Crunching the Numbers :: Baylor Bears Edition

Can’t stress your first point enough. We’ve been able to bounce back this year after aTm game and OSU game with impressive performances.
IMO, this has trap game written all over it. Vitally important that the players move on and focus this week. Would really hate to see us underestimate the bears.

Game plan thoughts:
- atm had 375 yrds rushing agains baylor last week. give the ball to Batch & others early and often.
- establish the run early and it will open up the passing game.
- make them one dimensional (always a goal). i don’t think they can score with us, especially if we shut down the run game which has not been impressive.

• play your role. that’s what i think needs to be the message from the coaches this week. no one needs to try to do too much in this game. if everyone does their job, i don’t believe this will be a tough game.

We’ve seen what we are capable of doing. Now it is up to the team to be mature enough to get motivated to win and win big!

1.) I think the atm game will serve as a recent enough reminder that no matter how ‘bad’ the team we are playing is, they are still college level athletes and should be respected.
2.) All year I have been pleasantly surprised by our backs… and while their QB and WRs should be respected (see 1 above) I think we can handle their pass game.
3.) For Baylor to break 100 yards rushing means we are having a similar showing as we did against atm. We have been solid against the run when a running QB is not present all year.
4.) I enjoy seeing good competition at WR/corner. I honestly hope Wright comes out hot… it is a great opportunity to test our backs and to see Wall have a great performance for his last regular season game.
5.) I’m never sure what to make of the most tackles stat. It can mean so many things… a) your offense isn’t good enough to keep the D off the field so they have way more plays against them to make tackles on b) when 1 or 2 guys lead the team in tackles by a large margin maybe it is because the other guys don’t wrap up and the leaders are bringing ppl down after yards have already been gained c) these 2 guys just have a nose for the ball and their DC puts them in a place to sniff it out and make great plays consistently. Judging by what few stats I’ve seen for Baylor any of these 3 could be the case.

1. I do think the team needs to not get burned with a hangover from OU, but this Baylor team doesn’t have the talent in the running game (RB’s or QB) to do what aTm did. Gray, Michael, and JJ were able to run over us and keep us on our heels guessing all game, while mixing in some passing. Whatever Baylor puts out there (especially with no Griffin) does not come close to that.

All of the road games have been against ranked teams and the D has played lights out. As long as the Defense comes out with some fire in their bellies, takes this game seriously, and the offense does its job, they’ll be fine.

One :: Staying Grounded: When I looked at the stats last week, … Absolutely true Seth. Whatever it takes to get the preparation offense and defense right needs to be done. No let up. Step on their throats and finish the play. Last week the Bears pulled a couple of trick plays on aTm with very limited success. That being said it’s an Art Briles trademark that he schemes out a couple game changer scenarios to fling out a new look. Since we "over match" on total – Offense and defense (involuntary shaking begins..) and trust me I shudder at that word I would expect that we see a special teams trickeration effort. Like the Nebraska in 08 style kick fake. Or perhaps a punt return reverse. Remembering their wide outs are plenty fats. Counter action is dropping back the "safety" on all kicks. BTW isn’t it cool ex linebacker Donnie Carona is making tackles on kickoffs. I am impressed. So bottom line stays at home, stay in your lane expect trickeration.
Two :: Still Effective Passing: Despite the slew of injuries at the Baylor quarterback position, freshman Nick Florence has still been respectable throwing the ball … This is where I say we can get an advantage by coupling the edge rush with aggressive secondary play. Fact is a few pass interference calls while manhandling the Baylor wide out would seem to be okay. As long as it reduces their confidence and puts us in potation to breaks the throws up and get a couple of picks. Rajon Henley is starting to get a real rep as pass tipper at the line of scrimmage. Tip is as good as a tackle for a loss.
Three :: Struggling to Run: The Bears are not quite as bad as Texas Tech, … checking in for 10th in the conference … Jay Finley, Jarred Salubi, Terrance Ganaway and Kendall Wright rush the ball. … This is where a front four assault would be really nice. Disrupt and clog up the gaps. Can you say block up the middle of the field? Downhill LB play. 10 tackles for loss by Marlon Williams, Bront Bird and or Brian Duncan. Sweet.
Four :: Wright Way: WR Kendall Wright has been a bit up-and-down this year … If it takes hitting this guy on every down so be it. That’s legal right .. You can hit are receiver with 5 yards of the line of scrimmage right ?? Ok we don’t do that I know cover 2, soft zone etc .etc..
Five :: Defensive Leaders: LB Joe Pawelek and S Jordan Lake are respectively 3rd and 7th in the conference in tackles …. I say decoy, decoy and misdirection to get the mismatch we need on the other players. Art Briles is good guy when it comes to breaking down film and now he seen Mike Leach’s motion stuff. Perhaps we will see a totally different receiver Adam James or Ed Britton get a lot of touches. Easy Ed’s a lot faster than Joe Pawelek. It could happen. I am in for 100 yards receiving for both these guys.

http://www.doubletnation.com/2009/11/23/1170107/random-things-to-worry-about

Pawlek and Lake could play on my team any day.

tech will show up! a&m games only happen once a season. they have learned their lesson.