Our friend Matt Clare sent these over a couple days ago. I meant to put them in the War Room but they kind of got lost in the shuffle. Instead, here's a little pre-game reading on today's game ...
1. How is Baylor different on offense or defense without Art Briles?
There really aren't any major differences, mostly because the offensive coordinator (his son) and the defensive coordinator stayed in place with all of their assistants. I will say the offense tends to start slower than usually, especially on the road.
2. Baylor is leading the league in scoring defense and total defense. Is that more a product of the schedule, or is the defense playing that well?
Yes, the defense is playing well, but I do believe the strength of schedule is big contributing factor. However, the defense hasn't been great on the road and did allow 42 points against Iowa State. The Longhorns should be able to run the ball and take their shots down the field, but these Baylor defenders are probably very familiar with the offense they are facing this weekend.
3. Baylor isn’t putting up the passing yards it usually does. Is the offense more run-heavy with Linwood/Williams, and schematically do you think top priority for Texas should be to take away the run or the pass?
Yes, it has been more run heavy this season and Baylor uses the run to set up the pass. It's very similar to what Longhorn fans are seeing from Gilbert and his staff, wide splits and shots downfield.
4. Any key injuries this week that people should know about?
True freshman DT Bravvion Roy is out, and although he is a true freshman, Roy has played a big role along the defensive line for Baylor this season.
5. There hasn’t been any love lost between Baylor and Texas in the last year. What’s the mood of the Baylor team and fans coming into this game?
I mean, the remaining players and the fans are certainly excited to be 6-0 on the season. However, there are a ton of unknowns about the future - who will the new AD target for a head coach, when will they make a new hire, and will the new coach retain any of the current assistants (probably not)? It's tough for me to say what the 'mood' is for most, but everyone wants to beat Texas and this Baylor team is no different, especially after the 'lesser athletes' comment from Charlie Strong earlier this year.
1. How is Baylor different on offense or defense without Art Briles?
There really aren't any major differences, mostly because the offensive coordinator (his son) and the defensive coordinator stayed in place with all of their assistants. I will say the offense tends to start slower than usually, especially on the road.
2. Baylor is leading the league in scoring defense and total defense. Is that more a product of the schedule, or is the defense playing that well?
Yes, the defense is playing well, but I do believe the strength of schedule is big contributing factor. However, the defense hasn't been great on the road and did allow 42 points against Iowa State. The Longhorns should be able to run the ball and take their shots down the field, but these Baylor defenders are probably very familiar with the offense they are facing this weekend.
3. Baylor isn’t putting up the passing yards it usually does. Is the offense more run-heavy with Linwood/Williams, and schematically do you think top priority for Texas should be to take away the run or the pass?
Yes, it has been more run heavy this season and Baylor uses the run to set up the pass. It's very similar to what Longhorn fans are seeing from Gilbert and his staff, wide splits and shots downfield.
4. Any key injuries this week that people should know about?
True freshman DT Bravvion Roy is out, and although he is a true freshman, Roy has played a big role along the defensive line for Baylor this season.
5. There hasn’t been any love lost between Baylor and Texas in the last year. What’s the mood of the Baylor team and fans coming into this game?
I mean, the remaining players and the fans are certainly excited to be 6-0 on the season. However, there are a ton of unknowns about the future - who will the new AD target for a head coach, when will they make a new hire, and will the new coach retain any of the current assistants (probably not)? It's tough for me to say what the 'mood' is for most, but everyone wants to beat Texas and this Baylor team is no different, especially after the 'lesser athletes' comment from Charlie Strong earlier this year.
