When will it end?
If Baylor offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery was a gambling man, now probably wouldn't be the time to hit the tables. Or buy a lottery ticket.
Montgomery and the Bears have seen the preseason injuries to offensive skill players escalate after just one game, something that didn't seem possible back in August. Then, Baylor knew WR Clay Fuller (broken clavicle) would be out until the midpoint of the 2014 season, and that Corey Coleman's hamstring would sideline him for perhaps all of the non-conference.
But then came the SMU game, and the casualties continue to mount. Antwan Goodley aggravated his quad injury, preventing him from making a single catch. Levi Norwood injured his wrist, requiring surgery and a recovery time of 3-6 weeks. QB Bryce Petty won't need surgery, but sources have told us he also likely won't play Saturday because of the cracks in the transverse processes on a vertebra in his back. Baylor even had an injury at running back to Devin Chafin with a high ankle sprain.
If you've done the math, that's four starting receivers (the four leading returners from last year to boot), the starting quarterback, and the co-starting running back. A terrible run of bad luck.
To add to the pileup, a source told me that TE Tre'Von Armstead seemed "gimpy" at a practice this week and wasn't allowed to go through contact. While he's expected to play, don't be surprised to see his minutes spread out to other tight ends (namely Gus Penning and Pat Colbert, the latter who played some blocking TE last week after playing strictly OL last year).
So where does that leave Baylor?
Seth Russell (39-66, 588 yards, 3 TDs in his career) should start his first-ever game on Saturday, we have been told. Petty might not even suit up, but I bet he comes out in uniform just because he's a competitive guy. That leaves RS freshman Chris Johnson (1-1, 28 yards vs. SMU) as the backup, with walk-on Andre Frerking, who has played but has yet to attempt a pass, as the third-stringer.
Things are also clear at running back. Shock Linwood will start again, and expect Baylor to go with him and RS freshman Johnny Jefferson exclusively Saturday when the game is in doubt. When it's not, walk-on Silas Nacita could play some. Don't expect true freshman Terrence Williams to get his redshirt burned -- unless the injury bug creeps up again. At this point, you can't rule it out. You might even see another position player get a chance at RB, kind of like what Baylor did with safety Anthony Webb last year.
Receiver is where it gets trickier. Jay Lee played his best game of his career against SMU and now becomes the top target. Expect him out there for the bulk of the snaps. Baylor will likely go with more three-receiver sets because of the injuries, so think Lee with a pair from a group that includes Davion Hall, KD Cannon, Lynx Hawthorne and perhaps even Quan Jones.
Because of the nature of the injuries to the receivers, Baylor probably won't burn the redshirts of Chris Platt and Ishmael Zamora. If everyone gets healthy by the Iowa State game, Platt/Zamora will have lost a season of eligibility simply to play in two non-conference games that were extremely winnable without them.
The silver lining to these injuries, if there is one, is that all of them are happening early. Logic says the injuries will slow down, and better to have guys sidelined with injuries now, rather than October and November. And it also greatly benefits Cannon, Hall and even Hawthorne to get meaningful experience so early on.
But part of that is wishful thinking. The hope is that the injuries heal on time and don't keep this current rate. If that's the case, Baylor will be fine. But if they continue to hit this team -- if the bad luck continues -- the road to repeating as Big 12 champs gets far more treacherous.
-Jake Shaw
'I almost committed'
For his official visit to Baylor this past weekend, Woodland Hills C.C. OT Deya Mhiesen got a glimpse of the past, present and future of Baylor.
The past came in a brief conversation with RGIII, on campus as part of the McLane Stadium opening festivities, who told Mhiesen "you really should come here." The present came in the form of his hosts, linemen Pat Colbert and Ishmael Wilson, who both made him feel at home.
The future came from 2015 Baylor commit Maurice Porter, who also took his official visit last weekend, and did his best to convince Mhiesen to join him in Waco.
It nearly worked.
"I loved it. I almost committed," he said with a laugh. "I love the school, but I want to take all my visits. It was my first official visit, but they made me feel like I was at home. It was really cool, but I feel like all schools will make me feel wanted, so I want to take them. At end of day, I'm just going to pick the best school for me."
Next up for Mhiesen actually occurred this weekend at Oklahoma State. He has another scheduled for Oklahoma in December, as well as a trip to Arizona State. His fifth visit is undetermined, but he's considering USC, Miami and Florida State, though none have offered yet.
One thing worth noting -- Mhiesen won't play this fall. He's taking a redshirt so that he'll have three years of eligibility wherever he signs, which he plans to do in December so he can enroll in January 2015. I'll have more on his visit later this weekend.
-Jake Shaw
President faces Hager
Baylor's 2014 recruiting class had roughly five games where recruits faced each other. The most notable was when K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant) faced Davion Hall (Texarkana-Liberty Eylau).
The trend continues on Friday in Austin when quarterback Chad President (Temple) opposes linebacker Breckyn Hager (Austin Westlake). Both teams are coming off difficult opener. Temple hung on to beat Round Rock, 34-27. West lost to Southlake Carroll, 17-14.
"It's going to be a lot of fun,'' Hager said. "I've been going against him since my sophomore year.''
Of course, President missed basically the last eight games of 2013 - he tore his right ACL on the first play of the third game. But now, he's ready. He collected nearly 300 yards against Round Rock. Hager was pretty active against Carroll with four QB pressures.
"[Right now] He's the enemy,'' President said. "After the game, he'll be my Baylor brother.''
The two don't know each other. That will change in time. But they know each other well enough because of what they've seen on film.
President noted how solid Hager's technique is and that he is a sure tackler. Hager called President a determined player. Baylor's likely perspective is that is doesn't want either one to get hurt.
There also won't be any awkwardness for Baylor's game Saturday against Northwestern St. President plans to attend the game. Hager isn't coming.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor-Northwestern St. Visitor list
This list is subject to change. But unlike last week for the opener against SMU, this should be a smaller group. The Bears won't be playing at McLane Stadium for 35 days. The next home game is Oct. 11 against TCU.
So here is who we know is planning on coming or is trying to see if he can make it.
>Chad President, QB, Temple (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Sam Tecklenburg, OL, Plano (Baylor 2015 commit) - He's a maybe
>Blake Lynch, Ath, Gilmer (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Tren'Davian Dickson, WR, Navasota (Baylor 2016 commit) - He's a maybe
>Obi Eboh, S, SL Carroll (Baylor 2016 interest) - He's a maybe
>Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 commit)
-Kevin Lonnquist
Williams patiently waiting
Fort Worth All Saints 2016 defensive tackle Mike Williams has been to a lot of football stadiums in his life. But the experience last Sunday at McLane Stadium did more than catch his attention.
"It's the best I've seen,'' Williams said. "I really like the Baylor coaching staff. They're a bunch of cool dudes.''
Baylor has made no secret about its interest in Williams (6-2, 235). Coach Jeff Lebby made several stops at All Saints during the May evaluation period. Williams said Lebby told him the Baylor coaching staff is still working its way through the 2016 defensive line evaluations.
He's not bothered by it. In fact, he realizes that should the time come for Baylor to offer, he'll definitely welcome it. Williams, a 3- star recruit, has nine offers including Ohio State and Michigan.
"I think I can offer a physical presence,'' Williams said. "I can play defensive end, nose guard and defensive tackle. So I'm flexible. I really liked the way how active both Andrew Billings and Javonte Magee played.
"Baylor is close to home, and I'd love to see what happens.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Jackson about to blossom
Cedar Hill 2017 all-everything back Jaylon Jackson saw the spread and the video games at the recruiting room last Sunday at McLane Stadium.
But after taking part of some chicken fried steak, he immediately went to the field to watch Baylor go through pregame warmups before the inaugural game at McLane Stadium against SMU.
All in all, if you're going to get a first impression of a school, this is the time to do it. This was his first visit to Waco.
"I like their school, their offense and just everything that they have going on,'' Jackson said. "They put wide receivers in the [NFL]. I had a great time.''
Jackson (5-9, 170) is just starting his breakthrough with the Longhorn offense. In last week's opener against Dallas South Oak Cliff, he rushed for 31 yards (on four attempts), caught a pass for 11 yards and returned a kickoff that went about 40 yards in Cedar Hill's 56-34 victory. Baylor hasn't offered yet. Jackson doesn't have one to his ledger yet. But he's hoping that a big football season will translate into several offers including Baylor.
Jackson started to make contact with Baylor coaches during the evaluation period. He then attended the June 6 open camp at Lake Highlands. His speed is something that's attractive. He can also be return specialist.
It's unlikely that he'll be back in Waco Saturday for the game against Northwestern State. However, he's open to making another trip should the schedule allow.
"I like talking with coach [Jeff] Lebby,'' he said. "He just told me that whenever I want to come to call him, and he'll put my name on the list. I'm trying to be the top player in my 2017 class. I just want to keep making plays.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Another big basketball weekend
Baylor has three 2015 commitments but this weekend's visitors continues to demonstrate how active the coaching staff is with 2015 and 2016 recruits.
Dallas Madison 2015 guard Admon Gilder is taking his official visit this weekend. But that's only part of the news. Prime Preps' two star players - Mark Vital and Terrance Ferguson - are also expected to attend.
Vital, the No. 51 recruit in the Rivals 2016 class, committed to Baylor in 2013. Ferguson, though, is very important. He's the No. 8 2016 recruit and it sounds like the Baylor coaching staff has made some major progress in recent weeks and months.
"Baylor is moving up,'' a source said. "[Terrance's mom] feels good about them and loves the staff.''
-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 - The injury bug is biting bad; good thing September isn't a killer month
2. Oklahoma - QB Trevor Knight was not lights out against La Tech
3. Kansas State - Solid start against SFA; time to open Big 12 play against Iowa State
4. Texas - QB David Ash's career is up in the air (concussion) and 3 OL are hurt or suspended
5. Oklahoma State - A strong showing against FSU is exactly why I respect Mike Gundy
6. West Virginia - Moutaineers athleticism held its own against Alabama
7. TCU - Good start to the spread offense; a week off to prepare for Minnesota
8. Texas Tech - What a flat tire start for this defense.
9. Iowa State - A demoralizing loss to N Dakota St is followed by playing Kansas State
10. Kansas - Jayhawks finally get going; It's QB Montel Cozart's turn to run the offense
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday and Sunday's action. All times are central. TCU is off this week.
No. 20/20 Kansas State (1-0) at Iowa State (0-1)
11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: The first Big 12 game of the season. Kansas State got the start it wanted against Stephen F. Austin. Iowa didn't get the start it wanted against NDSU. Cyclone WR Quenton Bundrage is done for the season with a torn ACL. That hurts a team that really needs playmakers. KSU QB Jake Waters threw a career-high four TDs in the 55-16 win.
No. 3/4 Oklahoma (1-0) at Tulsa (1-0)
11:00 a.m., Skelly Stadium, Tulsa OK (ABC/ESPN2)
The skinny: A decent start for the Sooners who saw some good things from their running game. LB Jason Evans is apparently out for the first half because he was ejected in the second half of last week's win over Louisiana Tech. Oklahoma is waiting final clarification from the Big 12. The Golden Hurricane begins a new era in the American Athletic Conference and escaped in overtime against Tulane, 38-31.
Missouri State (1-0) at Oklahoma State (1-0)
2:30 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK (FOX Sports Net)
The skinny: While no one wants to lose, head coach Mike Gundy should feel pretty good about his team in its 37-31 loss to Florida State. The Cowboys return for the home opener and should clean up against a FCS team that needed a 20-point fourth quarter to pull out a win at Northwestern State.
SE Missouri (1-0) at Kansas (0-0)
6:00 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS (Jayhawk TN)
The skinny: This is the 2014 opener for the Jayhawks. Quarterback Montel Cozart is now in charge of the offense, and coach Charlies Weis hopes an offseason refined and improved his dual threat skills. As always, the Jayhawks are hoping some good things will emerge with another group of JUCO transfers. Will Dallas Carter RB product Corey Avery see time?
Northwestern State (0-1) at No. 9/10 Baylor (1-0)
6:30 p.m., McLane Stadium, Waco (FOX Sports Net)
The skinny: Injuries have engulfed this team with the likes of QB Bryce Petty, RB Devin Chafin and wide receivers Levi Norwood, Corey Coleman and Antwan Goodley not expected to play against the Demons. This a guaranteed game and the second game the Bears will play in 13 days.
BYU (1-0) at No. 25 Texas (1-0)
6:30 p.m., Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: While Texas' defense got off to a good start, the Longhorns are going to be without QB David Ash (concussion symptoms) and three offensive linemen. Tyrone Swoopes will earn his first start at quarterback. RB Johnathan Gray had a solid comeback for Texas rushing for 84 yards. The Cougars won impressively at UConn last week, 35-10, as QB Taysom Hill accounted for 405 total yards (308 passing, 97 rushing).
Towson (0-1) at West Virginia (0-1)
6:30 p.m., Milan-Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WVA (Root Sports)
The skinny: West Virginia QB Clint Trickett got off to a great starting throwing 365 yards and touchdown and no interceptions last week against Alabama. Confidence goes a long way. However, the running game looked very pedestrian rushing for 28 net yards. This is West Virginia's guarantee game with Towson, which is out of Baltimore.
Texas Tech (1-0) at UTEP (1-0)
10:00 p.m. Sun Bowl, El Paso (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: A pretty deplorable defensive effort by the Red Raiders against FCS Central Arkansas last week didn't inspire many on the South Plains. The offense did find minus the Davis Webb two interceptions. UTEP's offense is now under the direction of former Texas A&M quarterback Jameill Showers. Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury was at A&M when Showers was there. Miner running back Aaron Jones rushed for a career-high 237 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 victory at New Mexico.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the Notebook
>Baylor's contact with former 2013 signee Kyle Fulks may not be over yet. We're hearing Fulks is in contact with the Baylor track staff and could be offered a track scholarship. He would finish Blinn in December and be eligible to enroll in January. How this impacts him with the football program is unclear but we're told the football staff knows about this.
>Don't make too much into Mesquite Poteet athlete Deandre McNeal's appearance last weekend at Baylor's opener. Prior to his attending the game with teammate Malik Jefferson - a spur of the moment decision that resulted in him coming with Jefferson - was his first meeting with the Baylor coaching staff in months. Baylor hasn't offered and McNeal said he would be surprised if Baylor did. He is scheduling officials visits to Arizona State, UCLA (Sept. 17), Miami (Fla.) and Oklahoma State. He hasn't scheduled a fifth yet.
>Northwestern State should be receiving a decent six figure check from Baylor for Saturday's game at McLane Stadium.
-SicEmSports
If Baylor offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery was a gambling man, now probably wouldn't be the time to hit the tables. Or buy a lottery ticket.
Montgomery and the Bears have seen the preseason injuries to offensive skill players escalate after just one game, something that didn't seem possible back in August. Then, Baylor knew WR Clay Fuller (broken clavicle) would be out until the midpoint of the 2014 season, and that Corey Coleman's hamstring would sideline him for perhaps all of the non-conference.
But then came the SMU game, and the casualties continue to mount. Antwan Goodley aggravated his quad injury, preventing him from making a single catch. Levi Norwood injured his wrist, requiring surgery and a recovery time of 3-6 weeks. QB Bryce Petty won't need surgery, but sources have told us he also likely won't play Saturday because of the cracks in the transverse processes on a vertebra in his back. Baylor even had an injury at running back to Devin Chafin with a high ankle sprain.
If you've done the math, that's four starting receivers (the four leading returners from last year to boot), the starting quarterback, and the co-starting running back. A terrible run of bad luck.
To add to the pileup, a source told me that TE Tre'Von Armstead seemed "gimpy" at a practice this week and wasn't allowed to go through contact. While he's expected to play, don't be surprised to see his minutes spread out to other tight ends (namely Gus Penning and Pat Colbert, the latter who played some blocking TE last week after playing strictly OL last year).
So where does that leave Baylor?
Seth Russell (39-66, 588 yards, 3 TDs in his career) should start his first-ever game on Saturday, we have been told. Petty might not even suit up, but I bet he comes out in uniform just because he's a competitive guy. That leaves RS freshman Chris Johnson (1-1, 28 yards vs. SMU) as the backup, with walk-on Andre Frerking, who has played but has yet to attempt a pass, as the third-stringer.
Things are also clear at running back. Shock Linwood will start again, and expect Baylor to go with him and RS freshman Johnny Jefferson exclusively Saturday when the game is in doubt. When it's not, walk-on Silas Nacita could play some. Don't expect true freshman Terrence Williams to get his redshirt burned -- unless the injury bug creeps up again. At this point, you can't rule it out. You might even see another position player get a chance at RB, kind of like what Baylor did with safety Anthony Webb last year.
Receiver is where it gets trickier. Jay Lee played his best game of his career against SMU and now becomes the top target. Expect him out there for the bulk of the snaps. Baylor will likely go with more three-receiver sets because of the injuries, so think Lee with a pair from a group that includes Davion Hall, KD Cannon, Lynx Hawthorne and perhaps even Quan Jones.
Because of the nature of the injuries to the receivers, Baylor probably won't burn the redshirts of Chris Platt and Ishmael Zamora. If everyone gets healthy by the Iowa State game, Platt/Zamora will have lost a season of eligibility simply to play in two non-conference games that were extremely winnable without them.
The silver lining to these injuries, if there is one, is that all of them are happening early. Logic says the injuries will slow down, and better to have guys sidelined with injuries now, rather than October and November. And it also greatly benefits Cannon, Hall and even Hawthorne to get meaningful experience so early on.
But part of that is wishful thinking. The hope is that the injuries heal on time and don't keep this current rate. If that's the case, Baylor will be fine. But if they continue to hit this team -- if the bad luck continues -- the road to repeating as Big 12 champs gets far more treacherous.
-Jake Shaw
'I almost committed'
For his official visit to Baylor this past weekend, Woodland Hills C.C. OT Deya Mhiesen got a glimpse of the past, present and future of Baylor.
The past came in a brief conversation with RGIII, on campus as part of the McLane Stadium opening festivities, who told Mhiesen "you really should come here." The present came in the form of his hosts, linemen Pat Colbert and Ishmael Wilson, who both made him feel at home.
The future came from 2015 Baylor commit Maurice Porter, who also took his official visit last weekend, and did his best to convince Mhiesen to join him in Waco.
It nearly worked.
"I loved it. I almost committed," he said with a laugh. "I love the school, but I want to take all my visits. It was my first official visit, but they made me feel like I was at home. It was really cool, but I feel like all schools will make me feel wanted, so I want to take them. At end of day, I'm just going to pick the best school for me."
Next up for Mhiesen actually occurred this weekend at Oklahoma State. He has another scheduled for Oklahoma in December, as well as a trip to Arizona State. His fifth visit is undetermined, but he's considering USC, Miami and Florida State, though none have offered yet.
One thing worth noting -- Mhiesen won't play this fall. He's taking a redshirt so that he'll have three years of eligibility wherever he signs, which he plans to do in December so he can enroll in January 2015. I'll have more on his visit later this weekend.
-Jake Shaw
President faces Hager
Baylor's 2014 recruiting class had roughly five games where recruits faced each other. The most notable was when K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant) faced Davion Hall (Texarkana-Liberty Eylau).
The trend continues on Friday in Austin when quarterback Chad President (Temple) opposes linebacker Breckyn Hager (Austin Westlake). Both teams are coming off difficult opener. Temple hung on to beat Round Rock, 34-27. West lost to Southlake Carroll, 17-14.
"It's going to be a lot of fun,'' Hager said. "I've been going against him since my sophomore year.''
Of course, President missed basically the last eight games of 2013 - he tore his right ACL on the first play of the third game. But now, he's ready. He collected nearly 300 yards against Round Rock. Hager was pretty active against Carroll with four QB pressures.
"[Right now] He's the enemy,'' President said. "After the game, he'll be my Baylor brother.''
The two don't know each other. That will change in time. But they know each other well enough because of what they've seen on film.
President noted how solid Hager's technique is and that he is a sure tackler. Hager called President a determined player. Baylor's likely perspective is that is doesn't want either one to get hurt.
There also won't be any awkwardness for Baylor's game Saturday against Northwestern St. President plans to attend the game. Hager isn't coming.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor-Northwestern St. Visitor list
This list is subject to change. But unlike last week for the opener against SMU, this should be a smaller group. The Bears won't be playing at McLane Stadium for 35 days. The next home game is Oct. 11 against TCU.
So here is who we know is planning on coming or is trying to see if he can make it.
>Chad President, QB, Temple (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Kahlil Haughton, S, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 offer)
>Sam Tecklenburg, OL, Plano (Baylor 2015 commit) - He's a maybe
>Blake Lynch, Ath, Gilmer (Baylor 2015 commit)
>Tren'Davian Dickson, WR, Navasota (Baylor 2016 commit) - He's a maybe
>Obi Eboh, S, SL Carroll (Baylor 2016 interest) - He's a maybe
>Devontre Stricklin, WR, Waco Midway (Baylor 2015 commit)
-Kevin Lonnquist
Williams patiently waiting
Fort Worth All Saints 2016 defensive tackle Mike Williams has been to a lot of football stadiums in his life. But the experience last Sunday at McLane Stadium did more than catch his attention.
"It's the best I've seen,'' Williams said. "I really like the Baylor coaching staff. They're a bunch of cool dudes.''
Baylor has made no secret about its interest in Williams (6-2, 235). Coach Jeff Lebby made several stops at All Saints during the May evaluation period. Williams said Lebby told him the Baylor coaching staff is still working its way through the 2016 defensive line evaluations.
He's not bothered by it. In fact, he realizes that should the time come for Baylor to offer, he'll definitely welcome it. Williams, a 3- star recruit, has nine offers including Ohio State and Michigan.
"I think I can offer a physical presence,'' Williams said. "I can play defensive end, nose guard and defensive tackle. So I'm flexible. I really liked the way how active both Andrew Billings and Javonte Magee played.
"Baylor is close to home, and I'd love to see what happens.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Jackson about to blossom
Cedar Hill 2017 all-everything back Jaylon Jackson saw the spread and the video games at the recruiting room last Sunday at McLane Stadium.
But after taking part of some chicken fried steak, he immediately went to the field to watch Baylor go through pregame warmups before the inaugural game at McLane Stadium against SMU.
All in all, if you're going to get a first impression of a school, this is the time to do it. This was his first visit to Waco.
"I like their school, their offense and just everything that they have going on,'' Jackson said. "They put wide receivers in the [NFL]. I had a great time.''
Jackson (5-9, 170) is just starting his breakthrough with the Longhorn offense. In last week's opener against Dallas South Oak Cliff, he rushed for 31 yards (on four attempts), caught a pass for 11 yards and returned a kickoff that went about 40 yards in Cedar Hill's 56-34 victory. Baylor hasn't offered yet. Jackson doesn't have one to his ledger yet. But he's hoping that a big football season will translate into several offers including Baylor.
Jackson started to make contact with Baylor coaches during the evaluation period. He then attended the June 6 open camp at Lake Highlands. His speed is something that's attractive. He can also be return specialist.
It's unlikely that he'll be back in Waco Saturday for the game against Northwestern State. However, he's open to making another trip should the schedule allow.
"I like talking with coach [Jeff] Lebby,'' he said. "He just told me that whenever I want to come to call him, and he'll put my name on the list. I'm trying to be the top player in my 2017 class. I just want to keep making plays.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Another big basketball weekend
Baylor has three 2015 commitments but this weekend's visitors continues to demonstrate how active the coaching staff is with 2015 and 2016 recruits.
Dallas Madison 2015 guard Admon Gilder is taking his official visit this weekend. But that's only part of the news. Prime Preps' two star players - Mark Vital and Terrance Ferguson - are also expected to attend.
Vital, the No. 51 recruit in the Rivals 2016 class, committed to Baylor in 2013. Ferguson, though, is very important. He's the No. 8 2016 recruit and it sounds like the Baylor coaching staff has made some major progress in recent weeks and months.
"Baylor is moving up,'' a source said. "[Terrance's mom] feels good about them and loves the staff.''
-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 - The injury bug is biting bad; good thing September isn't a killer month
2. Oklahoma - QB Trevor Knight was not lights out against La Tech
3. Kansas State - Solid start against SFA; time to open Big 12 play against Iowa State
4. Texas - QB David Ash's career is up in the air (concussion) and 3 OL are hurt or suspended
5. Oklahoma State - A strong showing against FSU is exactly why I respect Mike Gundy
6. West Virginia - Moutaineers athleticism held its own against Alabama
7. TCU - Good start to the spread offense; a week off to prepare for Minnesota
8. Texas Tech - What a flat tire start for this defense.
9. Iowa State - A demoralizing loss to N Dakota St is followed by playing Kansas State
10. Kansas - Jayhawks finally get going; It's QB Montel Cozart's turn to run the offense
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday and Sunday's action. All times are central. TCU is off this week.
No. 20/20 Kansas State (1-0) at Iowa State (0-1)
11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: The first Big 12 game of the season. Kansas State got the start it wanted against Stephen F. Austin. Iowa didn't get the start it wanted against NDSU. Cyclone WR Quenton Bundrage is done for the season with a torn ACL. That hurts a team that really needs playmakers. KSU QB Jake Waters threw a career-high four TDs in the 55-16 win.
No. 3/4 Oklahoma (1-0) at Tulsa (1-0)
11:00 a.m., Skelly Stadium, Tulsa OK (ABC/ESPN2)
The skinny: A decent start for the Sooners who saw some good things from their running game. LB Jason Evans is apparently out for the first half because he was ejected in the second half of last week's win over Louisiana Tech. Oklahoma is waiting final clarification from the Big 12. The Golden Hurricane begins a new era in the American Athletic Conference and escaped in overtime against Tulane, 38-31.
Missouri State (1-0) at Oklahoma State (1-0)
2:30 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK (FOX Sports Net)
The skinny: While no one wants to lose, head coach Mike Gundy should feel pretty good about his team in its 37-31 loss to Florida State. The Cowboys return for the home opener and should clean up against a FCS team that needed a 20-point fourth quarter to pull out a win at Northwestern State.
SE Missouri (1-0) at Kansas (0-0)
6:00 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS (Jayhawk TN)
The skinny: This is the 2014 opener for the Jayhawks. Quarterback Montel Cozart is now in charge of the offense, and coach Charlies Weis hopes an offseason refined and improved his dual threat skills. As always, the Jayhawks are hoping some good things will emerge with another group of JUCO transfers. Will Dallas Carter RB product Corey Avery see time?
Northwestern State (0-1) at No. 9/10 Baylor (1-0)
6:30 p.m., McLane Stadium, Waco (FOX Sports Net)
The skinny: Injuries have engulfed this team with the likes of QB Bryce Petty, RB Devin Chafin and wide receivers Levi Norwood, Corey Coleman and Antwan Goodley not expected to play against the Demons. This a guaranteed game and the second game the Bears will play in 13 days.
BYU (1-0) at No. 25 Texas (1-0)
6:30 p.m., Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: While Texas' defense got off to a good start, the Longhorns are going to be without QB David Ash (concussion symptoms) and three offensive linemen. Tyrone Swoopes will earn his first start at quarterback. RB Johnathan Gray had a solid comeback for Texas rushing for 84 yards. The Cougars won impressively at UConn last week, 35-10, as QB Taysom Hill accounted for 405 total yards (308 passing, 97 rushing).
Towson (0-1) at West Virginia (0-1)
6:30 p.m., Milan-Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WVA (Root Sports)
The skinny: West Virginia QB Clint Trickett got off to a great starting throwing 365 yards and touchdown and no interceptions last week against Alabama. Confidence goes a long way. However, the running game looked very pedestrian rushing for 28 net yards. This is West Virginia's guarantee game with Towson, which is out of Baltimore.
Texas Tech (1-0) at UTEP (1-0)
10:00 p.m. Sun Bowl, El Paso (FOX Sports 1)
The Skinny: A pretty deplorable defensive effort by the Red Raiders against FCS Central Arkansas last week didn't inspire many on the South Plains. The offense did find minus the Davis Webb two interceptions. UTEP's offense is now under the direction of former Texas A&M quarterback Jameill Showers. Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury was at A&M when Showers was there. Miner running back Aaron Jones rushed for a career-high 237 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 victory at New Mexico.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the Notebook
>Baylor's contact with former 2013 signee Kyle Fulks may not be over yet. We're hearing Fulks is in contact with the Baylor track staff and could be offered a track scholarship. He would finish Blinn in December and be eligible to enroll in January. How this impacts him with the football program is unclear but we're told the football staff knows about this.
>Don't make too much into Mesquite Poteet athlete Deandre McNeal's appearance last weekend at Baylor's opener. Prior to his attending the game with teammate Malik Jefferson - a spur of the moment decision that resulted in him coming with Jefferson - was his first meeting with the Baylor coaching staff in months. Baylor hasn't offered and McNeal said he would be surprised if Baylor did. He is scheduling officials visits to Arizona State, UCLA (Sept. 17), Miami (Fla.) and Oklahoma State. He hasn't scheduled a fifth yet.
>Northwestern State should be receiving a decent six figure check from Baylor for Saturday's game at McLane Stadium.
-SicEmSports
