Five Keys to Saturday's Game
11/4/2022 9:58:00 PM | Football
Baylor's physicality could spell trouble for OU's run defense
FIVE KEYS: BAYLOR at OKLAHOMA
- DEFENSE TRAVELS: The dominating Baylor defense that held Texas Tech to 308 yards total – with five takeaways and six sacks – needs to make the trip north to Norman, where the Bears have won just once in 15 previous games at OU. Bring pressure, play tight coverage and don't let quarterback Dillon Gabriel get comfortable. "I think overall, there was a plan and a feeling of, 'Hey, we're going to be aggressive,''' Baylor coach Dave Aranda said. "Be aggressive and maybe change up a look or two in the back end . . . I think all of that combined for the thought going into the game that we're attacking these people. Once you have that thought, that frees you up in just your base third-down rush to attack, too."
- BE PHYSICAL: With the return of sixth-year senior Khalil Keith at right tackle, Baylor's offensive line has made strides in returning to the dominant group that paved the way for Abram Smith's single-season rushing record. The Sooners are the worst rush defense in the Big 12 by almost 30 yards per game, giving up 189.8 yards a game and 4.6 per attempt. Baylor's physicality should have its way with an OU defense that gave up 361 yards rushing in a 55-24 loss to TCU. "There's a physicality that comes with him, there's a confidence that comes with him, and I think there's a feeling of, 'we're going to get this done,' when he's in there," Aranda said of Keith.
- SHARE THE LOAD: Freshman Richard Reese has carried the ball 67 times in the last two games, rushing for 334 yards and five touchdowns. Qualan Jones, who's second on the team with 315 yards rushing for the season, is averaging 5.6 yards per pop and can take some of that load off of Reese. The Bears are also expected to get Craig "Sqwirl" Williams back, and he would provide a nice change of pace and more of a home-run threat. "I think there is going to be more running back-by-committee, just to help with that overall carry number," Aranda said. "At the same time, just way proud of Richard and his effort and his attitude."
- KEEP THE CROWD OUT OF IT: Much like they did in Lubbock, the Bears need to try to keep the Memorial Stadium crowd of 80,000-plus out of it and not let them make too big of an impact. Obviously, the best way to do that is by taking an early lead and controlling the clock. If you limit Oklahoma's chances on offense, and keep Gabriel on the sidelines, that will also subdue the crowd.
- LIMIT THE MISTAKES: Since being penalized 14 times for 117 yards in the double-overtime loss at BYU, Baylor hasn't had more than five penalties in a game and has had just 19 flags total over the last six games. Gabriel has only thrown one pick all year (in 201 passing attempts), so the Bears can't expect a repeat of the five takeaways they had against Tech. But, what BU can control is protecting the ball. After multiple turnovers in three-straight games, the Bears had just one fumble last week and a plus-four turnover margin. In what appears to be close to a toss-up game, it could be decided by which team makes the fewer mistakes.
Tuesday, May 12
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Saturday, April 25
