Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What's to prove
After rebuilding Houston's program, Art Briles embarks on a task that proved too challenging for four predecessors. Baylor hasn't had a winning season since 1995, averaging less than one conference victory as a Big 12 member. The Bears face an epic task with South rivals OU, Texas and Texas Tech flexing national muscle, and a nonconference schedule that includes three BCS teams.
Deep at:
Quarterback: Three players remain in the running for the job. "It's not like we can say this guy is that much better than that guy," Briles said. Incumbent Blake Szymanski ranks 12th in school history with 3,533 passing yards. Senior transfer Kirby Freeman, who starred at Brownwood before signing with Miami, and freshman Jeremy Sanders are pushing for the job.
Thin at:
Running back: Sophomore Jay Finley and senior Jacoby Jones are joined in the backfield by converted safety Ray Sims, and possibly, defensive end Andrew Judy. In a pass-oriented offense, Jones averaged 27.4 yards per game last year, and Finley averaged 17.2. Sims, who spent most of his time on special teams last season, should get more time at running back because he's capable of gaining tough yards with his physical style.
Player to watch
CB Krys Buerck: After playing 10 games last season at wide receiver, the Mesquite graduate emerged from spring practice No. 1 on the depth chart ? at cornerback, opposite senior Dwain Crawford. Buerck is one of six players to change positions on a team desperate for defensive improvement. Having a receiver's instincts should work to his advantage because he's familiar with routes and knowing when to break on the ball. He also has smarts, making the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in the fall and spring. In an eight-game span last year, he caught 23 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
What's to prove
After rebuilding Houston's program, Art Briles embarks on a task that proved too challenging for four predecessors. Baylor hasn't had a winning season since 1995, averaging less than one conference victory as a Big 12 member. The Bears face an epic task with South rivals OU, Texas and Texas Tech flexing national muscle, and a nonconference schedule that includes three BCS teams.
Deep at:
Quarterback: Three players remain in the running for the job. "It's not like we can say this guy is that much better than that guy," Briles said. Incumbent Blake Szymanski ranks 12th in school history with 3,533 passing yards. Senior transfer Kirby Freeman, who starred at Brownwood before signing with Miami, and freshman Jeremy Sanders are pushing for the job.
Thin at:
Running back: Sophomore Jay Finley and senior Jacoby Jones are joined in the backfield by converted safety Ray Sims, and possibly, defensive end Andrew Judy. In a pass-oriented offense, Jones averaged 27.4 yards per game last year, and Finley averaged 17.2. Sims, who spent most of his time on special teams last season, should get more time at running back because he's capable of gaining tough yards with his physical style.
Player to watch
CB Krys Buerck: After playing 10 games last season at wide receiver, the Mesquite graduate emerged from spring practice No. 1 on the depth chart ? at cornerback, opposite senior Dwain Crawford. Buerck is one of six players to change positions on a team desperate for defensive improvement. Having a receiver's instincts should work to his advantage because he's familiar with routes and knowing when to break on the ball. He also has smarts, making the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in the fall and spring. In an eight-game span last year, he caught 23 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
