LIGHTING IT UP
BAYLOR’S OFFENSE PRESENTS A CHALLENGE FOR KANSAS STATE
Keys for Baylor
Establish the run: Oklahoma State running back Chubba Hubbard ran wild on Kansas State last week. Baylor isn’t equipped to repeat that same success, but establishing a consistent running game will open up the secondary for quarterback Charlie Brewer to exploit. A running game forces Kansas State to play man-coverage in the secondary and that is a winnable scenario for the Bears.
Redzone defense: Kansas State isn’t an explosive offense. Baylor must play sound defense without falling asleep on a trick play or a deep pass of play-action. The Bears should be able to outscore Kansas State as long as the defense makes the Wildcats work for every point. Red zone defense will be a key for Baylor. Forcing field goals equals a win.
Keys for Kansas State
Make Baylor work for
points: Kansas State can’t win this game if the Baylor offense is able to win vertically. Kansas State must make this a dogfight with Baylor forced to drive the football down the field rather than exploiting chunk plays in the passing game. The Kansas State offense simply can’t keep up if the Baylor offense is able to score points in bunches.
Control the tempo: Oklahoma State bullied Kansas State in a way the Wildcats are not used to in Big 12 play. It’s usually Kansas State that bullies opponents and wins the line of scrimmage. Beating Baylor will require a renewed effort by the offensive and defensive lines. Kansas State needs to win on first down, control the clock, and win in the fourth quarter once Baylor is worn down.
Prediction
Baylor 27, Kansas State
24: The Baylor passing game is the difference in this close contest between two programs still trying to find an identity. The Bears showed heart by fending off a late charge by Iowa State and that confidence should carry over to the road game against Kansas State. Baylor can win this game if it can run the football and force Kansas State into third-and-long situations.