Let’s take 2009 out of the equation, seeing that Robert Griffin III, the expected starter, missed all but the first three games of the season following a knee injury. Let’s look at 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012 – the four seasons when Baylor, as run by coach Art Briles, went from start to finish with its unquestioned starting quarterback.
TCU: The Horned Frogs enter 2013 as a trendy pick in the Big 12[1]
Over those four seasons, Baylor’s quarterbacks have combined to complete 1,084 passes in 1,660 attempts, a .653 percent clip. They’ve thrown for 14,823 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt and 13.7 yards per completion. They’ve tossed 113 touchdowns against 32 interceptions, roughly a 3.5-1 ratio.
Yes, Griffin accounted for three of those four season (2008, 2010 and 2011, the latter his Heisman-winning breakthrough). Yet the Bears remained among the top 11 nationally in yards per game, yards per attempt, touchdowns and efficiency rating last fall, when Nick Florence stepped into Griffin’s shoes as a senior.
The point: Baylor’s offense, as run by Briles, has rapidly become one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in college football. In addition, with Bryce Petty set to take over under center and new weapons ready to take flight at receiver, we’ll soon discover that this offense, as run by Briles, is more about the sum of its parts than one specific individual.
Spring dates: Baylor gets started on Mar. 1 and plays its spring game on Apr. 6.
2012 record: 8-5 (4-5).
SPRING CENTRAL: All the news and notes throughout 2013’s spring football[2]
Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense).
Five players to watch: QB Bryce Petty, WR Tevin Reese, OT Cyril Richardson, LB Bryce Hager, S Ahmad Dixon.
Spring questions:
1. Time for Seastrunk? Junior running back Lache Seastrunk over the first seven games of 2012: 29 carries for 181 yards. Seastrunk over the last six games of 2012: 102 carries for 831 yards. Yes, the former Oregon transfer blossomed down the stretch. And so begins his potential Heisman Trophy push, one only increased by his fairly unparalleled ability to delight cameramen in reeling off big plays in the running game. If the last half of his sophomore season is any indication, Seastrunk is looking at a monster 2013.
2. Where to play Richardson? Senior Cyril Richardson, one of the Big 12’s best, has the strength to be a mauler at guard and the footwork and agility to move outside and play tackle. Playing tackle might bode well for his NFL future, but where can Richardson make the biggest impact for Baylor in 2013? With holes at center and right guard, keeping Richardson inside could pay enormous dividends for a retooled interior. Then again, couldn’t a player with his ability be better suited negating pass rushers at tackle?
TEXAS: Longhorns have experience under center, but defense an issue[3]
3. Winning on the road? The Bears have no problem defending their home turf – 6-1 at home a year ago, 7-0 in 2011, 4-2 in 2010. Winning on the road has been an issue, however, as it’s been for the program since the birth of the Big 12 in 1996. While not a particular point of discussion for the team during spring drills, what can Briles and the staff do to beef up Baylor’s road showings in 2013?
Position battles:
1. Wide receiver. All-American Terrance Williams and Lanear Sampson must be replaced on the outside, though Baylor returns inside receivers Tevin Reese (the team’s leading returning pass-catcher), Levi Norwood, Clay Fuller and Rashodrick Linwood, the latter a redshirt freshman. Reese will quickly become Petty’s favorite target, but the Bears need a bigger-bodied option to draw attention on the edges of the field. How about sophomore Jay Lee and redshirt freshman Corey Coleman, two recent high-profile additions on the recruiting trail?
2. Offensive line. Stephan Huber should get the first crack at replacing Ivory Wade at center, though Huber has battled injury issues in the past. There’s another hole at right guard, where the Bears lose starter Cameron Kaufhold and reserve Jake Jackson. (And another guard spot could open should Richardson move to tackle.) While the Bears will be able to mount a solid starting five, is there enough depth up front?
References
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/02/27/2013-spring-ncaa-football-texas-christian-tcu/1951953/ (www.usatoday.com)
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/topic/13842f43-997a-4d92-9d3a-81cf4f44c9da/2013-ncaa-spring-football/ (www.usatoday.com)
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/02/20/2013-ncaa-spring-football-texas/1932753/ (www.usatoday.com)
