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GameDay Thread: Baylor (1-2) looks to rebound against TCU (1-3)

October 30, 2020
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With three weeks between games, Baylor returns to action with a home contest against the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT in a game that will be aired on ESPN2. 


Baylor vs. TCU Primer

For the first time in 2020, Baylor will enter play a football game without significant absences from the starting line up and a large number of missing players from the depth chart. The Bears will also take the field with a full week of practice and game prep for the first time this season the entirety of the roster included. 

Most specifically, Baylor will see the return of starting left tackle Connor Galvin and starting center Xavier Newman who did not participate in a loss the Longhorns last Saturday. 

Baylor opened the season against Kansas without the services of current starting right guard Jake Burton and starting right tackle Blake Bedier as well as Newman who missed the game because of suspension. 

BU (1-2) enters the game with with a two-game losing streak, both of which came on the road at West Virginia in double overtime, 27-21, and at Texas last weekend, 27-16.

TCU (1-3) travels to waco with a two-game losing streak of their own with losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma that followed a 33-31 victory over Texas. The Horned Frogs also fell to Iowa State in their first game of the season. 

Baylor looks past drama of early week, strings together best week of practies

Looking back at this past weekend it’s fair to say Baylor football and its fanbase ran a gamut of emotions. There was the high of an official return to play, followed quickly by doubts and curiosity over how a team fresh off three weeks of a COVID outbreak would actually perform.

By Saturday evening, after a 27-16 loss to Texas, there was frustration and disappointment. 

It was Sunday evening, however, that provided the biggest jolt when SicEm365 reported running backs John Lovett and Trestan Ebner had plans to opt-out the remainder of the season.

SicEm365
John Lovett has led Baylor in rushing each of the previous three seasons.

This wasn’t just two random names on the roster. These were two of Baylor’s better players, and just as importantly, they were seniors, leaders and single-digit recipients. From day one as part of the 2017 recruiting class, Lovett and Ebner have played crucial roles in Baylor’s rise back from a time darkened by scandal, which is why the duo potentially leaving in this fashion, and before finishing what they started, came as such a shock. 

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and some honest, open communication led to both players sticking with the team, as Dave Aranda announced during Monday’s Big 12 teleconference.

“They’re both with us and we’re expecting them to play,” Aranda said. “I think it just speaks to the time that we’re in. Guys are dealing with a lot off the field and as coaches, we’re here for our players. It’s the most important thing for me and our staff." 

The trials and tribulations of this season have been well-documented.

Baylor has been hit with more than its fair share of setbacks and delays, only compounding the struggles for a team trying to learn a different way of doing things. While Aranda’s words came across positively towards his running back duo, that still left the room to wonder about how the rest of the team felt and what potential ramifications could have been created within the locker room. 

Linebacker Terrel Bernard arrived in Waco along with Lovett and Ebner, Charlie Brewer, and others as members of Matt Rhule’s first recruiting class. He knows what it’s like to go from 1-11 to 11-3 as well as anyone. On Wednesday, the team’s leader in sacks, tackles and tackles for loss, gave his thoughts on what unfolded earlier this week.

“I think really, it’s, nobody’s perfect,” Bernard said. “That’s the main thing. Tensions run high, especially when things aren’t going how we want and we’re not winning. But I think those guys have come back and we all had meetings, we’ve had full team meetings, individual meetings, and they’ve explained their side.” 

Newcomer Dillon Doyle said initially there was some confusion amongst the team when the original news broke on Sunday, but the matter had been addressed.

“Talking to those guys, there were personal things we hadn’t considered, and we’ve talked about it, moved on from it,” the Iowa transfer said Wednesday afternoon. 

Bernard also relayed his feelings after hearing from both players.

“They kind of came out and said what they were thinking and what happened and where they were wrong,” Bernard said. “And you know, we all came back and we all came together from it. I think it’s going to push us into this week and I know everybody’s put that behind us and we’re ready to go.” 

In fact, that push may already be occurring, as the team prepares to take their home field for the first time in over a month on Saturday versus rival TCU. 

“I think, as a team, we probably had our best practice of the year on Tuesday”, Doyle revealed. “It was a physical practice with a lot of energy. We term Tuesdays, ‘Competition Tuesdays’, and I think it was just that.

“We brought the energy and it was a lot of fun.” 

Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Terrel Bernard is averaging 13.3 tackles per game with 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interceptions this season.

Doyle wasn’t alone in feeling that way as Bernard later echoed similar sentiments.

“Just the energy that we had on offense and defense. We came out there and it was like from the first snap, it was just competition,” Bernard said. “For us, it's a chance to compete and we're not really worried about anything else but making each other better. And that’s kind of what we came out there and did.” 

With reports in SicEm365’s Premium section that Wednesday’s practice was equally successful, it appears this team is reacting well so far to another bump in an already rocky road.

“You know, we’re moving on to TCU now,” Doyle said ahead of his first rivalry game against the Frogs. “It’s not about one guy and we’re focused on getting better as a team. I think we did that yesterday, which is our biggest priority.” 

Whether those practices translate into a meaningful win remains to be seen, but the Bears will also be moving forward with Lovett and Ebner in tow. 

"They both love our team, they love their teammates and we’re excited about our next opportunity here with TCU", said head coach Dave Aranda. 


Baylor vs. TCU Prediction

Written by Sam Bradshaw (S11)

Prediction?

Neither team is clicking on offense.   Baylor has been a revolving door of lineups and TCU has been spotty on the offensive line with a passing game that really hasn’t done much when an opponent doesn’t bust coverages or play prevent.   Neither team figures to have a big day offensively going against solid defenses with good personnel.

This is the third game in a row where Baylor probably loses one where they’d likely win if they had a similar amount of practice reps and conditioning.   TCU protects the ball, has a great kicking game and in a game where either team has skill guys who can take it the distance the Frogs get one more big play as Baylor’s lack of practice either costs Baylor a score or gives one away.

TCU 20, Baylor 13

 

Discussion from...

GameDay Thread: Baylor (1-2) looks to rebound against TCU (1-3)

50,644 Views | 672 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by BUBear24
BaylorHistory
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IowaBear said:

4 games in and he lost the team and fan base. Play ZENO Jesus Christ it cannot be any worse


It'll be Gerry before Zeno if the switch is ever made.
“People who live in glass houses...have to answer the door."
boognish_bear
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KsigBear said:

Watch out for mass exodus. I think Aranda got lucky to be on that unbelievable LSU team 2019 and just so happened to be the DC. Also I see no motivation from him or talking to guys, that is not a leader when the boat is shaking like crazy.


I can't even picture what he will say to the guys in the locker room at halftime. I think there will be crickets chirping.
CorsicanaBear
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Is this a thing they teach at conferences these days; tanking your first season so you look like a hero for a mediocre second season?
Illigitimus non carborundum
Branch155
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We are winning time of possession.

Bohanon warming up. Prayers answered
BUbackerinET
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Bohanon coming in - needs to be Zeno
JXL
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20 plays for 21 yards. Send Fedora back to North Carolina.
jdrs
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One thing to lose and another thing to be humiliated. Something must change.
Michibear
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Our offense is averaging 1.05 yards/play.

I'm not good at math, but I think that's . . . not good.
TheDaiyaanKing
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Did they just pull Brewer? LETS GO
Stefano DiMera
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#1Dont call the players a disgrace..that makes you an idiot..criticize their performance or the coaches ability to get them prepared
#2 if you want credit and we all cpuld have known after West Virginia the offense was this bad ..i would have agreed with you..eventually a good defense will crack under this ineptitude
Branch155
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JXL said:

20 plays for 21 yards. Send Fedora back to North Carolina.
Don't you put that on me, Ricky Bobby!
DanaDane
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KsigBear said:

Honestly I think it could true, but we saw this mentality from the players when Rhule came in 2016.
Yep. Hopefully this staff can regain their trust next year like Rhule's staff did.
PostGame
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Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.
Michibear
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BUbackerinET said:

Bohanon coming in - needs to be Zeno
I'm okay with giving GB a chance.
Dia del DougO
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This looks like the college version of the Dallas Cowboys defense.
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
PartyBear
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Looks like Bohannon May be coming in.
tpj1991
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BUbackerinET said:

Bohanon coming in - needs to be Zeno
Agreed. Zeno is a true passer, Gerry is more like Charlie.
CorsicanaBear
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Quote:

Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.
Liberty and UAB say hello.
Illigitimus non carborundum
PostGame
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this team has quit!!!
BaylorHistory
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tpj1991 said:

BUbackerinET said:

Bohanon coming in - needs to be Zeno
Agreed. Zeno is a true passer, Gerry is more like Charlie.


Gerry is much more mobile than Charlie and with this OL that is a plus.
“People who live in glass houses...have to answer the door."
Dia del DougO
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I no longer feel that terrible about not shooting Baylor games this season for the first time in like 30 years.
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
Baylorbears111
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BellorBear said:

Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.


Idk I was at that Liberty game...
Branch155
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BellorBear said:

Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.
Not yet for me. I was in the stands (in the TCU section, no less) for 62-22
boognish_bear
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KsigBear said:

Honestly I think it could true, but we saw this mentality from the players when Rhule came in 2016.


Rhule walked into a total mess of a locker room due to all the program upheaval that took place. The discontent was understandable.

Aranda walked into a program that was a win in the B12 Title game away from the CFP. I don't know how things could south this far this quickly.
IowaBear
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Stefano DiMera said:

#1Dont call the players a disgrace..that makes you an idiot..criticize their performance or the coaches ability to get them prepared
#2 if you want credit and we all cpuld have known after West Virginia the offense was this bad ..i would have agreed with you..eventually a good defense will crack under this ineptitude

The effort is a disgrace bud I call it out I see it. Go crawl in a corner in eat that crow. This team sucks blame whoever you want it's 30-0!!
Michibear
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Dia del DougO said:

I no longer feel that terrible about not shooting Baylor games this season for the first time in like 30 years.
So, you're to blame. You jinxed us!!
BaylorHistory
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CorsicanaBear said:

Quote:

Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.
Liberty and UAB say hello.


At least I'm not at this one unlike those two.


Silver.Linings.
“People who live in glass houses...have to answer the door."
BUbackerinET
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Bad special teams, not good defense - bad everything
Stefano DiMera
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Dont worry..Zeno will be in..we'll get Bohannon killed.
DanaDane
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Who had us down 30-0 not even halfway thru the 2nd quarter? Vegas didn't.
TheDaiyaanKing
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We have officially become a basketball school
BUbackerinET
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Hahaha, that's Fedora for you...
Dnicknames
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BellorBear said:

Worst performance by a Baylor team I have ever seen and I have been watching for 50 yr.


We played Tech at homecoming towards the end of Steele's tenure. The game was 56-0 Tech in the 2nd quarter - that was worse.

The Liberty loss in Rhule's first season was also worse.
BBWCBear
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Stefano DiMera said:

Dont worry..Zeno will be in..we'll get Bohannon killed.


Well, Bohannon will take the ball from center, wait.003 seconds and then RUN!!! EASY to defend.
DAC
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Michibear said:

BUbackerinET said:

Bohanon coming in - needs to be Zeno
I'm okay with giving GB a chance.

I'd be okay with picking a fan out of the stands
 
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