With the game at Texas on Friday and of course, Thanksgiving wanted you to know how it's going to look moving forward.

We'll track No. 5 Baylor vs. UCLA this afternoon starting at roughly 4:30 pm on ESPN.

Baylor Breakdown will take the place of What was he Thinking? Late Sunday and into Monday.

Monday will be Aranda's presser and probably late Monday will be the commitment performance chart.

Tuesday will be the final Big 12 coaches corner. The day will close late with Buying and Selling Baylor: TCU

Wednesday should be the player interviews along with a look at the Longhorns. Our typical podcast will wait until we post postgame vs. Texas.

At some point Thursday, we'll have the advance against Texas.

Friday will be game coverage with the 11 am kickoff at Texas. There will be no blitz.

I'll confess. Kevin had to talk me down after the game.

Was up until 3 AM working on the high school photos, and went in expecting to see Baylor get clobbered, only to see them outplay TCU pretty much the whole game, then blow an eight point lead in the last couple of minutes.
So, I'll confess, even as a professional member of the reporting establishment, I wasn't a fan of the play calling on Baylor's last possession. I may have said some things that would have gotten me kicked out of a biker bar. But there isn't any evidence.

But I'm doing much better, now.




Came in at 11:24

Listen to the podcast here


This was one of the plays I talked about in the podcast. TCU #26, Bud Clark, personally saved TCU fourteen points. This tip kept Baldwin from making a TD catch, leading to the missed field goal, and he intercepted Shapen in the end zone on Baylor's final possession of the half.

Devin Lemear

(Dealing with loss) It hurts you know. It’s the seniors’ last game, and the season has been what it is. You want to send them off on the right note and it hurts to fall short, especially after so much preparation.

(Message to team at the end) Get a stop, win the game. That was the main message to try to win the game. Get a stop and get the offense back the ball.

(How did BU take TCU out of its game) Just playing fast, playing physical, playing green. I remember we were out and thinking too much.

(Duggan) It’s difficult because he can pass and run, anything. If everything’s coming up, he finds ways to make plays by running the ball and if things are open he can hit them. He’s really experienced, so he knows how to win games down the stretch. He’s done it all this year, so credit to him.
(Stopping TCU running game) The D-line was playing great today. That was a big emphasis going into this week because obviously K-State pounded the rock on us. The D-line and linebackers did a great job stopping the run.

(Last few plays) It was a game of a couple of inches. We were in the right spot, just inches away from making the play. That’s what makes it painful because you know where you’re supposed to be and you’re that close to making the play. To fall short really hurts, especially knowing what’s on the line with the seniors in their last game here.

Sqwirl Williams

(How difficult was it to see it end like that)
You know, t's really hard to see it go that way. Great game plan, guys went out there and gave it their all. For it to end that way is really hard. We have a lot of guys on our team that I felt really deserved to walk out of here as winners today. For it to end that way, it really hurts.

(How motivated were you going into this game, seemed like both sides of ball had energy)
Last week was an embarrassment. We didn’t wanna put anything like that on tape ever again. So, coming into this week, our preparation and … really emphasizing things like getting the ball carrier on the ground, getting the ball out as an offense, having edge and executing. Those are things we really mainly focused on. Today, we went out there and we did those things, but TCU, they're a great team, they made one more play than us and it just happens that way sometimes.

(When TCU went up early in the second half and y’all rallied back, what clicked on those drives?)
Just understanding what they were trying to do on defense and making adjustments on offense to figure out the things they were doing on defense. Handling adversity as well. We knew that they were the No. 4 team in the country. They were gonna score points and we were gonna have to come out and respond.

(What was Coach Aranda’s message as you walked into the locker room?)
Coach Aranda, you know. He was really proud of us for the way we fought. Came out there really fought against the No. 4 team in the country, a really good team. He was just really proud of the way that we fought (and) how we didn't give up when times got hard and we responded. He was really proud of us and a lot of the guys on the team. And like I said before, I hate that they have to go out not being winners in that situation.

(What was different about those last two possessions in the run game?)
I wouldn’t say much was different. They had a great defense, they had a great defensive scheme and their scheme did up well against the players that we called. When it was our time to execute, I just believe we didn't execute. They executed at a better rate than us during that position and that's what happened.

DAVE: It's a tough locker room. I told them that I wish that we, that I, could take the pain away. I wish you could say that you put together a great week and you bounced back from a hardship and put the pieces back together to fight for another day. And to do it all in the right manner. You wish that it would all work out in the end. We all know that's not the case. I respect the team. I think this game in a lot of ways is a microcosm of us. For them to kind of fight and to stick with it, I have a lot of respect for them. We've got a game here coming up quick. Tomorrow we've got to be back at it. I think I'm meeting with coaches early in the morning to watch the tape and with our players tomorrow afternoon to kind of get going for the next one. We've got a game here on Friday, so it's a shorter week. But a lot of credit goes to TCU. I thought they fought hard, I thought they stayed in it. I think they've been in a few games like this one we just played, and have a lot of respect for Coach (Dykes) and that team. But we'll bounce back from this.

(on Duggan) I thought he did a great job of keeping plays alive. Times we were able to get some pressure, I thought he was able to elongate and make plays with his legs. The quarterback draw there at the end was a big play. But I thought he was able to make some throws that were just bang-bang throws. We haven't seen that a ton from him, so I was impressed with him that way, too. To have someone in there where you kind of have to have it all together in terms of your rush lanes and your coverage, it makes it difficult.

(last two possessions) Yeah, sure disappointing series. There was plenty of discussion going into that on the looks that we were expecting. I'd have to look at the film to tell you exactly, but it just seemed like the piles were going the other way than what we want. It's disappointing and it's frustrating after the day of running the ball that we had.

(not being more aggressive on your last series) I would think that if it wasn’t for some of the success we had running the ball. There was tight coverage, for sure, and it was a sellout to stop the run. But there were times they were doing that throughout the game, and the runs we had were accounting for that. So, I’d have to look at the film and see exactly what happened, but I was confident with us doing what got us to that point.

(can you substitute slow on the field goal, to create more chaos) I don’t think so, no.

(easier or tougher to respond after a loss like this) Losing is always difficult. I think when you go through a week and you go through hard things together and you invest and you sacrifice, the thought is always that you’re going to win. So, it kinds of build throughout the week, even if you lost it on a particular Saturday, you build it back up. So, anytime that it kind of goes back down, there is always a hurt that goes with it. I think it’s way brave of guys to continue to give everything they have when they go through some hurts that you go through and to continue to show up and to give their best and be a leader and push others when maybe they don’t want to show up because they don’t want to go through that again. I think, for sure, that’s part of the journey we’re on right now. So, I think either way, it’s difficult.

(the way the team responded in the second half after trailing for the first time) I was way impressed, and it’s been a long time coming for that. And to see it, and then just to be on the sidelines and huddles, to hear it, a lot of it you can feel what’s going to happen prior just being on the sidelines, just the energy that’s there and the talk and kind of the vibe, I guess. A lot of that was good, and you know that we were going to fight through this. So, way appreciated the team. For sure, the loss and the manner of the loss is a true gut punch, but there’s a lot of growth today.

(ever seen a fire drill like that work) It’s something that you always practice, and it’s something that you have to kind of weekly stay up with that. So that when there is that opportunity, then it’s not a shock, that it’s not a thing. So, credit to them.

Bears and Horned Frogs for the 118th time. Baylor would like to ruin TCU's playoff hopes, send the seniors out on a good note and clinch a winning season.

We'll see what happens and take you through this one.

NOTE: I will not be able to watch this game. I will be in Sweetwater with Aledo in its playoff game and probably won't be getting home until 3:00 a.m. Mr. Spears will take you through it.

*****
Bears are in Las Vegas Friday and Sunday. They get Cavaliers tonight and then either UCLA or Illinois Sunday.

Obviously, a terrible week at Virginia following the shooting deaths of three football players. While UVA canceled Monday's game against UNI, there was never any indication it would come out to Las Vegas.

The 2019 National Champions have also played two gimmes and shooting 49 percent and 48 percent from the arc through the first two.

Two players to watch are senior guard Armaan Franklin who is off to a good start at 14.5 points and 53 percent from the field. Freshman guard Ryan Dunn out of Freeport, NY has evolved quickly with 13 points in his first game last week.


STORY LINES

• No. 5/6 Baylor hosts heads to the Continental Tire Main Event in Las Vegas, where they will open with the second all-time meeting between BU and Virginia.

• Monday marks the 2nd all-time meeting between the Bears and Cavaliers. They last met Dec. 28, 1968 with BU winning 79-61.

• The game will feature two of the last three national champions. UVA Beat Texas Tech 85-77 in the 2019 National Championship Game, while BU dispatched Gonzaga 86-70 in 2021.

• This is the earliest BU has faced a ranked team in a season since they hosted No. 4 Oregon on Nov. 15, 2016.

• Baylor is 22-6 against AP top 25 teams over the last three seasons, including a13-4 mark against top 25 teams away from home.

• BU has won 18 of its last 20 non-conference games at road or neutral sites.

• Having won the Battle 4 Atlantis last season, Baylor is 39-12 in regular-season tournaments during the Drew era, including 26-4 since 2013-14.

• Baylor is making it's first appearance in Las Vegas since they opened the 2020-21 campaign in the Vegas Bubble with wins over Louisiana and Washington, They would go on to win the National Championship that next April.

• The Bears are 5-1 in their last six games played in Las Vegas.

• With a 95-62 win over Northern Colorado on Monday, Scott Drew became one of 10 active coaches with 400 wins at his current institution.

• Drew has a winning percentage of .705 (366-153) since BU's first year with no scholarship restrictions in 2007-08.

• In his 20th season at BU, Drew is coming off Big 12 Coach of the Year honors for a 3rd-straight season, joining Gene Keady (Purdue, 94-96) and Jay Wright (Villanova, 14-16) as the only high-major coaches to accomplish the feat.

• With a 117-53 win in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State (11/7), BU notched the third-largest margin of victory in program history, and 117 points were 1 shy of a Ferrell Center record.

• In an 87-70 win over Norfolk State, BU shot 38 three-pointers, the second-most in the Scott Drew era and the fifth-most in school history.

• Adam Flagler notched his third-career double-double to lift BU to a 95-62 win over UNC, to improve to 3-0 (11/14).

• BU has scored 299 points through the first three games, the most in program history.

• Baylor has been in the Preseason AP Top 25 in 10 of 13 seasons since its first preseason ranking in 2010-11.

• Baylor is 41-3 in non-conference games over the last three seasons.

• The Bears are 58-9 over the last 2-plus seasons, the nation's best record by a Power-5 team.

• Baylor is 84-13 over the last 3-plus seasons, the nation's 2nd-best record by a Power-5 team (Kansas).

• Baylor's streak of 10-consecutive postseason appearances is tied as the nation's 6th-longest active streak.

• BU won a school-record 26 regular-season games and finished with its 2nd-most conference wins (14) last season.

• Baylor is playing its 623rd game of the 20-year Drew era – more than half (314) have been as a ranked team, a remarkable feat considering BU was unranked for the first 122 games of Drew's rebuild.

As always, check my math. @Clairatt picked up his first weekly win, going 7-3. The bookends of Baylor and Oregon knocked everyone down. @ekluxhoj @efernandez14 and @WINNIE BEAR all came in at 6-4. Everybody was perfect on ISU-OSU.



This week, all games are on November 19th. Tiebreaker is point spread between Baylor and TCU.

Big 12 games
#4 TCU (10-0, 7-0) @ Baylor (6-4, 4-3)
#19 Kansas State (7-3, 5-2) @ West Virginia (4-6, 2-5)
#18 Texas (6-4, 4-3) @ Kansas (6-4, 4-3)
Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4) @ Iowa State (4-6, 1-6)
Oklahoma State (7-3, 4-3) @ Oklahoma (5-5, 2-5)

Other games
#11 Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2) @ Arkansas (5-5, 2-4)
Houston (6-4, 4-2) @ East Carolina (6-4, 3-3)
Iowa (6-4, 4-3) @ Minnesota (7-3, 4-3)
#8 USC (9-1, 7-1) vs UCLA (6-2, 5-2)
#13 Utah (8-2, 6-1) @ #6 Oregon (8-2, 6-1)

This game was played a couple of nights ago.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher

No. 4 TCU (10-0, 7-0) at Baylor (6-4, 4-3)
Site: McLane Stadium, Waco
Time/Day: 11:00 a.m. Saturday
TV/Radio: FOX/ESPN Central Texas
Betting Line: TCU -2.5
Series: TCU leads, 57-53-7

Baylor’s film session following last Saturday’s 31-3 setback to Kansas State probably wasn’t a must-attend event. Senior left tackle Connor Galvin even said it himself.

“Obviously, it wasn't fun to watch the film on Monday,’’ Galvin said. “But we addressed it and then I thought we practiced really well after watching the film. And then after that, we started prep for TCU.”

As disappointing as that game was, it also provides an opportunity. The long-standing rivalry game with TCU summons a lot of emotions. For starters, it’s just the rivalry itself. Then, it’s Senior Day as the program thanks 25 loyal sons who went through the journey and won a Big 12 championship in 2021. They don’t want to leave McLane with a loss.

Finally, there’s possibly a bit of a “let’s wreck their season” mentality. Of course, Baylor was on the doorstep of the College Football Playoff last year when TCU tripped it up, 30-28, in Fort Worth.

Now, it’s the reverse. TCU is No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings. While Baylor can’t stop the Horned Frogs from playing in the Big 12 championship game – TCU clinched a berth with last week’s win over Texas – the Bears can derail their playoff hopes. A loss and the Horned Frogs are likely knocked out of the running.

There is still a bit of hope for the Bears to meet the Horned Frogs on Dec. 3 at AT&T Stadium. But so many things must happen for it to be a reality.

What this team just has to focus on is playing better. This Baylor team knows that it hasn’t played to preseason expectations. There have been games where the 2021 version emerged. It just hasn’t come together consistently.

“I would look at it more as, what a great opportunity we have with this particular game and the environment that’s going to be around on Saturday and the platform that we have and this last week was not us,’’ Baylor head coach Dave Aranda said. “We can be us. There’s always something about a team’s rise, but you learn more about a team with their response. So, I think that’s an opportunity for us that we have to take advantage of.”

Baylor’s health really isn’t an issue. Only running back Taye McWilliams (concussion) is likely unavailable. He could be redshirted if he doesn’t play.


Here are some key elements to look for
>TCU’s explosiveness on offense is something that every opponent has had a hard time with this fall. Quarter Max Duggan has been on target and knows how to get the ball into his receiver’s hands. That offense likes to use jet sweeps on the edge. Two have gone for scores. Plus, great playmakers like receiver Quentin Johnston and running back Kendre Miller can take a play that may go for nominal yards the distance.

>Baylor’s running game never got into any rhythm last week because the Bears didn’t control the clock (Kansas State held it 37-23). BU trailed the entire way. From the opening possession, the Bears are going to have to try and establish it. What will be interesting to watch is if Richard Reese or Sqwirl Williams will be the featured back.

>Much has been made about Baylor on fourth down this year (21-33, 63.6%). The Bears might be pressed into doing that as the Horned Frogs are allowing opponents to convert third down at 35 percent, third-best in the Big 12.

>If both teams get the running games going, it could be a short game. These two have scored the most rushing touchdowns in the conference. Baylor has 31. TCU has 26.


Notable
The list of the 25 seniors: Dillon Doyle, TJ Franklin, Jacob Gall, Connor Galvin, Byron Hanspard Jr., Gavin Holmes, Siaki Ika, Bryson Jackson, Mose Jeffery, Khalil Keith, Collin Losack, John Mayers, Cole Maxwell, Tripp Mitchell, Grant Miller, Chidi Ogbonnaya, Jaxon Player, Issac Power, Noah Rauschenber, Corbin Robertson, Ben Sims, Griffin Speaks, Brayden Utley, Craig Williams and Will Williams.


Keys to the Game
Respond – The disappointing thing about the Kansas State game was that when the Wildcats took it 97 yards and went up 7-0, the Bears didn’t have an answer. Football is a game of attitude and emotion. If this happens, Baylor needs to dig deep and punch back.

Shapen Reversal – When your QB is turning the ball over, that’s a problem. Blake Shapen’s 10 turnovers in the last six games have hurt. The level of performance against a 10-0 team has to be at an unprecedented level for Baylor to pull off the upset.

Field Position Contest – Unless the Bears have to chase the game from a distance, going for 4th-and-2 at your 31 midway through the second quarter or early in the 3rd is not a good idea especially against a team that’s explosive on offense. Baylor must make TCU drive the field.

Two defenses – Baylor’s running game needs to consume the clock and keep TCU’s offense off the field. Sustained scoring drives that use five or more minutes contribute to this winning formula. Of course, the defense itself has to take away plays on the perimeter and prevent the explosiveness.

Prediction
As I said in What was he Thinking, we’re going to find out early in this game if the Bears are ready to play or not. The emotions of Senior Day will be realized at the time of the introductions. But they must end moments before kickoff. Nothing wrong by being fueled by the desire to play well in the last one for the elder statesmen. That’s part of it. But if Baylor is going to ruin TCU’s playoff hopes, Shapen cannot turn it over and play clean, the Bears must win the turnover battle and just make some stops. I do believe they will play better. I think they will take this into the fourth quarter and make the Horned Frogs fight for it. In short, this is going to have to be a 180 of how they played through the first 10 games, especially last week. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced they can do it. Hope I’m wrong.


TCU 33, Baylor 24

Good for him!

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher

The Topper
>There’s been rumors of backup QB Kyron Drones looking to enter the NCAA transfer portal after the season. For now, that appears not to be the case. That could change. However, the QB position is very fluid throughout the game. If there was any movement, there would almost have to be a spot waiting for him before he officially did it. We’ll keep you posted.

>If Baylor is going to make a move with an offer for Austin LBJ LB Latreveon McCutchin, a decision could be in the near future. Baylor staff still evaluating everything at this point.

>Katy Mayde Creek and Rivals No. 158 Tay’Shawn Wilson missed most of the season with a dislocated kneecap. However, he is on the mend.

“It’s going pretty good,’’ Wilson said. “I’m back running and doing things like before.Just really getting stronger and working on areas that I didn’t before. I’ll be ready and running for our first track meet.”

Notable TCU Visitors
The early 11:00 a.m. kickoff doesn’t help. Contrary to last week’s result against Kansas State, those games don’t impact if a recruit plans to come. There are couple of commits like QB Austin Novosad who can’t come because of his playoff game. Subject to change, here are the recruits who have told SicEmSports they plan to attend the home finale against the Horned Frogs.

2023
DK Kalu, DT, Fort Bend Ridge Point (Baylor commit)
Micah Gifford, WR, Pflugerville Weiss (Baylor commit)
LeVar Thornton, Ath, Keller Timber Creek (Baylor commit)
Tay’Shawn Wilson, DB, Katy Mayde Creek (Baylor commit)
Bryson Washington, RB, Franklin (Baylor commit)
Trent Thomas, DT, Fort Bend Marshall (Baylor commit)
DJ Coleman, DB, Mesquite Horn (Baylor commit)
James Walley, Jr., LB, Fort Bend Ridge Point (UTSA commit)
Trey Laurence, LB, San Antonio Reagan (Baylor interest)
Isaiah Robinson, OL, Arlington Lamar (Baylor commit)
Caden Jenkins, DB, Lewisville, Baylor commit
Dawson Pendergrass, RB, Mineola, Baylor commit


2024
Walker White, QB, Little Rock Christian (Baylor interest); Rivals No. 171
Jadon Porter, WR, Lorena (Baylor commit)
Trey Owens, QB, Cy Fair (Baylor offer)
Selman Bridges, DB, Lake Belton (Baylor offer)
Ellis Davis, OL, Prosper (Baylor interest)
Ashton Bethel-Roman, WR, Fort Bend Ridge Point (Baylor interest)
Trever Ham, QB, Melissa (Baylor interest)

2025
Talan Holmes, WR, Haslet V.R. Eaton (Baylor interest/Gavin Holmes younger brother)
Adrian Wilson, WR, Pflugerville Weiss (Baylor offer)
Jalen Cooper, WR, Cibolo Steele (Baylor offer)
Jamison Kitna, QB, Burleson (Baylor interest)

Baylor Seniors talk TCU
Baylor linebacker Bryson Jackson and left tackle Connor Galvin met with the media to discuss playing their final game at McLane Stadium and facing archrival TCU.

Bryson Jackson
(Last game at McLane) Yes, a lot of emotion. It’s going to be a lot of memories here that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life, just the teammates I’ve had throughout the times, and this year has been amazing being able to spend it with the guys. We’ve worked hard this week to prepare for the game. It’s going to mean everything.

(Responding to K-State loss) Just recognizing how great of an opportunity it is to go through adversity, and show how we can overcome it and come out on the better end. Putting the work in this week and showing everybody what we’re all about. It’s pretty exciting to be with the guys and I’m looking forward to Saturday morning. We’re going to face a talented team, but it should be a test for us to dig in deep and play freely and play for each other.

(Payback for last year) One thing is we want to respect our opponents. TCU is a great program this year and they’ve definitely put the work in. For us it’s a test. From what we’ve been through, I think it’s all built up to this moment to go out there, and what better chance than to face this opponent to go out there and show them and give it our best.

(Rivalry with TCU) Yeah it’s a rivalry but for our team we’ve been through it and we know where we’re at. For us, it’s just about showing and displaying what we’re truly about. We’ve had a lot of adversity this year. That part of us figuring out who we are we’ve missed out on, so it’s important that we show who we are and play to our standard, and show what Baylor football is really about.

(Defending TCU) They’ve hit on a lot of areas with the pass game. But for us, we want to win the turnover battle and stop the run. For us, it’s about executing in all areas, so it’s important that our defensive backs focus on coverage and that it’s on an elite level in preparation this week. Up front, we’ve got the guys to stop the run. It’s about us playing our technique and being intentional, and having an intentional focus on doing our assignment right each play.

(Max Duggan) I’ve had a chance to play against him pretty much every year that I’ve been here. He’s very talented. He was a stout runner earlier in his career and now he’s definitely developed into a passer. So you can see his game come together and now he’s more comfortable on the field. He’s more calm than he was before, so we’re going to have to be really keen on putting pressure in his face and stop those passes that are kind of easy to make. Stopping those and having our DBs stop the deep ball because of the receivers they have and the advantages they have on that end. Just getting pressure in his face and speeding his game up.

(TCU’s offense being different than K-State’s) Yes, a little bit different. K-State definitely slowed the game down. So, for us, it’s really about working back up to the tempo style and being able to stop both the run and pass. Last week, our focus was stopping 22 (Deuce Vaughn) and figuring out how to tackle him in the pocket and in the box. This week, you’ve got the explosive running backs and you’ve got explosive receivers and they have a really good O-line. So, we’ve got to hit all phases to make sure we can stop one end and stop the other at the same time. You don’t want to stop one end and open up the other end.

(What stands out on film about Quentin Johnston) Yeah, just talented guy, plays hard, plays physical. So, just being able to stop him off the line is going to be our whole deal and our focus.

(Couldn’t get off the field, couldn’t stop the run) Yeah, a lot of small intentional things that we missed out on. So, just being intentional with playing our gaps. So, just playing our gap, having gap control and being able to be physical up front. Last week was more of a challenge for us, because you’ve got to have your eyes in the right place and your feet have to be there. So, this week, we’ve got to learn from last week and have our eyes in the right place and be more patient.

(Motivation to hold them under 80 yards rushing) Like I said before, what a great opportunity. Last week, was one of our very disappointing experiences. But for us, it’s learning from that. Our guys in the room have learned and took that personal, because we’ve been known for our physicality up front, on both ends. So, having that happen last week was just an eye-opener for us to pretty much focus on getting our eyes in the right spot and playing our keys and being intentional on assignment football.

(Separating the emotion of senior day and wanting to win the game) For us, I just think about our coaches’ families and how much investment we went into this year with the players and the offseason. So, all that up to this moment, what better opportunity to play for these guys because those are the most important things coming from this game is that we go out there and bring a performance that’s top-tier. And that’s my focus this week is to bring everything I have throughout the week, so that each player can get better and we can take that over to the next week and the next week.

Connor Galvin
(Last game at McLane, you going to be emotional?) I probably will be in the moment. But I’ve talked about it a few times here and there with the seniors. We’re just focused on TCU; we’re not focusing on all that stuff right now.

(TCU is a big rival, cool to play them in your last game here?) I mean, yeah. I mean, it is. I really don't care who we play, I'll be honest with you. It’s just another opponent.

(Idea of giving TCU taste of their own medicine after last year) We've addressed what's at stake for both teams. We've addressed the situation, the opportunity we have ahead of us. We know what's at stake, it was addressed on Monday. But we're not making a big deal about it. It’s next opponent up.

(What do you see from TCU?) Oh, they play hard. They play fast. They’re physical, athletic, (and) very smart. It's gonna be a 60-minute game. So, they're 10-0, they fight back. They've been down in some games, but they're really tough. They have fought back and won.

(What stands out about what TCU defense put on tape against Texas) Just from the film we've watched already, they kind of base out of like 3-3. So, (their) D-lineman (are) really athletic, stout at the line of scrimmage. (Their) linebackers are fast and physical. They're all 240+ (or) 250-ish. (They) run downhill, trigger fast. So, it’s gonna be (a) big man game and we're gonna have to win the front seven to win this game.

(What’s energy in practice been like?) It's been really good. Obviously, it wasn't fun to watch the film on Monday. But we addressed it and then I thought we practiced really well after watching the film. And then after that, we started prep for TCU. I thought practice today was really good, focused, physical (and) fast.

(What have you seen from Blake in practice) He made some really good throws today. He's tough. Really tough guy. Again, like I just said, he watched the film. He addressed his mistakes. It wasn't just him. It was a team loss. He fixed his mistakes. We move on from it. We address it. Working on our game plan for this week.

(On Josh Cameron) He is very dynamic. He can block as a receiver. He's lined up next to me (to) block some five techniques. But he can also line up, run some routes and catch balls across the middle on 4th-and-7 like he did against Oklahoma. So, very dynamic. He's smart. He's young, but he learns very fast. He picks up stuff so I think he has a very bright future.

(Was it frustrating to see K-State always on the field, not as many opportunities for the offense?) Yeah, it was frustrating. But as an offense, we just didn't do our job. We'd – first down, first down, flag. First down, first down, pick. This, or something like that. So, we stopped ourselves from scoring in the red zone. We beat ourselves. So, it was all really self-inflicted wounds after watching the film. And we've learned from that, and the goal is to not do that again.

(What’s this group of seniors mean to you?) Yeah, I've played a lot of football with these guys. I don't even know how many of us there are, but there's a lot of guys who played a lot of football here. We've gone through the previous staff together. We've gone through the transition with Coach Aranda. Up until now, we've been through a lot of stuff together, a lot of workouts, a lot of bad days, good days and all that stuff. So, it's gonna suck to not be with them after this year, but all of us have made friends for life. So, really can't complain about that.

SicEmSports Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports unveils its looks at the league who in its view deserves to be ranked where. Agree or disagree, here’s how they look.
1. TCU – Baylor remains last roadblock to undefeated regular season
2. Kansas State – Wildcats on the verge of clinching Big 12 title game berth
3. Oklahoma State – Bedlam very personal in Stillwater, OK.
4. Texas — How will Texas respond in Lawrence, KS?
5. Baylor – Lots of soul searching this week
6. Kansas – Looking to clinch winning season
7. Oklahoma – From preseason No. 6 to fighting for bowl eligibility
8. Texas Tech – Big win against Kansas has the Red Raiders closer to a bowl
9. West Virginia – AD search is on. HC search may soon follow.
10. Iowa State – Must win last two to be bowl eligible

Big 12 Weekend
A look at the Big 12 schedule for the upcoming weekend. All games are Saturday unless otherwise listed. Rankings College Football Playoff poll. All times are central. TV is listed. All 10 teams are in action.

No. 4 TCU (10-0, 7-0) at Baylor (6-4, 4-3); 11:00 a.m., McLane Stadium, Waco (FOX)
Series: TCU leads, 57-53-7
Notable: Bears looking to derail Horned Frogs College Football Playoff hopes. TCU QB Max Duggan has the most TDs in the conference (29).

No. 15 Kansas State (7-3, 5-2) at West Virginia (4-6, 2-5) 1:00 p.m., Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV (ESPN+)
Series: Tied, 6-6
Notable: Wildcats clinch the other Big 12 title game berth with a win. Mountaineers need to win their last two to become bowl eligible.

Texas (6-4, 4-3) at Kansas (6-4, 3-4); 2:30 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS (FS1)
Series: Texas leads, 16-4
Notable: Steve Sarkisian is 11-11 in his career at Texas. All eyes are on Kansas QB Jalon Daniels (shoulder) and if he will play.

Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4) at Iowa State (4-6, 1-6); 6:00 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FS1)
Series: Texas Tech leads, 12-8
Notable: Two of the worst turnover ratio teams in the Big 12. Iowa State is eighth (-5). Texas Tech is ninth (-6).

No. 22 Oklahoma State (7-3, 4-3) at Oklahoma (5-5, 2-5); 6:30 p.m., Owen Field/Memorial Stadium (ABC)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 90-19-7
Notable: This could be Oklahoma State’s final trip to Norman as reports indicate Bedlam will end when OU joins the SEC. Unclear if Gunnar Gundy or Spencer Sanders starts for the Cowboys. Two of the worst defenses in the conference. Oklahoma allows 432.3. Oklahoma State 452.9.

Despite shooting 32%

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By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
For the 118th time, Baylor and TCU meet in a game that has national implications.

It’s Senior Day for the Bears (11:00 am, FOX).

The No. 4 Horned Frogs have already clinched a berth to the Big 12 title game Dec. 3 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Baylor has a tiny window to get there but so many things have to fall its way in order for it to happen.

TCU (10-0, 7-0) played its best defensive game of the season last week in Austin when it beat Texas, 17-10. Baylor (6-4, 4-3) is coming off its toughest outing when it lost to Kansas State, 31-3.

A look at the Horned Frogs.

Opponent: TCU Horned Frogs
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (10-0 1st season, 81-63 12 seasons overall)
2022 Record: 10-0, 7-0
Record vs. Baylor: TCU leads, 57-53-7
Returning Starters: 14 total starters back
Key Returners: QB Max Duggan/Chandler Morris, WR Quentin Johnson, WR Derius Davis, DL Dylan Horton, NT Soni Misi, LB Dee Winters
Common Denominator: From 1895-1910, TCU was located in Waco before returning to Fort Worth.
Offensive Formation: One-back
Defensive Formation: 3-3-5

About TCU on Offense: It’s a new lease on life for QB Max Duggan. He’s likely the odd’s on favorite to win Big 12 Player of the Year. He’s had a banner season throwing for 2,531 yards, 25 TDs and completing nearly 66 percent of his passes. TCU’s offense is explosive. There have have been at least seven pass plays cover 30 yards or more and three different touchdown runs of 63, 67 and 75. Receivers Quentin Johnston and Taye Barber average 15.9 and 17.7 yards respectively. Running back Kendre Miller is at 1,137 yards for the season and averaging 6.6 yards per carry. TCU backs are averaging more than five yards per carry. TCU scores 40 points and 486 yards of total offense per game.

About TCU on Defense: First-year DC Joe Gillespie (former Stephenville HC) came from Tulsa and has immediately made an impact. The Horned Frogs completely shut down Texas last week holding Bijan Robinson to only 29 yards. They have forced 14 turnovers and collected 21 sacks and allow 377 yards per game. Linebackers Johnny Hodges and Jamoi Hodge lead the defense in tackles with 66 and 57 respectively. They each also have six TFLs. But LB Dee Winters is in the runner for Big 12 defensive player of the year 9.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. DL Dylan Horton is second with four sacks. DB Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson (Baylor remembers him from 2021) has three INTs.

About TCU on Special Teams: It’s been a solid year for PK Griffin Kell. He’s 11-12 on FGs with the only miss from 36 against Tarleton State and is 43-44 on PATs. Punter Jordy Sandy is just OK at better than 39 yards per effort. Derius Davis is trouble in the punt return game. He’s returned two for scores and is averaging nearly 14 yards per return. Davis also is the primary kick returner. TCU will be without blocking TE Dominic DiNunzio. He's considered important in the return game for blocking up front.

Bottom Line: When you’re 10-0, you do a lot of things well. That’s why TCU is in the national playoff conversation at the fourth slot. The Horned Frogs have committed only seven turnovers and are +7 in turnover ratio so far. They keep their penalties respectable at 47.2 yards per game. If a team is going to beat them, it must play an air-tight game and catch a couple of breaks. So far, no one has been able to do that.

We start out with a review of the season so far, look ahead to TCU, talk about Scott Drew's 400th win and the upcoming basketball game with Virginia, then pick a few games.




Came in at 23:22

Listen to the podcast here

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor suffered a tough 31-3 loss at home to No. 15 Kansas State this past Saturday at McLane State.

The loss effectively ended Baylor’s hopes as repeating as Big 12 champions. The Bears (6-4, 4-3) would have to win out against No. 4 TCU this Saturday and at Texas the day after Thanksgiving and then get some help in order to return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 3.

Senior Day is this Saturday with an 11:00 a.m. kickoff with the Horned Frogs. The game will be carried by FOX.

So what was trending from a buying and selling mode from Kansas State? SicEmSports continues its new segment that began with the conference opener against Iowa State and runs through the rest of the season.

Buying: Blackout
There’s not a lot on the field your publisher can point to from this game that would fit this category. So let’s go with the fans beautifully executing the blackout. The movement began on social media. Baylor then followed suit with an aggressive marketing campaign to help spread the word. When McLane Stadium was full at the start of the game, a sea of black filled every seat where a Baylor fan sat. Nice work by everyone involved.

Selling: Blake Shapen
I’ve documented his issues in Baylor breakdown from Sunday. He’s just really struggled. His footwork is all over the place, which impacts his mechanics. That’s contributing to the seven interceptions he’s thrown in the last six games going back to Oklahoma State. Mix in the three fumbles and that’s 10 turnovers since Oct. 1 when the Bears faced the Cowboys. His completion percentage has been dropping since Kansas. His ability is there. You can see it. Baylor QBs (Shapen 13, Kyron Drones 1) have thrown the fewest TD passes in the Big 12.

Buying: Bounceback
This team doesn’t have any choice but to do that. It owes it to itself to do that. It owes it to the long-standing rivalry with TCU to do that. It owes it to the seniors to do that as they will walk out and play at McLane Stadium for the final time. If there is any good that comes from this loss to the Wildcats, it’s that teams can typically put a blowout behind them faster. Now, practicing well and preparing well during the week are one thing. They need to come out and play with energy.

Selling: Defensive Line
For what I thought was probably going to be the No. 1 position group on this team has been far from that. There are no words to express what this group hasn’t done. It’s not an injury issue. They’re fine. They lost Cole Maxwell for a couple of games earlier in the season. But that’s been it. There’s not much of a difference between Texas Tech which leads the Big 12 in sacks (24) to Baylor sitting tied for 8th (19). In 14 games in 2021, Baylor had 44 QB takedowns. And last year’s front would never have allowed a team to go 97 yards for a touchdown.

Buying: John Mayers
You have to be impressed with the season the kicker has had. He starts the season behind Isaiah Hankins and then when Hankins struggles, they go back to him. The biggest question about Mayers’ career has been his ability to hit from 40-49 yards. He was 4-7 for his career prior to 2022. This year, it’s all flipped. He’s 4-4 from that distance and is 7-7 overall. That’s a credit to his work and dedication.

PFF OL Grades
Thanks to Rivals’ relationship with Pro Football Focus, each week we’ll share with you how Baylor’s offensive line graded from the previous week. This one comes following Kansas State. We’ll break it down from run blocking, pass blocking and overall in that order.
Grant Miller: 57 snaps, 60.3 run, 50.8 pass = 59.5
Jacob Gall: 64 snaps, 50.0 run, 60.4 pass = 51.7
Khalil Keith: 64 snaps, 60.0 run, 69.7 pass = 64.7
Micah Mazzccua: 64 snaps, 52.2 run, 53.7 pass = 50.5
Connor Galvin: 64 snaps, 74.8 run, 69.3 pass = 74.9
Mose Jeffery: 7 snaps, No run grade, 78.0 pass = 62.0

We’ll see. I don’t like Baylor’s chances. But he came for Kansas State, so there’s that.

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We had a few have their seasons come to an end in the playoffs last weekend. A few still going.

Commitment Chart

So the opening 3-game get-to-know each other opening stretch follows the script pretty well.

Bears never pushed as you can imagine. The finished shooting nearly 53 percent. Weren't great from the arc (10-31). But they also forced 24 UNC turnovers, took 14 more shots (70-56) and placed five in double figures.

LJ Cryer game-high 20 but was 4-9 from 3-point range. Jalen Bridges really off to a good start with 15 points. He seems to be fitting in nicely in this rotation (Matthew who?). Keyonte George with 12 points (1-6 3) but had a good floor game with 7 boards and six assists. This team had 24 assists for 37 baskets. That's good.

Now, it's out to Las Vegas for the Continental Tire Main Event for a tilt with No. 16 Virginia (2-0) 6:00 pm Friday at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN2).


STORY LINES

• No. 5/6 Baylor hosts The University of Northern Colorado at 7 pm CT on Monday in the first meeting between the two squads since 1941.

• Monday marks the 2nd all-time meeting between this pair of Bears, with BU holding a 1-0 series advantage. In their last meeting Northern Colorado was known as Colorado State College of Education, at Greeley.

• Scott Drew is now just 1 win away from 400 wins at Baylor. He would become one of just 10 active coaches, and one of two in the Big 12 (Bill Self) with 400+ wins at their current school.

• In his 20th season at BU, Drew is coming off Big 12 Coach of the Year honors for a 3rd-straight season, joining Gene Keady (Purdue, 94-96) and Jay Wright (Villanova, 14-16) as the only high-major coaches to accomplish the feat.

• Drew's nephew Caleb Shaw is a freshman guard on the UNC roster. In two games this season, Shaw has played 47 minutes, averaging 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in two contests.

• The Bears are coming off an 87-70 win over Norfolk State where they shot 38 three-pointers, the second-most in the Scott Drew era and the fifth-most in school history.

• Keyonte George scored 23 points to lead the Bears, setting a career high for a second-straight game.

• George's 23 points were the most be a BU freshman since Jared Butler scored 31 at Kansas on 3/9/19.

• The 64-point win was BU's third-largest in program history, and 117 points were 1 shy of a Ferrell Center record.

• Baylor is 14-1 all time against teams from the Big Sky Conference.

• Baylor has been in the Preseason AP Top 25 in 10 of 13 seasons since its first preseason ranking in 2010-11.

• Baylor is 40-3 in non-conference games over the last three seasons.

• The Bears are 57-9 over the last 2-plus seasons, the nation's best record by a Power-5 team.

• Baylor is 83-13 over the last 3-plus seasons, the nation's 2nd-best record by a Power-5 team (Kansas).

• Baylor's streak of 10-consecutive postseason appearances is tied as the nation's 6th-longest active streak.

• BU won a school-record 26 regular-season games and finished with its 2nd-most conference wins (14) last season.

• Baylor is playing its 622nd game of the 20-year Drew era – more than half (313) have been as a ranked team, a remarkable feat considering BU was unranked for the first 122 games of Drew's rebuild.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Each week, Big 12 coaches have their weekly meetings with the media at their press conferences during the college football season. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda’s comments have already been posted. Rankings are from the AP Poll. Here are some highlights elsewhere in the league. Quotes and notes are taken from those pressers if not specified elsewhere. All games are Saturday unless otherwise noted.

Sonny Dykes, TCU (10-0, 7-0) – The No. 4 Horned Frogs play at Baylor: TCU assured itself of it second trip the Big 12 championship game with their 17-10 win at Texas. They also remain very much alive for the College Football Playoff. With their last hurdle Saturday at McLane Stadium, the Horned Frogs would almost be assuredly be undefeated at 12-0 before they head to AT&T Stadium Dec. 3. "I think we've just decided, 'Look, let's go on this journey together, and not worry too much about the destination," Dykes said. When Kendre Miller outrushed Bijan Robinson 138-29, he was asked after the game if he was the best back in the Big 12. Miller said, “Yes.’’

Lance Leipold, Kansas (6-4, 3-4) – The Jayhawks play host to Texas: Perhaps this is the week QB Jalon Daniels returns to the lineup. “He's taken more and more reps,” Leipold said. “He went today where he's at the point where he can play at a level that is going to allow him to go out there and play freely. And to a point, is he ever going to be a hundred percent like he was at the game? No, but where is that at? And if it's not a daily conversation, it's every other day as we talk and look at it, and if you're watching him in warmups, you can see it's really, really close.”

Brent Venables, Oklahoma (5-5, 2-5) – The Sooners play host to Oklahoma State: With a loss to West Virginia, Venables first season is going poorly. Now, he wants an attitude for Saturday in Bedlam vs. Oklahoma State. “At some point and time, we've got to be pissed as well and do something about it,” Venables said after the loss on Saturday. “All of us. It ain't okay. We've got a bunch of reasons where we can justify failure. But we've got to get better. We've got to coach them better, and we've got to play better. We've to play smarter. We've got to be more efficient. I thought West Virginia did a great job today, but I thought Oklahoma beat Oklahoma today.”

Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State (7-3, 4-3) – The Cowboys play at Oklahoma: Bedlam is ending. This is likely Oklahoma State’s last trip to Norman for the foreseeable future: “I think it’s [still there with] the fans. I mean, I’m not on it. You guys are. I think probably big in social media, probably big at the workplace down in Oklahoma City. People talk trash all week, but I just think the players live in a different world. They’re gonna practice hard. They want to compete. They want to win, don’t get me wrong, but I just don’t know that there’s the bitter rivalry anymore with young people. I mean, I do [beat in-state rival). It makes it easier during the year. Puts people in a good mood that wear orange.”

Neal Brown, West Virginia (4-6, 2-5) – The Mountaineers play host to Kansas State: With AD Shane Lyons forced out, Brown’s status is now even more murky. University President Gordon Gee: “We are supporting Coach Neal Brown and our team as we complete our season over the next few weeks,” Gee said. “We are aware there are some deficiencies, but we have not given up on the coach and the team, and they have not given up on each other. The evaluation of the football program will be the first task of our new athletic director and no changes will be made until that review has been completed.”

Chris Klieman, Kansas State (7-3, 5-2) – The Wildcats play at West Virginia: The Wildcats can wrap up the other berth in the Big 12 title game by winning one of their last two games against either the Mountaineers or Kansas. The growth of tight end Ben Sinnott reached a new level against Baylor with two TD receptions. “That was fun to watch. Kid from my hometown, he's getting better and I see him gaining confidence as the season has gone on. I saw a young inexperienced player the first three or four weeks of the season all sudden start to gain confidence probably around the Oklahoma game. When we started throwing him some seem balls and stuff. And then it's just continued to carry over. He's a really good athlete, and he attacks the football, but it's fun to watch him play with that kind of confidence.“

Joey McGuire, Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4) – The Red Raiders play at Iowa State: Although he received an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January, edge rusher Tyree Wilson’s foot injury will keep him out indefinitely. “We expect Tyree Wilson to be out, he’s still going under some more testing,” McGuire said. “With a guy that’s projected to be a top 10 pick, you’re going to double, triple check. He had x-rays Sunday and he’s getting another group today.”

Matt Campbell, Iowa State (4-6, 1-6) – The Cyclones play host to Texas Tech: With five more turnovers in the 20-14 loss at Oklahoma State, Iowa State is -5 in the turnover ratio in the conference. They face the second-worst turnover ratio team in the league in Texas Tech (-6) Saturday. ISU must win its last two against the Red Raiders and at TCU to become bowl eligible. "Our inability to take care of the football cost us a football game today, and that's hard because you see the attitude, the effort, the investment, the fight of our kids," Campbell said.

Steve Sarkisian, Texas (6-4, 4-3) – The Longhorns play at Kansas: Texas second half issues stand out. It has been outscored 81-46 in the fourth and 48-9 in the second half – no touchdowns all field goals – of its last three games. But his players are sticking with him. “I haven’t lost any faith or belief in Sark,” RB Bijan Robinson said. “We trust in Coach Sark’s calls,” QB Quinn Ewers said. “Always gonna have faith in his calls. So, it’s whatever he wants to do.”

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Dave Aranda met with the media to review Kansas State and to look forward to TCU. No really significant injuries to update other than Taye McWilliams (concussion) continues to remain out.

Opening Statement
So disappointed in the film we watched and the game that we played. There’s so much to learn from, and so much that needs to be improved, so looking forward to doing that. So appreciative of the fans that showed up. I recognized throughout the week the campaign that our athletics program went through to try to get people there. For people to be there when maybe the weather conditions were not ideal, that just means a lot. It’s frustrating and disappointing to not give them a game to be excited about. When I think of all that, I just think of all the great things that are happening here. I know there’s a big game this weekend after our game at the Ferrell Center, there’s just a lot of positive things happening, and to be kind of be carried like that I think is special.

A lot of respect for our opponent. I’ve known Coach Dykes for a long time. I was a grad assistant on a staff with him a long time ago. Just how he treats people and how his mind works with offense is something I admire and respect. His team is playing at a really high level. It’s going to take our best, so we’re excited to get to work for all that.

(What do Max Duggan and Kendre Miller bring to TCU’s offense) I think they’re playing with confidence, they’re playing with belief. I think there’s multiple times that they’re down but they’re never out. They have the ability to quick strike. Their big plays I want to say are tops in the country. That ability to flex like that adds to that confidence for sure. I think their ability to run the ball helps them throw it. They get to really spread sets to where you have to make a choice in how you’re going to play your 11, and if they’re all in there to stop the run then there’s one-on-ones on the outside. And if they’re not all in there, their run game kind of comes alive. The challenges are real and I think each game they’ve risen to the occasion and risen to a new level. So what a great challenge we have.

(Watching bad K-State film) It’s part of it, the idea we can grow from this and we can get better from this. Here’s the good things we did and how we were limited in this particular game, and here’s why we did it, I think is what’s important, and here’s what went into it. So we’ll show an example of a drill, we’ll show an example of a play in practice, and that same play in the game, and here it is. When it’s all lined up like that, here’s what you want. The things that don’t work out well, here’s the drill, here’s the play in a practice, and here it is not being executed in a game. So we get to the why, and that’s when you’re really trying to get better when you can get to that piece of it, so there’s a fair amount of that going on today.

(What areas do you need to improve) Defensively, it’s dealing with adversity. I think that has been a pretty consistent issue throughout the season. I think when we face teams that play with a discipline and an execution that is of a high standard, we fail to keep up with that standard. It compounds because I’m going to press and try to do this. You’re going to make something up and try to do that, and it all trickles down to everything to everybody else. So that happened again on Saturday, and that’s unfortunate because Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, it’s happened multiple times. And I think to get to the bottom of it, we need to build a cohesiveness and a trust that we’re still working really hard to do. I’m not giving up on that. I think offensively, a lot of momentum in that first drive, I felt good about it. I think the turnover stunted that, and I think there’s some negative plays that we took, and we got that into our head. In the past that hasn’t been an issue. We had been able to battle and push through that, and we couldn’t in this game and we just got bogged down with some of the same issues like pressing and I’m going to fix it all myself on this particular play. I think the cohesiveness again, the trust again, and showing that hey this is when we at our best, look how everybody is doing their 1/11th. This is when we are not at our best, and we’ve got nine guys doing this and two guys doing something else. I think that’s going to be our road map here.

(Josh Cameron) I think Josh has got a great heart, I think he’s a hard worker. I think his practice loads throughout the week are sometimes the highest on the team. I think the energy he expels, the effort that he gives are some of the highest on the team. Whether it’s offensively or team-wise, a lot is asked of him. The violent nature that he plays, and the almost reckless abandon that he’s right on the edge of when he’s blocking, and if it’s press coverage, if he’s bodied up by someone, he’ll play with that type of reckless abandon. I that’s all an edge to him and a unique style to him. For that confidence in him to grow and for us to realize that hey this is his game, this is what he does well, let’s find more opportunities for him to do what he does, I think all that is happening, and it’s cool to see.

(Seniors) I just have a lot of respect for our seniors. They’ve seen a lot, they’ve been through a fair amount, and for this to be the last one at home, it’s crazy how fast time goes. I think those are two (Doyle and Ika) particularly good ones to speak of. Apu with the growth he has undertaken, he has been a captain in how many games this year, and just his leadership and ability to speak up and tell the truth when it matters, and kind of really work to be the standard and to embrace it’s bigger than football, that off the field drives the on the field. That growth in him is just way cool to see. It’s taken a little bit of time but it’s good to see it when it’s kind of coming to fruition. When a dude’s doing that, you want to do everything you can to help them finish it off the way that it should.

And then you look at Dillon, just always thinking of others, always trying to help, always giving. So, it's a good group. I think the closer we get to that, the more it'll become real for all of them. It’s a special time for them, for sure.

(Blake had a tough game, does the staff still have full confidence in him) Yeah, full confidence in him. I think there was probably some pressing by him. I think his footwork probably illustrated some of that. I think in the past, where he’d step into throws and be real confident with all of it, I think there was a pressing and a pressure in everything that he was fighting. So, to get back to where there’s a really strong confidence and command in all of it, like he’s done for us a lot this year, I think gives us the best chance to be the best offense we can be. And then for him to be the best that he can be. On the positive side of it, I thought he did really well running the ball when he needed to. I think that’s kind of been a thing this year, whether it’s a slide or whether it’s ball security and all that. I thought he was real decisive in those instances where he had to run the ball and fight for yards and do all that. So, there’s a progression there. It’s good to see him take it on.

(On the offense pressing because of the limited possessions) I think so. I think there was. What did we have, one possession in the first quarter, I want to say. So, I think that was. And then, when a team is executing at a really high level, you feel that. Because you’re right there. You’re going to fire out and do all your stuff, and they’re still right there. And then you’re going to come out even harder the next time and do all this other stuff, and they’re still right there, again. So, I think that’s an area of growth for us, is the ability to stick with it and take those punches, so to speak. And I think it’s one of the things that TCU, by the way, does really, really well. How many games have they been down and kind of come back? Their ability to take a punch, I think, is probably the best thing they do. And that's the thing that we have to most improve on. But I think the first quarter, particularly, added to some of the pressing.

(What’s clicked for TCU to improve so quickly) I think confidence in their big-play ability. I think their offensive structure and the amount of just vertical routes, so receivers getting down the field, going vertical, they’re more vertical routes than really any team that we’ve played. They are trying to take the top off, really, every time they’ve got the ball. And I think that, then, leads to the big plays and the points on the board and all that. We just talked about their ability to take a punch, they fully know that they can knock a guy out at any time with those big plays. So, I think that gives them confidence. And that screams off the tape when you watch them.

(Being motivated by that loss to them late last year in Fort Worth) I would look at it more as, what a great opportunity we have with this particular game and the environment that’s going to be around on Saturday and the platform that we have and this last week was not us. We can be us. There’s always something about a team’s rise, but you learn more about a team with their response. So, I think that’s an opportunity for us that we have to take advantage of.

(What do you see in receiver Quentin Johnston) He’s a great player. I think length, speed, ball skills. He’s someone you have to know where he’s at. If they see single coverage, they’re going to test it. He has the ability to change a game. I think he’s one of the better receivers in our league.

(On younger players getting some momentum from the next couple games going into the rest of their careers) I think it means a lot. There’s been some moments that they’re having to learn and grow and execute under the lights. And sometimes, those moments are too big. So then, to use that as a learning experience and to point out the good in all of it, even in the midst of the negativity of a loss. Or, this play didn’t work, but here’s the thing that you did right. Here’s what we can build on it. I think so much of it is that, they’re feeling the pressure of the bright lights, let’s say. I think there’s going to be some bright lights here at the end of our season. So, for them to kind of grow in that space. Another way to answer that question is that at every level, there’s learning. I’m a young player, and coach has put something on a meeting and now I’m going to a walk-through, and I have to remember what he said. And I have to execute in the walk-through. That’s something. The coaches went over this new play. And there’s a technique that’s involved with it. Now, I’m in individual period, and I have to execute that technique in the walk-through, and I’ve got to do it right now. That’s something. For a play that was just put in, and now I’m going to execute it in a team period versus our No. 2 defense, and they’re coming full speed. That’s something. And then, in a game, when it matters, under the lights, to do something. Obviously, that’s really something. All of those are levels that you have to go through. And we sure would love for them to be like that. And so often, they’re kind of like that. So, to kind of stick with it, to keep learning and keep getting better in the midst of it all, there’s a great opportunity for that.

(Is TCU’s defense similar to what it was under Gary Patterson, or is it different) It’s different. A lot of respect for their staff. At Tulsa, they gave a lot of people problems. There are a lot of people on two feet that are near the football, and they play fast. At Tulsa, they played a lot more zone. They’re playing a lot more man now. There’s changeups with pressures. They are able to hit the line of scrimmages really hard and attack the run, and violent in all of that. I think they’ve given a lot of people trouble in terms of getting their running game going. And I think that’s where it starts is for us to run it on them. And then for us to stop their run. I think they’re one of the better ones in our league. Defensively, they’re fun to watch, because they fly around, they play aggressive.

(On Scott Drew going for his 400th win, what’s your relationship with him and how special is the program that he’s built) It’s very special. I have a lot of respect for him. His energy in everything, at times, just makes me tired. So tired, just seeing all of his energy. I think he’s way special, way unique, and I’m blessed to be at a place that has him and to see him work and everything. I’m happy for him.

Just terrible news. Police are looking for a former player with the program who is considered a suspect.

There are reports that LB D'Sean Perry, WR Lavel Davis and WR Devin Chandler, a Wisconsin transfer, were killed.

Story Link

He is now in custody...

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By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
OMD was another one of those English New Wave Electronic Bands who crossed the pond in the 1980s and found their niche into American pop music culture.

Their official name is Orchestra Maneuvers in the Dark. Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys founded them in 1978. Most might remember them for their signature hit “If you leave’’ from the 1986 Brat Pack film Pretty in Pink.

But by this time, you know the RJB will never play to the traditional on a group unless you want to refer to the previous weeks where it pulled out some of the signature songs from the 1980s.

Well, anyway, the RBJ is partial to this one that was also released in 1986. It had a solid chart performance. It reached No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard. When you click to open it, you’ll likely react, “Oh yeah. I remember this. Hadn’t heard this for the longest time.’’

That’s why it’s called the RBJ!

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*****
While Saturday night at McLane Stadium was a disaster, it’s probably best as the Baylor faithful and take a page from a football team’s way of doing business and apply the 24-hour rule.

You know the one where you have 24 hours to celebrate or to pout about the outcome and move on to the next one. The Baylor community really needs to do that after Kansas State 31, Baylor 3. There isn’t one thing that you can point to and believe this team can carry forward into the next one.

We’ve dissected how it all came apart and that’s Baylor’s hopes of repeating as Big 12 champions is essentially over.

Technically, I jumped the gun following the game. There are some crazy scenarios where Baylor is technically still alive in the Big 12 championship game race. The Bears need to win out against TCU and at Texas and need a lot of help for Dec. 3 to happen.

But that’s not important right now. What’s important is that this team deep six the KSU performance and move on to rivalry week and the 118th meeting with No. 4 TCU.

If there is a positive that can come from a game like Kansas State is that from blowouts, you typically can mentally and emotionally bounce back from them quicker than you can from the nailbiter losses.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to win. Still, chances are you’re going to play better.

Baylor must treat TCU Saturday like TCU treated Baylor last year. The Bears went into a bizarre environment where the wounded Horned Frogs had just fired Gary Patterson and were trying to just finish the season. It just so happened that the archrival came to Fort Worth and they managed pick off the Bears.

A year later, it’s the Bears who are the wounded team and face the Horned Frogs who have all of the momentum. TCU comes to Waco. Could Baylor play spoiler and knock TCU from college football playoff race?

Well, recent history hasn’t been kind to the Bears in this series. TCU has won six of the last seven meetings. But 2021 shouldn’t impact 2022.

Linebacker Dillon Doyle talked in the postgame presser that football is way more than holding trophies at the end of the season. Well, if that’s how he feels, he better hope that about 100 other guys feel the same way and how they want to finish this season.

I go back to something that Baylor head coach Dave Aranda said a couple of weeks ago when he mentioned the complacency on this team was a concern. The drive to keep pushing wasn’t there.

This is what he said the Saturday before West Virginia:

“Underneath all the schemes and techniques, I think there is a level of immaturity or just youth that we’re really working on growing. With the vets, there’s some complacency that we’re working on getting rid of and waking up from.”

Aranda went on to say that he believed that was a good week to work on that. Well, I’m not sure that’s really happened. Even in the three-game winning streak, it was good to win but it wasn’t at an elite level that Baylor played at last year.

The tone and the culture are established during the offseason and spring football. It’s constantly evaluated and addressed. But you can’t snap your fingers, and everyone flips. It doesn’t work that way.

It’s just something that evolves. Within a month or so, the players would have picked up on if this is where it needed to be or if it isn’t.

Forget the sound bytes from Saturday or what will be said by Aranda on Monday and then Tuesday when the selected players meet with the media.

The actions will tell you more. By noon Saturday – the game kicks at 11:00 a.m. - you will know if this team is engaged to play or not. Baylor’s in a position where it can finish between 6-6 and 8-4. Saturday is important for Baylor for its future when playing for a trophy isn’t the goal. This game has to matter beyond the rivalry.

That’s why we should recognize that this season is a reminder of how hard it is to create a standard and keep it year after year. I talked about it earlier this season to appreciate Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson year after year because of what they have established within their programs.

For example, look at Alabama’s come-from-behind 30-24 win at Ole Miss on Saturday. The Tide won’t be playing in the playoffs this year or the SEC championship game. But that doesn’t mean the season should be written off. Titles are the goal. A stable infrastructure leads to that almost every year.

Nick Saban said this after the win: “They have a lot of pride in what the stand of playing (at) Alabama is. They were challenged to play to that standard, to take it personally, to understand they’re responsible for the identity that they create by how they play on the field.’’

That’s exactly what Aranda and so many coaches across the country are trying to establish.

Never take it for granted.

*****
Now, a look at other Baylor sports…

>The Baylor cross country team wrapped up the 2022 season at the NCAA South Central Regional on Friday morning. As a team, the women finished eighth in their 6k race, while the men finished seventh in their 10k. All eyes turn back to the track as the Bears make their 2023 indoor season debut at Texas Tech's Corky Classic, Jan. 13-14.

>The No. 10-ranked Baylor volleyball team fell on Saturday afternoon to TCU, 3-1, in Schollmaier Arena. The Bears (21-5, 10-3 Big 12 Conference) were overtaken by the Horned Frogs (13-10, 8-5 Big 12) in four sets, 25-23, 25-27, 25-20, 25-10. The Bears return home to the Ferrell Center to face Iowa State on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. match.

>No. 8 Baylor equestrian (1-4, 1-1) fell to No. 1 SMU (2-0, 0-0) on Nov. 4 at the Dallas Equestrian Center by a final of 13-6. The Bears rode strong in the first half, thanks in part to a 3-2 event win in Fences, and were tied with the Mustangs heading into the halftime break at 5-5. However, SMU made use of an 8-1 second half to pull away and hold off BU.

No. 8 Baylor (1-4, 1-1) rounds out its fall slate by hosting Fresno State (0-3, 0-1) on Friday, Nov. 18, in Waco. First ride is set for 12 p.m.





Let’s make it a great week!

So I have been thinking about what I'm most disappointed in as the season winds down.
I'll start with players. Christian Morgan has been awful. From penalties, to lack of effort, total waste of being on the field.
Offensive line. They have shown flashes, but no consistency.
Receivers just no one stepping up all season. A few have had good games, but then nothing, but that leads me to
Blake Shapen Not sure what happened. He showed the arm last year. So is it no seperation by receivers? But he consistently over throws over the middle, leading to interceptions. Is he forcing it because no one is open and blocking is collapsing? Its why I would have loved to have seen Kyrone. Does he find open receivers? But alas, they seem to be sticking with Shapen until the end.
lets hope Novastad stays with us. I understand TCU is making a push Could you blame him for listening?
Apu Is he really worth the hype. He has underperformed along with any others on the pass rush department.
now for the coaches Grimes is maybe on par with Jimbo Fisher in play calling. I watch so many games and really love the plays others come up with. Can he not watch and use a few of others plays. His do not work Whether execution or design, nothing to make the other teams fear us.
we are easy to figure out.
and we allow so many third down and longs Thats on coaches and players
A lot of other areas need help But those are my immediate thoughts

Texas usually plays this game at 11 am the day after Thanksgiving. Really no surprise.

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