect him to carry this team. He's not that guy yet.

Our receiving corps isn't great either but we have a couple of guys who are seemingly getting good separation more consistently with each game. We need to be able to drop the ball to them in stride and capitalize on those opportunities.

Oso Pardo
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Daveisabovereproach said:

Why is bowl eligibility a big accomplishment in year five? Especially in this conference?


Exactly
Daveisabovereproach
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Oso Pardo said:

Just a difference of opinion I guess. He completed 75% of his passes against AF which is above average, but it was against a secondary that was Swiss cheese. Against CU he completed 52% and last week against BYU he completed 56%. Very average stat. I've watched every game and have seen him miss wide open guys too many times to call him anything but average. He's not an RG III or Nick Flo or Petty or Russell who can put the team on his back and force a win. We haven't had one of those QB's in a long time. Brewer done it a couple of times until we let him get his brains beat out and his decision making started suffering. Shapen tried but he just wasn't that guy and unfortunately so far Sawyer isn't either. Like I said, maybe he will develop into that guy but right now he's just an average P4 QB. I will agree that he's head and shoulders better than Finn which is why I said I'm glad he's here, I just think it's unfair to expect him to carry this team. He's not that guy yet.

Our receiving corps isn't great either but we have a couple of guys who are seemingly getting good separation more consistently with each game. We need to be able to drop the ball to them in stride and capitalize on those opportunities.




I wouldn't put him at the RGIII or Petty level quite yet, but I think he's as talented as Florence or Russell. All of those guys you mentioned were given the keys to a Corvette thanks to Briles. Dave gave Robertson the keys to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang without the ability to fly, float, or move more than about 20 mph
Guitarbiscuit
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I hear what you're saying but occasional accuracy issues aside, he is a solid qb and I think we're lucky to have him.
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