Bears Better Be 'Ready For Conference Play'

After Baylor's perfect and expected run through non-conference play to start the 2016 season, the Bears will face their first true test of the season next Saturday as Big 12 rival Oklahoma State makes their way to Waco for a national broadcasted game on FOX. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

But what do we really know about Baylor after their 3-0 start with victories over Northwestern State, SMU and Rice? Not a lot outside of the belief that there is room for great improvement in multiple areas.

Offensively the Bears are averaging 44.3 points, 275.3 passing yards and 282.0 rushing. On the defensive side of the ball the Bears are giving up only 10.0 points per game, 97.0 passing yards, and 152.3 rushing.

Here are some thoughts on what has gone right for the Bears, gone wrong for the Bears, and where improvement is expected for the team.

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The Good

Baylor is undefeated and coming home to play their first conference game. During the first three games Baylor has given young players game experience at every position, including several walk-ons which helped rest the limited depth.

Injuries have been limited to sprains and usual pains of the game and not season ending.

Offensively, Baylor has found an explosive back in JaMycal Hasty to compliment the shifty Shock Linwood and powerful Terence Williams.

Tight end Jordan Feuerbacher is establishing himself as a weapon beyond his blocking expertise and backup Sam Tecklenburg is showing more than adequate in sealing an edge.

Wide receivers Blake Lynch, Pooh Stricklin, and Chris Platt have shown flashes of their ability to be game changers. Patrick Lawrence and Blake Blackmar look to be foundations to build upon until their senior seasons in 2018.

The defensive line has shown the ability to keep offensive linemen off the linebacking crew. Ira Lewis, Jamie Jacobs, Greg Roberts, Xavier Jones, Brandon Roy, and K.J. Smith form a solid rotation and have remained fresh.

Taylor Young, Aiavion Edwards, and Raaquan Davis have held up well in the new scheme and attack the backfield.

Davion Hall is an NFL player in the making at safety. Orion Stewart has returned to 2014 form and is leading the less experienced secondary.

The Concerns

Whether it be limited playbook or execution, Baylor's offense has looked lethargic at times. It may be the team is going through the motions against teams presenting little challenge and the team knows it.

The offensive line hasn't opened consistent holes for  the running game against lesser teams and while this is concerning it should improve. Dropped passes and ball protection are another concern as wide receivers have fumbled several balls and scoring chances which will cost the team in conference play.

Despite solid numbers, tackling has also been an issue on defense with players attempting to go for a kill shot instead of wrapping up. SMU and Rice running backs were able to break off runs after being hit in the backfield, then breaking the initial tackle as pursuit appeared to stop.

Conference running backs will see this on tape and continue churning for extra yardage as a team effort will be needed on Perine, Mixon and more.

Expecting Improvement

As the offensive line gels, the improvement in run blocking will show against better opponents. Play calling will go from vanilla to open which will allow playmakers to make the highlights Baylor fans are accustomed to the past eight years.

The ball security and pass catching issues of the young wide receivers will be dialed in as the intensity level rises on the field. The return of Pooh Stricklin and Ishmael Zamora should also give Seth Russell two more talented targets to connect with.

Due to limited contact in practices from depth issues, tackling should improve with gameday now part of the routine of the season. Tackling is a technique and practice is needed, but Baylor can't run the risk of injury.

Ryan Reid coming back from his ankle sprain will also improve a solid secondary on the field.

All in all the Bears are undefeated on the season while having plenty of tape to watch and improve upon. Oklahoma State will be the first test, but are also a team Baylor should be able to stop on the ground and collect win number four.