By Cody
The last few weeks have been brutal for Baylor fans. We took UConn lightly and it showed on the field. Having a chance to still tie the game late in the fourth quarter against a solid BCS opponent showed the Bears are a talented team. However, execution, the inability to sustain drives, and the defense unable to get off the field on third down was too much to overcome.
The first offensive drive against Northwestern State could not have ended any worse. Robert Griffin was stopped for a loss on fourth down and hyper-extended his knee on the play. After wrapping his knee to stabilize the joint, he was able to return to the game and perform exceptionally. He will not be able to do that in any other game this season. He is out for the year with an isolated tear in his ACL. To make the season outlook even worse, Blake Szymanski suffered a bruised shoulder while trying to plow into the end zone. There is optimism that he can play next week, but was unable to raise his throwing arm following last nights game.
Nick Florence, a true freshman, should get the start against Kent State next weekend. RB Jay Finley is still day-to-day with an ankle injury and did not dress out for the NSU game. Jared Salubi and Terrance Ganaway are solid backs and have showed they are able to carry the load. Starting cornerback Antareis Bryan is out for six to eight weeks with a broken foot. Mikail Baker, a backup safety and cornerback and leading kick returner, is also out for the year with a knee injury. These injuries are going to force younger players to step up. A true freshman at QB, a redshirt freshman at RB, and a true freshman at CB.
Before these injuries, Baylor was already down on talent compared to the University of Texas and Texas A&M. Before the injuries, the average starter on offense for Baylor was a 3 star recruit and a 2 star on defense. A&M averages a 4 star on offense and a 3 star on defense. The Longhorns average a 4 star on offense and a 4 star on defense. Baylor needed to remain injury free and take advantage of every opportunity to reach 6 wins and be eligible for a bowl game. This Baylor Bear is extremely distraught currently. As a season ticket holder, I will not miss a home game and will be at Cowboys stadium to watch the season finale. Personally, I still see 6 wins as a possibility if the offensive and defensive lines step up and can take control of the line of scrimmage. Sic ‘Em Bears!!!
