Sept. 15, 2017 BAYLOR vs. DUKE:
FIVE KEYS TO SATURDAY'S GAME
1. TURNOVERS: Other than Anu Solomon's pick-six against Liberty, Baylor hasn't been hurt that much by turnovers and still hasn't lost a fumble. Knock on wood. The Bears have to continue that trend against a Duke defense that is averaging two forced turnovers per game. On the flip side, the Baylor defense is still looking for its first turnover of the year. Baylor's only turnover is a fumble recovery off a muffed punt return.
2. HELP ZACH: Sophomore quarterback Zach Smith gets his shot after playing just one snap in each of the first two games. He has a big-time arm and can throw the deep ball with the best of them. But, he needs help. The offensive line has to protect him and give him time in the pocket. And the receivers need to find a way to get open and catch the ball when it comes to them. It would also help if the running game gets going, forcing Duke to put more defenders in the box.
3. TAKE THE CROWD OUT: The Blue Devils have averaged just over 25,000 fans in their first two games. But, you can't allow the crowd at Wallace Wade Stadium to take over the game. That's where the first quarter is so important. Get an early score and keep Duke off the scoreboard, and the stadium will be eerily quiet. That would also help Smith, who is starting a true road game for just the second time in his career.
4. KEEP DUKE QB IN THE POCKET: Daniel Jones can certainly beat you with his arm. He's thrown for 3,354 yards in 14 games, completed 63.6 percent of his passes and has a 2-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (20-10). But, he's also extremely dangerous in the run game, picking up 99 yards and two touchdowns in last year's upset of then-No. 15 North Carolina and a career-best 108 yards and two TDs in last week's 41-17 win over Northwestern. The Bears have to do a better job in defending the quarterback run after giving up 98 yards to Dalton Sturm in last week's 17-10 loss to UTSA.
5. RELAX AND HAVE FUN: Playing as an underdog for the first time this season, the Bears shouldn't feel the pressure to win like they obviously did the first two weeks. Coach Matt Rhule said he felt like the team played "really tight" in losses to Liberty and UTSA. "So, we're trying to get them to, 'Let it go, man, let it rip,''' he said. "You lost two games, you're still here, go play.''