Three Takeaways: October 2
10/2/2023 7:59:00 PM | Football
Shapen ‘at his best’ in up-tempo offense when ‘things are in a flow’
Baylor Bear Insider Jerry Hill gives his three takeaways from Monday's weekly press conference with head coach Dave Aranda talking about the Bears' 36-35 miracle comeback win against UCF and this week's matchup between Baylor (2-3, 1-1) and in-state rival Texas Tech (2-3, 1-1), which kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium in an ESPN2 broadcast:
- KEEPING IT UP-TEMPO: Trailing by 25 points going into the fourth quarter, Baylor's offense seemed to be energized by an up-tempo style, averaging almost 10 yards per play and putting up 19 points after scoring a combined 19 points in losses to Utah and Texas. Blake Shapen, in particular, strived in the faster tempo, hitting 8-of-10 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown in that last quarter. "I know he is at his best when there's some momentum and things are kind of in a flow for him," Aranda said. "I look at it as just an evolving of this offense and how we can move our pieces to better spots. Keeping the same system in place, but evolving to a faster operating style." He said the faster tempo "was effective because we were able to get lined up quick, and then there were no shifts and motions. And it forced the defense to have to be able to not make calls according to our formation. Moving forward, it has to be more diverse than that. it has to be more built-in to the fabric of our offense than that."
- INJURY UPDATE: Senior weakside linebacker Mike Smith Jr. and sophomore deep snapper Garrison Grimes both suffered season-ending ACL injuries in the UCF game. Running back Dominic Richardson has a high ankle sprain that "he pushes through. His carries are normally limited because he's pushing through." Defensive linemen Jerrell Boykins Jr. and Tre Emory are working their way back from injuries, and "a lot of that is getting in playing shape," Aranda said, while defensive lineman Trey Wilson had a concussion. Freshman Dylan Schaub filled in for Grimes and was 4-for-4 on snaps, including the game-winning 25-yard field goal by Isaiah Hankins. "It's been a tough season for injuries, and it continues," Aranda said. Former LSU transfer Josh White "will move up, see some action" at Smith's linebacker spot, along with redshirt freshmen Jeremy "JJ" Evans and Carmello Jones and junior Brooks Miller. "We need to be able to add some depth there."
- NO FLINCHING: Freshman cornerback Caden Jenkins had two solo tackles, his first-career interception and returned a fumble 72 yards for a touchdown to spark the Bears' comeback against UCF, earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. "There's always been just a great confidence and energy with him," Aranda said. "And there's been no flinching with him from the minute he stepped foot on campus over here. And then, just as a person, just a warmth and a welcoming aspect to him that you want to like him and you want to root for him. And I think the best is yet to come for him."
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