By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Recruiting Notables
>It’s been a tough go for Baylor 2022 DT commit Tre Emory from Mount Pleasant. Back in the spring he was diagnosed with an illness that impacted his nervous system. It kept him off the field for quite some time and lasted all the way through the early part of the season where he missed the first couple of games.
However, Emory was cleared to play last week against Texarkana Texas. He only lasted four snaps before he suffered a dislocated shoulder. His status for Friday against Whitehouse is questionable.
“It’s been tough for sure,’’ Emory said. “But I’m doing what I can. Hopefully, I’ll be ready for Friday.’’
>This probably won’t come to pass. However, a couple of days after committing to Kentucky on Sept. 13, Gulf Coast (MS) Community College defensive back DeCarlos Nicholson said he is still talking to Baylor and may still want to take an official visit.
“I’m still talking to [defensive backs coach Kevin] Curtis once a week,’’ Nicholson said. “I really do want to go see them.
Nicholson camped at Baylor on June 12.
Arnold talks recruitment
Recently, Rivals Sam Spiegelman caught up with Denton Guyer 2024 QB Jackson Arnold and talked to him about his recruitment. This was before Baylor extended an offer last week.
DENTON, Texas -- Jackson Arnold is developing a reputation as a big-game quarterback very quickly this September. The Class of 2023 signal-caller that stepped in for an injured Eli Stowers as a freshman in the state championship game in 2019 is four games into his junior season, his first as Denton (Texas) Guyer's starter. So far, he's lifted his team to a 4-0 record with signature victories over crosstown rival and defending Class 5A state champion Ryan and recently over Houston-area power Atascocita, which entered last Friday night's contest at North Texas' Apogee Stadium with a 3-0 record as well.
"It's not much pressure," the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder told Rivals after leading Guyer to victory. "Thinking back to state, that was a lot of pressure. Since then, it helps me to calm my nerves and helps me settle into games quicker."
Since September arrived, Arnold has heard frequently from TCU, Ole Miss, Penn State and Notre Dame. He has visits scheduled back to TCU, Notre Dame and Ole Miss this fall and noted James Franklin as one of two head coaches heavily involved in his recruitment.
On his team's success in big games early on this season: "We know we have to play at the highest level. Coming off the big Ryan win, against Lake Ridge, we played down to our opponent. We know what's at stake, so we got after it in practice and we showed Texas what we can do."
On Sept. 1: "My phone was blowing up. I got about 50 DMs and I wasn't expecting that. It's crazy because it was all right at midnight."
On which teams made an impression: "The ones who did best were schools like Ole Miss and TCU, and ones who stood out were the coaches who texted me first and that was Coach (James) Franklin at Penn State and Coach (Lane) Kiffin at Ole Miss."
On Penn State: "It was awesome. He said something for sure that ended in 'We Are' and shows what I meant to the coaches over there and how they're going after me and recruiting me, and it makes me feel like a priority."
On Ole Miss: "It was awesome. I've been talking to Coach Kiffin since the summer and I was up at Ole Miss for a visit. I've been talking with him and Coach (Jeff) Lebby and they're great people and it means the world to me that they're recruiting me and trying to get me on-board."
On TCU: "I'm in constant communication with them. I visited them twice this summer and I have a good connection with Coach (Kenny) Hill and Coach (Bryan) Applewhite. We've established a great connection."
On Notre Dame: "I visited Notre Dame over the summer and loved the campus up there. It's really cool and architecturally, that was a really cool aspect to me. The facilities there are really nice and I made a great connection with Coach (Tommy) Reese. I'm gonna be going back up there for a game and can't wait."
Basketball OV
Q&A: Issac Power
The Baylor junior punter met with the media earlier in the week to discuss his impactful performance against Iowa State and moving forward.
(Averaging 54.5 per punt) It doesn’t hurt to see that on the stat sheet. But it felt really good out there on Saturday. I really appreciate all my guys on the team really covering for me and helping me out, because I hit it a little too far a few times out there, but they got down the field and really helped me, especially the flyers and the gunners.
(Just connecting really well) It’s funny, because in warm-ups, I wasn’t having such a good time and everything was not going the right way for me. So, I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got to ground myself.’ I don’t know, I just kind of relaxed and fell into myself and everything worked out pretty good in the end. I felt like I was just out there playing. Nothing more to it.
(Working on technique-wise) A big problem is I put a lot of pressure on myself. So, Coach Aranda has been having the learning specialists and the psychologists come talk to us in our meetings and what-not. So, I never realized – this is going to sound bad – but I didn’t realize how bad mentally I was with my punting and what-not. So, I always expected high standards. But, something they taught us that stuck with me is you cherish the victories, no matter what they are, high and small. So, I felt like I went out there, and in my head, I said, ‘Just punt it.’ That alleviated so much pressure for me, and I just felt like I wasn’t even trying and I was just out there cherishing any kind of victory I’d get.
(In your head, thinking about it too much, putting too much pressure on yourself) Exactly. I felt like if I couldn’t hit the best ball you’ve ever seen, then I wasn’t doing myself justice or the team justice. But, it’s kind of funny how you tell yourself not to think that, and then you don’t think that, and you end up doing very well on Saturday. So, it’s funny in that sense. But, I am just really glad that my mindset is a lot better now.
(Feels good when you’re punting like that and pinning the opponent down) Yeah, it does feel really good. You can see on the clip, I started jumping around a little bit. And it’s funny, because my roommate, Connor Galvan, our left tackle, saw me on the field, he starts flexing at me. And then we jump in the air and give other a little chest bump. I know some specialists and punters like to stay even-keel and not show too much emotion, but I let that all show and let everything fly and let everything go.
(On holding this year, too) Me and Isaiah Hankins, a lefty, have spent a lot of time together. We’ve been trying to get to know one another because it’s all about chemistry out there. But, the hardest thing for me was in the summer, we’re training for these righty kickers. We have all these righty kickers going. So, I’m just going righty, righty, righty. And Isaiah comes in, and he gets the job, and then it’s like, ‘OK, now everything you do, do it backwards.’ So, it took me a couple weeks to learn how to hold backwards, because you’re spinning the ball backwards and you’re catching with the opposite hand, you’re holding with the opposite hand. But, once I got it down, now it’s the same as it would be for a righty. But, that’s one of the hardest things I did this summer is learn how to hold for a lefty.
(Just having another job) Yeah, instead of thinking you’re going out there for a punt, you’re going out there to hold for a field goal. I don’t know, it just feels a little bit less to me. But, I have a lot of fun with it, and I’m glad Isaiah has the personality to have fun with it with me. We just kind of enjoy each other and just have fun with it. So, it doesn’t feel as much of a job as just having fun on the field.
(How did you settle into being a punter) When I was growing up in Colorado, where I’m from, I was starting high school football as a freshman, obviously. I had played soccer my whole life, and my dad told me, ‘OK, you played soccer, now you’re going to play football.’ So, I was like, ‘All right, here we go.’ I get out there, and the whole freshman team is there, and the Coach asks, ‘OK, who wants to be the kicker?’ Of course, no one raises their hand because no one wants to be like, ‘Yeah, I’ll be the kicker.’ So then, Coach goes, ‘All right, who’s played soccer?’ Lo and behold, I raise my hand. I look around and no one else is raising their hands. So, I guess I’m the guy. And I guess if it wasn’t for me raising my hand that day, I wouldn’t be here right now, which is crazy to think about. But, I don’t know, it just kind of came naturally. I guess that happens for kickers and punters that have been playing soccer your whole life.
(Has Saturday soaked, getting that win and playing such a big role in it) Back to the mindset, you tried not to think about, ‘Oh, I did so well. I did amazing!’ You want to cherish the victory, but focus on what’s coming next. I relish in the victory, I cherish it, but we have OK State now.
(Kicking at sea level compared to altitude) Yeah, it does go farther. So, when I was getting recruited coming out of high school, that was definitely a factor, like, ‘Oh, you’re just in Colorado doing this. You’re not here in Texas.’ I’m like, ‘OK.’ It was kind of like a motivator for me, like, ‘OK, watch what I do here, let me show you what’s going on.’ So, I guess I carry that with a chip on my shoulder, so to speak going forward.
(Did you have a kicking coach) I do, his name is Craig Powers, it’s my dad. I didn’t do the traditional route, kicking-wise. So, my dad and I, we didn’t find an actual kicking coach until my senior year of high school. I learned how to kick through YouTube. I guess that’s what makes me more of a traditional guy. I do a lot of things a little bit different, just because that’s how it came to be. So, a lot of guys around college that I had watched who I go up against now on Saturdays, I’m like, ‘Hey, I watched you on YouTube. I do this because of you on YouTube. It’s kind of funny to think that that’s how everything came to be.
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports releases its power rankings on the 10 members in the league. This is subject to change weekly
1. Oklahoma – Fans calling for Rattler to be benched
2. Oklahoma State – No style points but 4-0
3. Texas – What to make of this 3-1 start
4. Baylor – Passed major Iowa State hurdle
5. West Virginia – Opportunity missed at Oklahoma
6. Iowa State – One of the major disappointments of CFB
7. Kansas State – QB situation up in the air for OU
8. TCU – Gary Patterson is being…well…Gary Patterson
9. Texas Tech – Oregon QB transfer Shough (collarbone) out until November
10. Kansas – Allowed 49, 45 and 52 points last three games
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the Big 12 games for the upcoming weekend. All times are central. All games are on Saturday. Rankings are from the AP and Coaches poll. Games are in the order of when kick off. TV is listed.
Texas (3-1, 1-0) at TCU (2-1, 0-0); 11:00 a.m., Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (ABC)
Series: Texas leads, 63-27-1
Notable: Was TCU’s dreadful defensive performance against SMU – 595 yards - a one-off or a sign of things to come. Texas is coming in after scoring 70 points against Texas Tech and features RB Bijon Robinson who has rushed for 456 yards so far. TCU has won seven of the last nine meetings in this series.
No. 6/4 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0) at Kansas State (3-1, 0-1); 2:30 p.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS (FOX)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 73-21-4
Notable: For the past two weeks, the Sooners have had record low point totals under Lincoln Riley (23, 16) but still found a way to win. However, Spencer Rattler has thrown for 1,017 yards but also three interceptions. KSU is hoping that QB Skylar Thompson is available for this one. QB play has been an issue for the last two weeks.
Texas Tech (3-1, 0-1) at West Virginia (2-2,0-1); 2:30 p.m., Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV (ESPN2)
Series: West Virginia leads, 6-4
Notable: Henri Colombi is the new QB for the Red Raiders after starter Tyler Shough suffered a broken collarbone. There’s nearly a 100 yard difference in total difference between these two. Wes Virginia is allowing 364. Tech is allowing 461.
No. 21/24 Baylor (4-0, 1-0) at No. 18/19 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0); 6:00 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK (ESPN2)
Series: Oklahoma State leads, 21-18
Notable: Baylor survived last week against Iowa State despite being held to 70 yards of offense in the second half. Now, they go on the road where the Cowboys allow just 87 rushing yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry. However, Oklahoma State running backs are averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Kansas (1-3, 0-1) at Iowa State (2-2, 0-1); 6:00 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FS1)
Series: Kansas leads, 50-44-6
Notable: This is most likely a bounce back for the Cyclones who simply didn’t play to their potential last week in Waco. Running back Breece Hall is second in the league in rushing at 107 yards per game. Kansas opponents have reached the Jayhawks’ red zone 16 times in 2021 and have scored on all of those opportunities including 15 touchdowns.
Publisher
Recruiting Notables
>It’s been a tough go for Baylor 2022 DT commit Tre Emory from Mount Pleasant. Back in the spring he was diagnosed with an illness that impacted his nervous system. It kept him off the field for quite some time and lasted all the way through the early part of the season where he missed the first couple of games.
However, Emory was cleared to play last week against Texarkana Texas. He only lasted four snaps before he suffered a dislocated shoulder. His status for Friday against Whitehouse is questionable.
“It’s been tough for sure,’’ Emory said. “But I’m doing what I can. Hopefully, I’ll be ready for Friday.’’
>This probably won’t come to pass. However, a couple of days after committing to Kentucky on Sept. 13, Gulf Coast (MS) Community College defensive back DeCarlos Nicholson said he is still talking to Baylor and may still want to take an official visit.
“I’m still talking to [defensive backs coach Kevin] Curtis once a week,’’ Nicholson said. “I really do want to go see them.
Nicholson camped at Baylor on June 12.
Arnold talks recruitment
Recently, Rivals Sam Spiegelman caught up with Denton Guyer 2024 QB Jackson Arnold and talked to him about his recruitment. This was before Baylor extended an offer last week.
DENTON, Texas -- Jackson Arnold is developing a reputation as a big-game quarterback very quickly this September. The Class of 2023 signal-caller that stepped in for an injured Eli Stowers as a freshman in the state championship game in 2019 is four games into his junior season, his first as Denton (Texas) Guyer's starter. So far, he's lifted his team to a 4-0 record with signature victories over crosstown rival and defending Class 5A state champion Ryan and recently over Houston-area power Atascocita, which entered last Friday night's contest at North Texas' Apogee Stadium with a 3-0 record as well.
"It's not much pressure," the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder told Rivals after leading Guyer to victory. "Thinking back to state, that was a lot of pressure. Since then, it helps me to calm my nerves and helps me settle into games quicker."
Since September arrived, Arnold has heard frequently from TCU, Ole Miss, Penn State and Notre Dame. He has visits scheduled back to TCU, Notre Dame and Ole Miss this fall and noted James Franklin as one of two head coaches heavily involved in his recruitment.
On his team's success in big games early on this season: "We know we have to play at the highest level. Coming off the big Ryan win, against Lake Ridge, we played down to our opponent. We know what's at stake, so we got after it in practice and we showed Texas what we can do."
On Sept. 1: "My phone was blowing up. I got about 50 DMs and I wasn't expecting that. It's crazy because it was all right at midnight."
On which teams made an impression: "The ones who did best were schools like Ole Miss and TCU, and ones who stood out were the coaches who texted me first and that was Coach (James) Franklin at Penn State and Coach (Lane) Kiffin at Ole Miss."
On Penn State: "It was awesome. He said something for sure that ended in 'We Are' and shows what I meant to the coaches over there and how they're going after me and recruiting me, and it makes me feel like a priority."
On Ole Miss: "It was awesome. I've been talking to Coach Kiffin since the summer and I was up at Ole Miss for a visit. I've been talking with him and Coach (Jeff) Lebby and they're great people and it means the world to me that they're recruiting me and trying to get me on-board."
On TCU: "I'm in constant communication with them. I visited them twice this summer and I have a good connection with Coach (Kenny) Hill and Coach (Bryan) Applewhite. We've established a great connection."
On Notre Dame: "I visited Notre Dame over the summer and loved the campus up there. It's really cool and architecturally, that was a really cool aspect to me. The facilities there are really nice and I made a great connection with Coach (Tommy) Reese. I'm gonna be going back up there for a game and can't wait."
Basketball OV
Q&A: Issac Power
The Baylor junior punter met with the media earlier in the week to discuss his impactful performance against Iowa State and moving forward.
(Averaging 54.5 per punt) It doesn’t hurt to see that on the stat sheet. But it felt really good out there on Saturday. I really appreciate all my guys on the team really covering for me and helping me out, because I hit it a little too far a few times out there, but they got down the field and really helped me, especially the flyers and the gunners.
(Just connecting really well) It’s funny, because in warm-ups, I wasn’t having such a good time and everything was not going the right way for me. So, I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got to ground myself.’ I don’t know, I just kind of relaxed and fell into myself and everything worked out pretty good in the end. I felt like I was just out there playing. Nothing more to it.
(Working on technique-wise) A big problem is I put a lot of pressure on myself. So, Coach Aranda has been having the learning specialists and the psychologists come talk to us in our meetings and what-not. So, I never realized – this is going to sound bad – but I didn’t realize how bad mentally I was with my punting and what-not. So, I always expected high standards. But, something they taught us that stuck with me is you cherish the victories, no matter what they are, high and small. So, I felt like I went out there, and in my head, I said, ‘Just punt it.’ That alleviated so much pressure for me, and I just felt like I wasn’t even trying and I was just out there cherishing any kind of victory I’d get.
(In your head, thinking about it too much, putting too much pressure on yourself) Exactly. I felt like if I couldn’t hit the best ball you’ve ever seen, then I wasn’t doing myself justice or the team justice. But, it’s kind of funny how you tell yourself not to think that, and then you don’t think that, and you end up doing very well on Saturday. So, it’s funny in that sense. But, I am just really glad that my mindset is a lot better now.
(Feels good when you’re punting like that and pinning the opponent down) Yeah, it does feel really good. You can see on the clip, I started jumping around a little bit. And it’s funny, because my roommate, Connor Galvan, our left tackle, saw me on the field, he starts flexing at me. And then we jump in the air and give other a little chest bump. I know some specialists and punters like to stay even-keel and not show too much emotion, but I let that all show and let everything fly and let everything go.
(On holding this year, too) Me and Isaiah Hankins, a lefty, have spent a lot of time together. We’ve been trying to get to know one another because it’s all about chemistry out there. But, the hardest thing for me was in the summer, we’re training for these righty kickers. We have all these righty kickers going. So, I’m just going righty, righty, righty. And Isaiah comes in, and he gets the job, and then it’s like, ‘OK, now everything you do, do it backwards.’ So, it took me a couple weeks to learn how to hold backwards, because you’re spinning the ball backwards and you’re catching with the opposite hand, you’re holding with the opposite hand. But, once I got it down, now it’s the same as it would be for a righty. But, that’s one of the hardest things I did this summer is learn how to hold for a lefty.
(Just having another job) Yeah, instead of thinking you’re going out there for a punt, you’re going out there to hold for a field goal. I don’t know, it just feels a little bit less to me. But, I have a lot of fun with it, and I’m glad Isaiah has the personality to have fun with it with me. We just kind of enjoy each other and just have fun with it. So, it doesn’t feel as much of a job as just having fun on the field.
(How did you settle into being a punter) When I was growing up in Colorado, where I’m from, I was starting high school football as a freshman, obviously. I had played soccer my whole life, and my dad told me, ‘OK, you played soccer, now you’re going to play football.’ So, I was like, ‘All right, here we go.’ I get out there, and the whole freshman team is there, and the Coach asks, ‘OK, who wants to be the kicker?’ Of course, no one raises their hand because no one wants to be like, ‘Yeah, I’ll be the kicker.’ So then, Coach goes, ‘All right, who’s played soccer?’ Lo and behold, I raise my hand. I look around and no one else is raising their hands. So, I guess I’m the guy. And I guess if it wasn’t for me raising my hand that day, I wouldn’t be here right now, which is crazy to think about. But, I don’t know, it just kind of came naturally. I guess that happens for kickers and punters that have been playing soccer your whole life.
(Has Saturday soaked, getting that win and playing such a big role in it) Back to the mindset, you tried not to think about, ‘Oh, I did so well. I did amazing!’ You want to cherish the victory, but focus on what’s coming next. I relish in the victory, I cherish it, but we have OK State now.
(Kicking at sea level compared to altitude) Yeah, it does go farther. So, when I was getting recruited coming out of high school, that was definitely a factor, like, ‘Oh, you’re just in Colorado doing this. You’re not here in Texas.’ I’m like, ‘OK.’ It was kind of like a motivator for me, like, ‘OK, watch what I do here, let me show you what’s going on.’ So, I guess I carry that with a chip on my shoulder, so to speak going forward.
(Did you have a kicking coach) I do, his name is Craig Powers, it’s my dad. I didn’t do the traditional route, kicking-wise. So, my dad and I, we didn’t find an actual kicking coach until my senior year of high school. I learned how to kick through YouTube. I guess that’s what makes me more of a traditional guy. I do a lot of things a little bit different, just because that’s how it came to be. So, a lot of guys around college that I had watched who I go up against now on Saturdays, I’m like, ‘Hey, I watched you on YouTube. I do this because of you on YouTube. It’s kind of funny to think that that’s how everything came to be.
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports releases its power rankings on the 10 members in the league. This is subject to change weekly
1. Oklahoma – Fans calling for Rattler to be benched
2. Oklahoma State – No style points but 4-0
3. Texas – What to make of this 3-1 start
4. Baylor – Passed major Iowa State hurdle
5. West Virginia – Opportunity missed at Oklahoma
6. Iowa State – One of the major disappointments of CFB
7. Kansas State – QB situation up in the air for OU
8. TCU – Gary Patterson is being…well…Gary Patterson
9. Texas Tech – Oregon QB transfer Shough (collarbone) out until November
10. Kansas – Allowed 49, 45 and 52 points last three games
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the Big 12 games for the upcoming weekend. All times are central. All games are on Saturday. Rankings are from the AP and Coaches poll. Games are in the order of when kick off. TV is listed.
Texas (3-1, 1-0) at TCU (2-1, 0-0); 11:00 a.m., Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (ABC)
Series: Texas leads, 63-27-1
Notable: Was TCU’s dreadful defensive performance against SMU – 595 yards - a one-off or a sign of things to come. Texas is coming in after scoring 70 points against Texas Tech and features RB Bijon Robinson who has rushed for 456 yards so far. TCU has won seven of the last nine meetings in this series.
No. 6/4 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0) at Kansas State (3-1, 0-1); 2:30 p.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS (FOX)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 73-21-4
Notable: For the past two weeks, the Sooners have had record low point totals under Lincoln Riley (23, 16) but still found a way to win. However, Spencer Rattler has thrown for 1,017 yards but also three interceptions. KSU is hoping that QB Skylar Thompson is available for this one. QB play has been an issue for the last two weeks.
Texas Tech (3-1, 0-1) at West Virginia (2-2,0-1); 2:30 p.m., Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV (ESPN2)
Series: West Virginia leads, 6-4
Notable: Henri Colombi is the new QB for the Red Raiders after starter Tyler Shough suffered a broken collarbone. There’s nearly a 100 yard difference in total difference between these two. Wes Virginia is allowing 364. Tech is allowing 461.
No. 21/24 Baylor (4-0, 1-0) at No. 18/19 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0); 6:00 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK (ESPN2)
Series: Oklahoma State leads, 21-18
Notable: Baylor survived last week against Iowa State despite being held to 70 yards of offense in the second half. Now, they go on the road where the Cowboys allow just 87 rushing yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry. However, Oklahoma State running backs are averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Kansas (1-3, 0-1) at Iowa State (2-2, 0-1); 6:00 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FS1)
Series: Kansas leads, 50-44-6
Notable: This is most likely a bounce back for the Cyclones who simply didn’t play to their potential last week in Waco. Running back Breece Hall is second in the league in rushing at 107 yards per game. Kansas opponents have reached the Jayhawks’ red zone 16 times in 2021 and have scored on all of those opportunities including 15 touchdowns.
