#2 Baylor Bears
Preview:
In the interest of full disclosure, I had the Baylor Bears ranked #1 prior to the release of the recent Texas Monthly article. Subsequent outrage as a result of the article and intensified scrutiny on the Baylor football program has clouded that prediction.
Baylor has the talent, there is no question about it. But the scandal is sure to affect Art Briles and his team in some form or fashion. A relaxed early non-conference schedule could help them get through the season unscathed, but the clean, moral program which many thought Baylor University was is not as it seems.
There must be an awakening in our society. Do we value wins more than the bodily integrity of our citizens? I hope not, but with Penn State and Baylor, I cannot say that our society does. Maybe it’s the true realization that nothing in the world is quite what it seems.
I digress.
The Bears return eighteen starters on both sides of the ball, including preseason Heisman contender Seth Russell at the quarterback position. With the entire starting offensive line returning, the offense should plug and play just fine with Russell at quarterback. I doubt we see Jarrett Stidham play much, if at all this year, but it’s certainly possible. Sophmore wide receiver KD Cannon surpassed the 1000 yard mark in receiving yards last season and will be a be a strong candidate to take home the Biletnikoff award in January.
The defensive front should be stout with Andrew Billings at defensive tackle and Shawn Oakman at defensive end. I expect Billings to have a nice season.
The corps of linebackers and the secondary are areas of concern due to inexperience and lack of depth.
Baylor’s offense will propel the team to many wins but their defense will inevitably let them down in in a couple of close contests.
Season prediction: 10-2 (7-2 Big 12)
