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College Football Preview: Baylor hopes to keep flying high in 2014

John Benson

by John Benson in News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:40 AM PST

Last season the Baylor Bears (11-2, 8-1 Big 12) led the NCAA in points scored. After a few years in the spotlight, Baylor coach Art Briles knows it’s imperative he keeps his squad hungry.

Briles said, “We still see ourselves, me, personally, our team, we see ourselves as the guy fighting hard, scratching hard to try to get some recognition and some respect. And so that’s something we’re having to deal with a little bit as perception, image of Baylor football, it’s a little different than what it has been in the past thanks to our players. We have to learn how to prepare as the hunted as opposed to the hunter. We’ve always been the hunter. And I don’t want to lose that edge and that attitude and that’s something that we’re working hard to maintain.”

It’s a year of transition for Baylor with only nine returning starters. The good news is quarterback Bryce Petty is one of the key players returning. The Heisman Trophy candidate will have receivers Levi Norwood and Antwan Goodley catching balls, with Shock Linwood providing a solid running game. One of the biggest questions involves the offensive line, which has four new starters this season.

As for the defense, cornerback Terrence Singleton and defensive end Shawn Oakman must have big years in order for the Bears to stay dominant.

For the last few years the Bears have made things interesting in the Big 12. Who knows, come November a few upsets in the top 5 could find Baylor making a play for the first ever College Football Playoff.

ODDS to win the National Championship: 30/1

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