Note: Because of my Aledo radio duties, Jake will taking over coverage of Friday's game against Buffalo. I will track the game but probably won't be able to offer much during the game. But that's why there are three of us covering this team.
Evaluations: Waco Midway vs. Mansfield Timberview
I had a chance to take in a great matchup at Mansfield's Vernon Newsom Stadium between Waco Midway and Mansfield Timberview, the No. 3 team in Class 5A. The Panthers held on to win, 41-34. But there were plenty of names that drew my interest with Baylor connections. So let's take them one by one.
Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (6-1, 178), 2015: Not an active night for Haughton overall. But you can tell when you see him in uniform he just looks like a safety. Lean and cut and pretty quick. On a couple of occasions, he delivered hits to Timberview wide receivers that would make them gun shy to come into the zone. There were times where he would line up over the slot. His back peddling is pretty crisp. I counted two pass breakups. He did get flagged for a horse collar tackle in the third quarter. On a 75-yard TD pass that came against the Midway DB, Haughton tried to but missed on a strip at the 10-yard line. Haughton is a safety who is good at run support and will make wide receivers think twice coming across the middle of the field. He still needs to be a little more sure of himself in pass coverage.
Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (6-2, 167), 2015: After 100-yard performances against Lake Travis and Mansfield, it was a pretty quiet night with one catch for 23 yards. He was targeted six times. But QB Ben Hicks led him a little too far on one that could have been a TD, overthrew him on a second (looked like a miscommunication), just missed him on another and Stricklin caught one well out of bounds. The last miss was on a drag rout where the Timberview DB made a nice play to knock the ball down. The 23-yard catch, though, was why Baylor likes him. Stricklin had the DB to his inside and fought for and won the ball. He got about eight more yards after the catch. He did face a lot of single coverage at the line of scrimmage with the safety over the top.
Eric Clayburn, RB, Waco Midway (6-0, 180), 2016: First time for me to see Clayburn and he was the show rushing for 291 yards and four touchdowns including a 39-yard run that sealed the win. Clayburn is pretty dependable between the tackles. And he doesn't mind laying a shoulder into you. He flattened a Timberview defender to the point where the Timberview trainers had to come out to the field to check on him. What Clayburn doesn't have is serious separation speed. It isn't poor. It could get better. But I couldn't foresee Baylor making a major push on him. I like him. He's going to play in college. Maybe a U-La Lafayette or North Texas. My guess is Baylor will continue to watch him.
Devin Williams, QB, Mansfield Timberview (5-9, 175), 2016: Against Midway, Williams was 17-31-1 273 1TD. There is no denying Williams' arm. He has a big one. It's also wildly inaccurate. His footwork is stable. But he also had some balance issues where he was lost where he was on the field. He had 10 carries for -11 yards because. See the previous sentence for why. His best ball was a 75-yard TD pass - the one Haughton tried to strip - to Jelani Selmon. The air was tight and Selmon ran under it, caught and did the rest. Williams also threw a strike on a slant pattern to Braylon Royal that covered 38 yards for a TD that brought Timberview to within 41-34. Good velocity on it. I keep thinking to myself if Williams was even 6-0 - the press box roster listed him at 5-11 which isn't even close - he might get some suitors. When he sends out the films of these three games (for the first three games 43-69-1 608 5TD), programs are going to see the live arm and then be frustrated by the height. Williams really wants to play Division I. And he can. It just won't be at quarterback. His speed and agility make him too valuable not look at the secondary. If this story sounds familiar, then it should. This was kind of the story involving Terrence Williams from Port Arthur Memorial. Now, he's in the Baylor secondary.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Pick to Click
SicEmSports continues this game-day feature, something we call the "Pick to Click". Based on Baylor's opponent, the individual matchups and the style of play, we pick one Baylor player that's in the best position to have a huge game. Today, we pick the Bear most likely to make an impact in Game 3 at Buffalo.
________________________________________
Player: #4 Xavien Howard, DB, So.
Questions surrounded the Baylor secondary coming into the 2014 season. It's really too early to tell if this secondary has the makings of being a shutdown type of unit. But it doesn't take long to understand the athleticism is far better than what has been through Waco in recent years. It's just inexperienced.
Howard's emergence as a starting cornerback had the preseason buildup of a cornerback who not only was talented but also pretty technically sound. Now, Baylor's secondary really hasn't been tested through the first two games against SMU and Northwestern State. However, when Howard has had to do something, it's been pretty impressive. He has interceptions in each of those games. He also has a pass breakup and three other passes defended.
For one, he turns his head at the right time - a sign that he looking into the receiver's eyes. Second, he's pretty physical and plays at a size (6-2, 200) that college coaches want in their DBs these days. When it comes to playing against the more athletic Big 12 receivers, Howard likely will get the toughest assignment.
Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata does have a pretty good arm throwing for 699 yards and eight touchdowns. He's also thrown three beyond 20 yards. Baylor's secondary remembers him from the 2013 meeting when he threw at deep TD pass on the Bulls' first series. But Licata has also thrown four interceptions.
The pick-to-click forecast: The thinking here is that Howard will get matched against Buffalo's Ron Willoughby (6-4, 199). He's the leading receiver with 15 receptions for 187 yards and two TDs. My belief is that whatever Willoughby catches will be underneath. There could be one long one. But Howard continues to ply his trade in becoming a shutdown corner.
Projection: 3 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 PD, 1 PBU
Game 2 projection (RB Johnny Jefferson)
Projection: 15 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception 14 yards
Actual: 20 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, no receptions
Game 1 projection (DE Jamal Palmer)
Projection: 8 tackles (3 solo), 1 QB sack, 2 QB hurries
Actual: 5 tackles (3 solo), 0.5 sack, 1 QB hurry
No. 7/8 Baylor (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
7:00 p.m. Friday
UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY
TV/Radio: ESPN/ESPN Central Texas/Sirius 91/XM91
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Baylor - QB Bryce Petty returns to action
2. Oklahoma - Defense isn't so much the concern; are there enough offensive playmakers?
3. Kansas State - Jake Waters leads a 15-point comeback in Ames
4. Oklahoma State - This is snake bitten QB U; J.W. Walsh out 6-8 weeks (foot/ankle)
5. West Virginia - Running game still not there; Pitt transfer Rushel Smith shows signs
6. Texas - It could get really ugly against UCLA Saturday in Arlington
7. TCU - Horned Frogs will dare Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner to make plays
8. Texas Tech - Red Raiders get a better sense of themselves against Arkansas
9. Iowa State - Once again, the Cyclones can't close out a late lead at home
10. Kansas - Jayhawks start fast but then have to hang on SE Missouri State. Really?
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Friday and Saturday's action. All times are central. Kansas State is off this week. It's a pretty big weekend for the conference with the Big 12 facing three Big 10 opponents, two SEC opponents, one ACC, and one Pac 12 opponent.
No. 7/8 Baylor (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
7:00 p.m. Friday, UB Stadium, Buffalo (ESPN)
The skinny: With the return of Baylor QB Bryce Petty, the main thing to watch is how his timing is for the receivers. The defense has allowed just six points through the first two games. The defensive line has owned the line of scrimmage.
West Virginia (1-1) at Maryland (2-0)
11:00 a.m. Saturday, Byrd Stadium, College Park, MD (Big Ten Network)
The skinny: This is the 51st renewal of this rivalry that began back in 1919. The Mountaineers lead the series, 26-22-2. However, the Terps embarrassed WVA in the 2013 meeting, 37-0. Maryland is in its debut season in the Big 10. WVA QB Clint Trickett is off to a pretty solid start, throwing 713 yards and three TDs.
Kansas (1-0) at Duke (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C. (ESPN gameplan)
The Skinny: An intriguing matchup. Kansas is on a 27-game road losing streak. There were encouraging signs from Jayhawk quarterback Montell Cozart who could help this offense look a little more flashy. The Blue Devils appear to have a chance to be a bowl team under David Cutcliffe.
Arkansas (1-1) at Texas Tech (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, AT&T Jones Stadium, Lubbock (ABC)
The Skinny: A great throwback SWC game between the Razorbacks and Red Raiders. Arkansas' defense has to find a way to pressure Tech QB Davis Webb. Tech's suspect defense has to figure out how physical it needs to be with a big Arkansas offensive line that features a great running game led by the speedster Alex Collins.
Iowa State (0-2) at Iowa (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA (ESPN)
The Skinny: The 62nd renewal of the Cy-Hawk Trophy game. Iowa leads the series, 40-21. ISU coach Paul Rhoads hopes his team has put last week's heartbreak against KSU behind them. Aaron Wimberly is a reliable RB. The Hawkeyes are about as unimpressive as you can find at 2-0. They squeaked by Northern Illinois and needed at late TD to avoid Ball State's upset bid.
Minnesota (2-0) at TCU (1-0)
3:00 p.m. Saturday, Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: Golden Gopher TB Trevor Cobb is a steady RB rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games. TCU QB Trevone Boykin got the start he was looking for in the new spread offense two weeks ago as he threw for 350 yards in the win over Samford. This could be low scoring as both defenses are very sound.
UT-San Antonio (1-1) at Oklahoma State (1-1)
6:00 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater OK (Fox Sports Oklahoma)
The Skinny: With QB Daxx Garman running the offense, it should be interesting how much the Cowboys passing game opens up. Tyreek Hill is a gifted offensive skill player averaging 9.1 yards per reception and 6.6 yards per rush. Larry Coker's Road Runners could be a bowl team this year.
Tennessee (2-0) at No. 3/4 Oklahoma (2-0)
7:00 p.m. Saturday, Gaylord Memorial Stadium, (ABC)
The Skinny: A primetime game that should show America where the Volunteers are on the national radar. The Sooners are hoping it won't be much of a showing. Senior QB Justin Worley has been pretty efficient in the wins over Utah State and Arkansas State. But there's a better test with the OU defense. However, DE Charles Walker (sprained knee) is expected to miss the game.
No. 12/12 UCLA (2-0) vs. Texas (1-1)
7:15 p.m. Saturday, AT&T Stadium, Arlington (FOX)
The skinny: The Bruins have been pretty underwhelming in their wins over Virginia and Memphis. This offense has been misfiring and there have been some protection issues with the offensive line. But junior quarterback Brett Hundley has a great feel for the game. Texas QB Tyrone Swoopes makes his second start. But who is he throwing it too? WR Jaxon Shipley is questionable with a hamstring issue.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the Notebook
>It will be a Baylor wide receiver reunion Sunday in Nashville as the Dallas Cowboys (Terrance Williams) play at Tennessee Titans (Kendall Wright). The game is at noon and will be shown on FOX.
>In case you didn't see it, freshman wide receiver K.D. Cannon is putting out some ridiculous stats. He's
averaging 35.3 yards per reception. Of his eight receptions, four are for touchdowns.
>Port Arthur Memorial RB Kameron Martin, Baylor's 2016 commit, rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the 17-14 win over Beaumont Central last Friday. He has rushed for 201 yards and 5TDs so far.
>In last week's 66-13 victory over Houston Yates, Navasota wide receiver Tren'Davian Dickson had four receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. Those came on throw of 53, 32 and 15 yards.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Evaluations: Waco Midway vs. Mansfield Timberview
I had a chance to take in a great matchup at Mansfield's Vernon Newsom Stadium between Waco Midway and Mansfield Timberview, the No. 3 team in Class 5A. The Panthers held on to win, 41-34. But there were plenty of names that drew my interest with Baylor connections. So let's take them one by one.
Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (6-1, 178), 2015: Not an active night for Haughton overall. But you can tell when you see him in uniform he just looks like a safety. Lean and cut and pretty quick. On a couple of occasions, he delivered hits to Timberview wide receivers that would make them gun shy to come into the zone. There were times where he would line up over the slot. His back peddling is pretty crisp. I counted two pass breakups. He did get flagged for a horse collar tackle in the third quarter. On a 75-yard TD pass that came against the Midway DB, Haughton tried to but missed on a strip at the 10-yard line. Haughton is a safety who is good at run support and will make wide receivers think twice coming across the middle of the field. He still needs to be a little more sure of himself in pass coverage.
Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (6-2, 167), 2015: After 100-yard performances against Lake Travis and Mansfield, it was a pretty quiet night with one catch for 23 yards. He was targeted six times. But QB Ben Hicks led him a little too far on one that could have been a TD, overthrew him on a second (looked like a miscommunication), just missed him on another and Stricklin caught one well out of bounds. The last miss was on a drag rout where the Timberview DB made a nice play to knock the ball down. The 23-yard catch, though, was why Baylor likes him. Stricklin had the DB to his inside and fought for and won the ball. He got about eight more yards after the catch. He did face a lot of single coverage at the line of scrimmage with the safety over the top.
Eric Clayburn, RB, Waco Midway (6-0, 180), 2016: First time for me to see Clayburn and he was the show rushing for 291 yards and four touchdowns including a 39-yard run that sealed the win. Clayburn is pretty dependable between the tackles. And he doesn't mind laying a shoulder into you. He flattened a Timberview defender to the point where the Timberview trainers had to come out to the field to check on him. What Clayburn doesn't have is serious separation speed. It isn't poor. It could get better. But I couldn't foresee Baylor making a major push on him. I like him. He's going to play in college. Maybe a U-La Lafayette or North Texas. My guess is Baylor will continue to watch him.
Devin Williams, QB, Mansfield Timberview (5-9, 175), 2016: Against Midway, Williams was 17-31-1 273 1TD. There is no denying Williams' arm. He has a big one. It's also wildly inaccurate. His footwork is stable. But he also had some balance issues where he was lost where he was on the field. He had 10 carries for -11 yards because. See the previous sentence for why. His best ball was a 75-yard TD pass - the one Haughton tried to strip - to Jelani Selmon. The air was tight and Selmon ran under it, caught and did the rest. Williams also threw a strike on a slant pattern to Braylon Royal that covered 38 yards for a TD that brought Timberview to within 41-34. Good velocity on it. I keep thinking to myself if Williams was even 6-0 - the press box roster listed him at 5-11 which isn't even close - he might get some suitors. When he sends out the films of these three games (for the first three games 43-69-1 608 5TD), programs are going to see the live arm and then be frustrated by the height. Williams really wants to play Division I. And he can. It just won't be at quarterback. His speed and agility make him too valuable not look at the secondary. If this story sounds familiar, then it should. This was kind of the story involving Terrence Williams from Port Arthur Memorial. Now, he's in the Baylor secondary.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Pick to Click
SicEmSports continues this game-day feature, something we call the "Pick to Click". Based on Baylor's opponent, the individual matchups and the style of play, we pick one Baylor player that's in the best position to have a huge game. Today, we pick the Bear most likely to make an impact in Game 3 at Buffalo.
________________________________________
Player: #4 Xavien Howard, DB, So.
Questions surrounded the Baylor secondary coming into the 2014 season. It's really too early to tell if this secondary has the makings of being a shutdown type of unit. But it doesn't take long to understand the athleticism is far better than what has been through Waco in recent years. It's just inexperienced.
Howard's emergence as a starting cornerback had the preseason buildup of a cornerback who not only was talented but also pretty technically sound. Now, Baylor's secondary really hasn't been tested through the first two games against SMU and Northwestern State. However, when Howard has had to do something, it's been pretty impressive. He has interceptions in each of those games. He also has a pass breakup and three other passes defended.
For one, he turns his head at the right time - a sign that he looking into the receiver's eyes. Second, he's pretty physical and plays at a size (6-2, 200) that college coaches want in their DBs these days. When it comes to playing against the more athletic Big 12 receivers, Howard likely will get the toughest assignment.
Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata does have a pretty good arm throwing for 699 yards and eight touchdowns. He's also thrown three beyond 20 yards. Baylor's secondary remembers him from the 2013 meeting when he threw at deep TD pass on the Bulls' first series. But Licata has also thrown four interceptions.
The pick-to-click forecast: The thinking here is that Howard will get matched against Buffalo's Ron Willoughby (6-4, 199). He's the leading receiver with 15 receptions for 187 yards and two TDs. My belief is that whatever Willoughby catches will be underneath. There could be one long one. But Howard continues to ply his trade in becoming a shutdown corner.
Projection: 3 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 PD, 1 PBU
Game 2 projection (RB Johnny Jefferson)
Projection: 15 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception 14 yards
Actual: 20 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, no receptions
Game 1 projection (DE Jamal Palmer)
Projection: 8 tackles (3 solo), 1 QB sack, 2 QB hurries
Actual: 5 tackles (3 solo), 0.5 sack, 1 QB hurry
No. 7/8 Baylor (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
7:00 p.m. Friday
UB Stadium, Buffalo, NY
TV/Radio: ESPN/ESPN Central Texas/Sirius 91/XM91
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Baylor - QB Bryce Petty returns to action
2. Oklahoma - Defense isn't so much the concern; are there enough offensive playmakers?
3. Kansas State - Jake Waters leads a 15-point comeback in Ames
4. Oklahoma State - This is snake bitten QB U; J.W. Walsh out 6-8 weeks (foot/ankle)
5. West Virginia - Running game still not there; Pitt transfer Rushel Smith shows signs
6. Texas - It could get really ugly against UCLA Saturday in Arlington
7. TCU - Horned Frogs will dare Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner to make plays
8. Texas Tech - Red Raiders get a better sense of themselves against Arkansas
9. Iowa State - Once again, the Cyclones can't close out a late lead at home
10. Kansas - Jayhawks start fast but then have to hang on SE Missouri State. Really?
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Friday and Saturday's action. All times are central. Kansas State is off this week. It's a pretty big weekend for the conference with the Big 12 facing three Big 10 opponents, two SEC opponents, one ACC, and one Pac 12 opponent.
No. 7/8 Baylor (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1)
7:00 p.m. Friday, UB Stadium, Buffalo (ESPN)
The skinny: With the return of Baylor QB Bryce Petty, the main thing to watch is how his timing is for the receivers. The defense has allowed just six points through the first two games. The defensive line has owned the line of scrimmage.
West Virginia (1-1) at Maryland (2-0)
11:00 a.m. Saturday, Byrd Stadium, College Park, MD (Big Ten Network)
The skinny: This is the 51st renewal of this rivalry that began back in 1919. The Mountaineers lead the series, 26-22-2. However, the Terps embarrassed WVA in the 2013 meeting, 37-0. Maryland is in its debut season in the Big 10. WVA QB Clint Trickett is off to a pretty solid start, throwing 713 yards and three TDs.
Kansas (1-0) at Duke (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C. (ESPN gameplan)
The Skinny: An intriguing matchup. Kansas is on a 27-game road losing streak. There were encouraging signs from Jayhawk quarterback Montell Cozart who could help this offense look a little more flashy. The Blue Devils appear to have a chance to be a bowl team under David Cutcliffe.
Arkansas (1-1) at Texas Tech (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, AT&T Jones Stadium, Lubbock (ABC)
The Skinny: A great throwback SWC game between the Razorbacks and Red Raiders. Arkansas' defense has to find a way to pressure Tech QB Davis Webb. Tech's suspect defense has to figure out how physical it needs to be with a big Arkansas offensive line that features a great running game led by the speedster Alex Collins.
Iowa State (0-2) at Iowa (2-0)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA (ESPN)
The Skinny: The 62nd renewal of the Cy-Hawk Trophy game. Iowa leads the series, 40-21. ISU coach Paul Rhoads hopes his team has put last week's heartbreak against KSU behind them. Aaron Wimberly is a reliable RB. The Hawkeyes are about as unimpressive as you can find at 2-0. They squeaked by Northern Illinois and needed at late TD to avoid Ball State's upset bid.
Minnesota (2-0) at TCU (1-0)
3:00 p.m. Saturday, Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: Golden Gopher TB Trevor Cobb is a steady RB rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the first two games. TCU QB Trevone Boykin got the start he was looking for in the new spread offense two weeks ago as he threw for 350 yards in the win over Samford. This could be low scoring as both defenses are very sound.
UT-San Antonio (1-1) at Oklahoma State (1-1)
6:00 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater OK (Fox Sports Oklahoma)
The Skinny: With QB Daxx Garman running the offense, it should be interesting how much the Cowboys passing game opens up. Tyreek Hill is a gifted offensive skill player averaging 9.1 yards per reception and 6.6 yards per rush. Larry Coker's Road Runners could be a bowl team this year.
Tennessee (2-0) at No. 3/4 Oklahoma (2-0)
7:00 p.m. Saturday, Gaylord Memorial Stadium, (ABC)
The Skinny: A primetime game that should show America where the Volunteers are on the national radar. The Sooners are hoping it won't be much of a showing. Senior QB Justin Worley has been pretty efficient in the wins over Utah State and Arkansas State. But there's a better test with the OU defense. However, DE Charles Walker (sprained knee) is expected to miss the game.
No. 12/12 UCLA (2-0) vs. Texas (1-1)
7:15 p.m. Saturday, AT&T Stadium, Arlington (FOX)
The skinny: The Bruins have been pretty underwhelming in their wins over Virginia and Memphis. This offense has been misfiring and there have been some protection issues with the offensive line. But junior quarterback Brett Hundley has a great feel for the game. Texas QB Tyrone Swoopes makes his second start. But who is he throwing it too? WR Jaxon Shipley is questionable with a hamstring issue.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the Notebook
>It will be a Baylor wide receiver reunion Sunday in Nashville as the Dallas Cowboys (Terrance Williams) play at Tennessee Titans (Kendall Wright). The game is at noon and will be shown on FOX.
>In case you didn't see it, freshman wide receiver K.D. Cannon is putting out some ridiculous stats. He's
averaging 35.3 yards per reception. Of his eight receptions, four are for touchdowns.
>Port Arthur Memorial RB Kameron Martin, Baylor's 2016 commit, rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the 17-14 win over Beaumont Central last Friday. He has rushed for 201 yards and 5TDs so far.
>In last week's 66-13 victory over Houston Yates, Navasota wide receiver Tren'Davian Dickson had four receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. Those came on throw of 53, 32 and 15 yards.
-Kevin Lonnquist
