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Let's address something right off the bat that is circulating in the Baylor fan universe: the potential that Nick Florence returns next season. If you haven't heard, Baylor and QB Nick Florence are apparently planning to petition the NCAA, if they haven't done so already, to have the eligibility Florence lost last season in the game against Texas Tech restored so that he may play another year. Everyone needs at least two Master's degrees in this job market, after all.
First and foremost, I don't think this says anything about Bryce Petty or Briles' belief therein; Petty will be a good QB for Baylor in time and will get his chance to play. This is about having an experienced QB on campus in what could be a year where Baylor has the opportunity to do something in the Big 12 (I see OU and KSU falling off somewhat, UT continuing to be mired in mediocrity until they get their QB issues resolved, and OSU/TCU as the biggest threats next season). No matter how secure you feel in Petty's ability-- and I probably feel more secure than most there-- having Florence around makes the 2013 Baylor Bears better.
That said, there's very little chance this actually happens. Though Baylor has an extremely good argument stemming from the fact that Florence's play in that one half was only necessary due to an illegal hit on starting QB Robert Griffin III by a Tech player, choosing Florence over Petty for the second half was just that: a choice. Briles reasonably and rightfully decided to pull Florence's shirt by putting him into the game knowing the consequences of that decision because winning in that season was worth it. There's little doubt that Florence gave him a better chance of beating Tech than Petty did, so Florence played. Call it shortsighted if you want to, but do so knowing that determination is almost certainly based in hindsight; nobody knew how good Florence was going to end up being this season.
Nobody would be happier if Florence was given another year than I since locking down the QB position might make this team one of a handful of preseason "favorites" in our conference, I just don't see the NCAA doing it. There's too much evidence of the NCAA failing to do what is reasonable in most situations for me to believe we have a real chance at this, but I am happy to see Baylor at least trying.
Now on to the news from the weekend:
 49 OKLAHOMA ST. (11-2, 0-2) #13/12 |
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | AP Photos Waco, Texas • Attendance: 8,549 |
 83BAYLOR (12-1, 1-0) #2/2 |
| No. 2 WBB Powers Past No. 12 OSU, 83-49 - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site - BaylorBears.com
Brooklyn Pope scored 18 points and Brittney Griner added 14 points and 10 rebounds to help second-ranked Baylor beat No.13 Oklahoma State, 83-49 on Sunday. Odyssey Sims had 13 points and Destiny Williams 11 points for the Lady Bears (12-1, 2-0 Big 12), who extended the longest active home-winning streak in the country to 47 games. Liz Donohoe scored 13 points and Toni Young had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma State (11-2, 0-2), which has dropped two straight games after winning their first 11.
No. 2 Baylor women rout No. 12 Oklahoma State
WACO, Texas (AP) — Jim Littell's Oklahoma State team came into its contest with Baylor as the third highest scoring team in the country.
Four-star running back names Baylor as one of top schools of interest | College Sports Blog
As ESPN’s Damon Sayles writes, four-star running back Samaje Perine has Baylor near the top of list of schools that he is interested in attending.
Report: Longhorns show interest in offensive lineman with verbal commitment to Baylor | College Sports Blog
In Baylor’s 2013 class, one of the two offensive linemen has signed with the team. The other, Rami Hammad, has given Baylor a verbal commitment, but the Texas Longhorns are expressing interest in the lineman, Max Olson of ESPN reports.
Hart Honored For 50 Years Of Coaching At Baylor - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site - BaylorBears.com
Eight years after stepping down as Baylor's head track and field coach to accept a less-taxing role as director of track and field, 78-year-old Clyde Hart doesn't seem to be slowing down one bit.
Andrew Luck, Matt Kalil, Luke Kuechly among top rookies in 2012 - NFL - ESPN
Mel Kiper gives his annual All-Rookie Team, lining up a player at each position on the field. Andrew Luck, Matt Kalil and Luke Kuechly are among the top rookies.
Monday Morning Jones: No defense for Mike Shanahan - SBNation.com
After sleeping on it, there's still no defending Mike Shanahan. In a week, the Ravens probably won't be able to defend Peyton Manning's offense. And Colin Kaepernick and Aaron Rodgers just want to be better than ... Alex Smith?
RGIII injury: Knee sends Redskins QB to the sidelines - SBNation.com
Robert Griffin III went down in a heap and his knee was gruesomely twisted up on a botched snap. This won't end well.