It's about time! Bye weeks are the worst, even if we did need to time to heal up on offense. Connersaurus Rex is lucky enough to be at the game, but he forgot the charger for his laptop. Conner just has trouble with technology, okay? But I digress. Let's get to SPROTS!
Fútbol
College football isn't the only thing happening this weekend. Baylor played last night in a hard-fought loss to the No. 18 Kansas Jayhawks. Despite the loss, it was arguably the best I've seen the gals play all year.
It's Derby Day in Europe which means most teams are playing their cross-town rival in a heated (that's an understatement in many cases) match of football. Everton and Liverpool played in the Meyserside Derby earlier today, giving us this phenomenal equalizer from Everton captain Phil Jagielka:
Equestrian
RECAP: Bears advance in Willis with 9-7 win over UT Martin #SicEm http://t.co/5L2U0dtd5F pic.twitter.com/daUiUxgXJU
— Baylor Equestrian (@BaylorEQ) September 27, 2014
The Horsebears, a terrifying breed of animal that contains the claw, teeth, and bulk of a bear but the lean speed of horse, advanced yesterday past the UT Martin Horseskyhawks (Please, that's not a real animal. Get it together Tennessee) in the Willis Invitational. The Horsebears will take on Fresno State today after the Horsebulldogs upset the No. 10 Horsemustangs. Following that, Baylor will take on SMU to complete the round-robin competition.
Volleyball
Baylor Volleyball looks to turn around their three-match losing streak as they begin Big 12 play in the Land of Small Apples. The Wildcats, meanwhile, have been on an 11-match win streak and have won nine straight at Ahern. The match begins at 7:00 pm and you can listen on Baylor AllAccess.
Tennis
Congrats Ema Burgic on great run @ITFprocircuit event. She falls to world #138 Michelle Larcher de Brito, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) @RedRockTennis.
— BaylorWTennis (@BaylorWTennis) September 25, 2014
Ema Burgic fell to world No. 138, but the Baylor student-athlete has a heck of a run on her way to the round of sixteen, upsetting several higher-ranked players. Way to go Ema!
Baylor's male tennis standout, Julian Lenz, lost a close match to professional tennis player and No. 342-ranked Jared Donaldson. Like Burgic, Lenz punched far above his ranking throughout the tournament. Sic 'em.
FOOTBAWWWWLLL
Injuries:
Baylor: WR Antwan Goodley (WILL PLAY), WR Corey Coleman (WILL PLAY), RB Devin Chafin (WILL PLAY), WR Clay Fuller (OUT), WR Levi Norwood (OUT), OL LaQuan McGowan (GAME TIME DECISION)
That's right, ISU seconday, we've got Goodley and Coleman back at receiver and Chafin back at running back. Be afraid. Very afraid.
Game Preview:
Other than on special teams, where Jarvis West is expected to return and provide a very dangerous return threat for the Cyclones, the 'Clones are over-matched at every position against the high-flying Bears. Even if Baylor doesn't play their best, they should be able to win this game. That being said, weird things happen in Ames at night and Art Briles and co. can't afford to come out slowly. A couple quick scores to take the crowd out of the game and the Bears should be able to cruise to a comfortable road win.
I expect Petty and Goodley/Coleman to have a little bit of trouble getting in rhythm early just because they haven't had much opportunity to get down their timing during a game. As such, KD Cannon and Jay Lee will probably get a good deal of early looks. I would be shocked as well if Baylor didn't try to establish the running game. Hopefully the return of Chafin brings with it the return of the running game.
On defense, we're going to do what Phil Bennett defenses do and play aggressive. Will our secondary be tested or will the best defensive line in the country prevent Sam Richardson from having time to throw?
Overall, Baylor is just too good for Iowa State, home crowd advantage or not.
Prediction:
Baylor 56-24 Iowa State
Questions:
1. What are your three keys to the game for Baylor? For ISU?
2. Who will lead in receiving yards? Rushing yards?
3. Will there be a kick/punt return for a touchdown (on either side)?
4. Do we see #SalsaNacho tonight?