Five Keys to Saturday’s Game
10/29/2021 3:54:00 PM | Football
Roles Could be Reversed for Baylor Backfield Tandem
#16 BAYLOR vs. TEXAS:
FIVE KEYS TO SATURDAY'S GAME
1.LIMIT THE 'CHUNKS': Facing a Texas offense that has more dynamic weapons than either BYU or West Virginia, Baylor's defense has to do a better job of limiting what head coach Dave Aranda refers to as "chunk plays." The majority of BYU's offensive production came on five plays of 45 yards or longer, including a 56-yard TD run by quarterback Jaren Hall. UT freshman receiver Xavier Worthy scored on a 75-yard TD pass from quarterback Casey Thompson on the first play of the game against Oklahoma, and Bijan Robinson is one of three backs with runs of 62 yards or longer this season. "Getting the one-on-one piece is going to be big," Aranda said. "Secondary-wise, the ability to make the play when the ball is at its highest point. . . . Then, I think the schematic part would be finding ways to double guys. If they've got a lot of guys blocking, we can use some of our guys to cover the guys that are running."
2.BREAK THE TENDENCIES: Seven games into the season, coaches can easily spot tendencies and specific roles. In the case of Baylor's 1-2 backfield punch, Abram Smith has established himself as more of the downhill runner, while Trestan Ebner is involved more in the passing game as either a blocker or making catches out of the backfield. The key, Aranda says, is being able to "grow from those initial roles and get outside of maybe a comfort zone." Breaking tendencies, the more Smith can be involved in the passing game and Ebner can take some of the downhill runs, "is only going to make us better."
3.RALLY TO THE BALL: At 6-foot, 214 pounds, Robinson is built like a tank but moves more like a Bugatti Veyron. "He's an elusive, powerful, shifty type of running back," Baylor linebacker Terrel Bernard said of Robinson, who leads the Big 12 and ranks third in the country with 924 yards rushing. "All 11 have to rally to the ball to get him down. He's probably one of the best backs that we're going to see all year."
4.DON'T BE DISTRACTED: Much like the Homecoming game against BYU, it's easy to get caught up in all the distractions outside of the football field. With the first CFP rankings coming out Tuesday, the Bears are 16th in the Associated Press poll and climbing. The emotions of playing a rival like Texas (which is also on the way out of the Big 12) can be overwhelming. And if you're reading the press clippings, you're probably starting to believe you're invincible. Aranda, similar to Matt Rhule, has focused on just going 1-0 each week. Don't get caught looking too far ahead or behind, just focus on the next step right in front of you.
5.SHOW UP: As fans, remember to set the alarm a little earlier for the 11 a.m. kickoff at McLane Stadium. For the Homecoming game against BYU, the call to action was to welcome the future Big 12 opponent and make them feel as welcome as possible. This week, it's to pack the stadium in green and gold and let the Longhorns hear you the whole game. "Just the home-field advantage and what the fans can bring, I think, is going to play a major factor in this game," Aranda said. "I think for us as a home-field team, we can take that next step, too."
FIVE KEYS TO SATURDAY'S GAME
1.LIMIT THE 'CHUNKS': Facing a Texas offense that has more dynamic weapons than either BYU or West Virginia, Baylor's defense has to do a better job of limiting what head coach Dave Aranda refers to as "chunk plays." The majority of BYU's offensive production came on five plays of 45 yards or longer, including a 56-yard TD run by quarterback Jaren Hall. UT freshman receiver Xavier Worthy scored on a 75-yard TD pass from quarterback Casey Thompson on the first play of the game against Oklahoma, and Bijan Robinson is one of three backs with runs of 62 yards or longer this season. "Getting the one-on-one piece is going to be big," Aranda said. "Secondary-wise, the ability to make the play when the ball is at its highest point. . . . Then, I think the schematic part would be finding ways to double guys. If they've got a lot of guys blocking, we can use some of our guys to cover the guys that are running."
2.BREAK THE TENDENCIES: Seven games into the season, coaches can easily spot tendencies and specific roles. In the case of Baylor's 1-2 backfield punch, Abram Smith has established himself as more of the downhill runner, while Trestan Ebner is involved more in the passing game as either a blocker or making catches out of the backfield. The key, Aranda says, is being able to "grow from those initial roles and get outside of maybe a comfort zone." Breaking tendencies, the more Smith can be involved in the passing game and Ebner can take some of the downhill runs, "is only going to make us better."
3.RALLY TO THE BALL: At 6-foot, 214 pounds, Robinson is built like a tank but moves more like a Bugatti Veyron. "He's an elusive, powerful, shifty type of running back," Baylor linebacker Terrel Bernard said of Robinson, who leads the Big 12 and ranks third in the country with 924 yards rushing. "All 11 have to rally to the ball to get him down. He's probably one of the best backs that we're going to see all year."
4.DON'T BE DISTRACTED: Much like the Homecoming game against BYU, it's easy to get caught up in all the distractions outside of the football field. With the first CFP rankings coming out Tuesday, the Bears are 16th in the Associated Press poll and climbing. The emotions of playing a rival like Texas (which is also on the way out of the Big 12) can be overwhelming. And if you're reading the press clippings, you're probably starting to believe you're invincible. Aranda, similar to Matt Rhule, has focused on just going 1-0 each week. Don't get caught looking too far ahead or behind, just focus on the next step right in front of you.
5.SHOW UP: As fans, remember to set the alarm a little earlier for the 11 a.m. kickoff at McLane Stadium. For the Homecoming game against BYU, the call to action was to welcome the future Big 12 opponent and make them feel as welcome as possible. This week, it's to pack the stadium in green and gold and let the Longhorns hear you the whole game. "Just the home-field advantage and what the fans can bring, I think, is going to play a major factor in this game," Aranda said. "I think for us as a home-field team, we can take that next step, too."
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, May 12
Sunday, May 10
Thursday, May 07
Saturday, April 25
