We haven’t done one of these in a while, and they won’t quite be daily, but we’re going to do these at least a couple of times a week.
Big 12 Media Days:
Baylor’s crew spoke at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday. There weren’t too many crazy takes, which is a good thing. The Bears were picked second in the league. Below is some interesting info:
BTW, OSU's Mike Boynton was the Big 12 coach who didn't pick KU to win the league (remember last year, he picked K-State to win the league ... and was right). This year, Baylor was his choice: "I like their depth, their size, their experience, just the whole package."
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) October 23, 2019
Baylor big man Freddie Gillespie joined #UNR live from Big 12 basketball media days to discuss the upcoming season. https://t.co/PZYqbxczHc pic.twitter.com/To5zg4ISco
— Your Boy Q (@YourboyQ254) October 23, 2019
Football:
John Werner of the Waco Tribune-Herald had a great article on the Bears’ defense:
“It’s amazing how many sacks we’re getting with a three-man rush,” said Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow. “But we’ve got some good players. It’s a combination of a lot of things. I think we’re covering better which gives them more time.”
Tim Watkins of Bears Illustrated had a fantastic take on Baylor’s rise:
With three years of development, scheme adjustments, and knowledge of the Big 12, the Bears have taken a significant step forward in 2019. You don’t go from 11 losses, down to 6, to none so far in year without those steps. The first step is building a defense that can compete and take something away from the offense. Two years of seeing big plays destroy the Bears now see a defense that is exceptional at taking those plays away. Baylor is now tied for 7th nationally in the fewest 40+ yard plays given up, allowing just three on the year. Last year, they were third worst nationally and gave up 41 of those or over three per game.
Matt Rhule has moved the Baylor football program from scabs to scars faster than any coach in NCAA history given the nature and the climate of the mess he inherited. pic.twitter.com/sTkfiUz8db
— Spencer Tillman (@SpenceTillman) October 24, 2019
Volleyball:
Unfortunately No. 1 ranked Baylor volleyball fell to Texas on Wednesday night. The Bears are 16-1 and take on West Virginia at 1:00 on Saturday in Waco. That one will air on ESPN+.