GoSooners, I would like your opinion on the Wake/Baylor game. I'm seriously contemplating laying money on Wake Forest at -12.5. I know that Wake will have some holes to plug early in the season, but they do bring back an experienced QB and they almost always come up with a great defense. Do you realize that Briles is seriously contemplating not naming a starting QB until days before the game? I think it's safe to say that whoever wins the starting job, they will not be ready to play. For one, it's not like Briles' system is easy to pick up. Kolb was the only QB to master it and that is mainly because he ran it in high school under Briles. The factor that made Houston's offense last season was their running game and star running back. They certainly will not have that at Baylor.
Baylor's defense sucked bad last year and I don't see it being any better this year. Baylor lost to BCS schools last year to a tune of 20+ ppg. You and I both know that Waco is not an imposing venue to play in as a visitor unless you are playing in the basketball gym (Briles should suggest that, lol.)
I really think Wake Forest could be a good bet in this game. What are your thoughts?
Baylor's defense sucked bad last year and I don't see it being any better this year. Baylor lost to BCS schools last year to a tune of 20+ ppg. You and I both know that Waco is not an imposing venue to play in as a visitor unless you are playing in the basketball gym (Briles should suggest that, lol.)
I really think Wake Forest could be a good bet in this game. What are your thoughts?
They bring back their QB, too. The only real receiver they lost of significance was Kenny Moore. The offensive line is the true concern, but Grobe believes his o-line is just as talented as the ones the last two years they just don't have the experience and depth. Regardless, it's not like they are going to be tested by Baylor's defensive line any.
BS...I'll be honest with you, I'm kind of working my way down the list in Big 12 games, and Baylor is my last game to look at. I really don't understand the hesitation with Briles naming his QB...Is that true freshman so good that he can't decide between him and Miami transfer Kirby Freeman? A much more big game experience QB. And is Scymananski still in the mix? The Wake defense should be able to shut Baylor down. The only thing that would concern me is if Wake can score enough points in this first game to cover...Their offensive line is somewhat of a concern...But Baylor's defensive line is too..So that may not be much of a factor. Right now if I had a lean it would probably be with Wake..Or possibly the Under play if they give me a decent number.
I think I'm just going to leave this game alone . . . .
Wake scrimmage report
August 14, 2008 7:46 PM
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest's offense seems like it's forever in a quest to match the defense, which accounted for 10 touchdowns last season.
So far, the offense is still playing catch up.
Quarterback Riley Skinner completed 13-of-21 attempts for 142 yards, one touchdown, one interception and he was sacked twice in the Demon Deacons' second scrimmage of the summer.
"We're coming along," said Skinner. "Today, the second scrimmage was I don't think as good as the first. We had trouble getting the ball in the end zone today. We made a couple of physical and mental mistakes but I think our offense is really coming along."
Between Skinner and running back Josh Adams, who had six carries for 15 yards, the offense will be in good hands. The staff is also high on Brandon Pendergrass, who had four carries for 19 yards, but coach Jim Grobe is looking for more toughness from his players up front.
"I don't think we're as physical up front as we need to be right now and I don't think we're running the football like we need to," Grobe said. "I think we do some good things in the throw game but we can't hang our hat on that. The offense needs to improve quite a bit."
Part of that can be attributed to new faces on the offensive line, which has two players who will make their first collegiate starts. Center Trey Bailey is 21 and a redshirt junior, so he's ready, and Russell Nenon is a redshirt sophomore. It's just a matter of them all coming together.
"The problem with the offensive line right now is if you have one guy that's not pulling his weight it ruins an entire football play," Grobe said. "We've got to get five guys working together. We're somewhat in that direction with the first unit, but the second unit we're not even in the ball park."
Grobe said he's pleased with the progress of the kicking game, which isn't a surprise. Sam Swank made four of six field goals, missing two tries of 55-yards each.
Defensively, Matt Robinson led with five tackles, including four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Wake scrimmage report
August 14, 2008 7:46 PM
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest's offense seems like it's forever in a quest to match the defense, which accounted for 10 touchdowns last season.
So far, the offense is still playing catch up.
Quarterback Riley Skinner completed 13-of-21 attempts for 142 yards, one touchdown, one interception and he was sacked twice in the Demon Deacons' second scrimmage of the summer.
"We're coming along," said Skinner. "Today, the second scrimmage was I don't think as good as the first. We had trouble getting the ball in the end zone today. We made a couple of physical and mental mistakes but I think our offense is really coming along."
Between Skinner and running back Josh Adams, who had six carries for 15 yards, the offense will be in good hands. The staff is also high on Brandon Pendergrass, who had four carries for 19 yards, but coach Jim Grobe is looking for more toughness from his players up front.
"I don't think we're as physical up front as we need to be right now and I don't think we're running the football like we need to," Grobe said. "I think we do some good things in the throw game but we can't hang our hat on that. The offense needs to improve quite a bit."
Part of that can be attributed to new faces on the offensive line, which has two players who will make their first collegiate starts. Center Trey Bailey is 21 and a redshirt junior, so he's ready, and Russell Nenon is a redshirt sophomore. It's just a matter of them all coming together.
"The problem with the offensive line right now is if you have one guy that's not pulling his weight it ruins an entire football play," Grobe said. "We've got to get five guys working together. We're somewhat in that direction with the first unit, but the second unit we're not even in the ball park."
Grobe said he's pleased with the progress of the kicking game, which isn't a surprise. Sam Swank made four of six field goals, missing two tries of 55-yards each.
Defensively, Matt Robinson led with five tackles, including four tackles for loss and three sacks.
