2010 Baylor Football Predictions
Things didn't exactly go Baylor's way in 2009
, as the Bears ended up finishing the year 4-8 overall and were just 1-7 in Big 12 play. The Bears lost quarterback Robert Griffin, arguably their best player, after just three games last season and things just fell apart after that. This year the Bears get Griffin back, and should be much more competitive than they were a year ago. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Bears will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the Big 12.
Offense:
There is no question that the Bears are a much better team when Griffin is on the field, so I look for the offense to make some major improvements if he stays healthy and on the field this season. Griffin threw for 2,091 yards with a 15-3 touchdown to interception ratio as a freshman, plus added an additional 843 yards on the ground.
With Griffin back the running game should also improve, as teams must respect the pass more with him on the field. Senior Jay Finley returns as the starting running back, but he led the Bears with just 370 yards last season. I look for a much more productive year out of Finley and backup Jarred Salubi.
The Bears bring back their top threat in the passing game in junior Kendall Wright, who hauled in a team best 66 catches for 740 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. Those numbers could really jump this season with Griffin at quarterback. Also back is sophomore Lanear Sampson. Sophomore wide out Terrance Williams and sophomore tight end Willie Jefferson are expected to make their way into the starting lineup this season.
The offensive line returns three starters from last year, including both starters at the tackle spots. The Bears will have to find two new starters at the two guard spots, and it looks like it will be sophomore Cameron Kaufhold at left guard and junior Robert Griffin at right guard. Still a bit of a concern with this unit, as they are a pretty young group overall.
Defense:
The Bears have just five starters returning on defense this season, and this unit is likely to take a step back in 2010. Up front the Bears do bring back one of the top defensive tackles in the conference in senior Phil Taylor, along with junior defensive end Zac Scotton. That leaves to holes to fill, and it looks like it will be sophomore Gary Mason stepping in at the other end spot, while junior Tracy Robertson takes over at the other defensive tackle spot.
The Bears only starter back at the three linebacker positions is senior outside linebacker Antonio Johnson, who is the top tackler back from last season, as he finished fourth with 77 tackles in 2009. Added to the mix here will be red-shirt freshman Chris McAllister in the middle and junior Elliot Coffey on the outside.
The Bears welcome back the starting corner duo of senior Clifton Odom and sophomore Chance Casey, but must replace both starting safeties. It looks as though senior Byron Landor will take over at the strong safety, while freshman Ahmad Dixon is projected to step in and start at the free safety spot.
Big 12 South Prediction - 5th: Unless the Bears really surprise me this season, I don't think they are going to be able to catch the top four teams in the South, but I feel like they have a great shot at finishing the season at 6-6 and getting to their first bowl game since 1994!
For a complete look at how the Big 12 will shape up this season, check out our
2010 Big 12 Predictions.
If you are looking to make some money betting on the
college football odds this season, be sure to check back each week for our expert
college football picks.
2010 Baylor Football Predictions
By: Jack Jones
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