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Saturday, September 24, 1977
B
aylor may surprise despite absence from rankings
, Sy Dennis Onnsn
Looking at the national rankings, one might think the
Huskers will have an easy romp over Baylor today. Five
Southwest Conference teams are rated in the Associated
Press Top 20 Texas A&M, sixth; Texas Tech, seventh;
Texas, ninth; Arkansas, 16th; Houston, 19th), apparently
making Baylor at best sixth In its league.
But first appearances can be deceiving. The Bears, now
11, returned 10 starters and 27 lettermen from last year's
7-3-1 team, including leading rusher Gary Blair and the
top four receivers.
Although the Bears dropped their first game to Texas
Tech, 17-7, they earned the respect of Tech quarterback
, Rodney Allison, who said, "The Baylor defense hit as
hard as any team I've played against." Supposedly that
" includes Nebraska's defense in last year's Astro-Blue-bonnet
Bowl.
Then, Baylor bounced back last week to down 16th
ranked Kentucky, 21-6. In that game, the Bears showed
their ability to cash in on an opponent's mistakes. Blair
scored the first touchdown after a fumble recovery on the
Kentucky three-yard line. The Bears began their second
scoring drive on the 12 after the ball sailed over the head
of the Kentucky punter, and the final tally came on Mike
Singletary's 12-yard return of a blocked punt.
Injuries at quarterback seem to be plaguing Baylor as
much as Nebraska. Sammy Bickham started the first
game, but he played only sparingly last week with a dis
located finger. Freshman Scott Smith started last week
but left with a dislocated shoulder. Thus, Greg Wood
should start today despite just recovering from a sprained
ankle.
With quarterback so uncertain, the Bears have relied
mainly on their running game. Blair led the team with 857
yards last year, the third best total in school history. Full
back Steve Howell had the best average on the team last
year, gaining 5.7 yards a carry.
If the Bears decide to throw the ball, they have two
good receivers in Tommy Davidson, who caught 45 passes
last year, and All-Southwest Conference tight end Ronnie
Lee."
On defense, the Bears received a blow when All
American noseguard Gary Don Johnson suffered knee
ligament damage against Texas" Tech. He underwent
surgery Tuesday and will not play today. Despite his
absence, the defense has been tough, allowing 289 yards
in total offense a game. The secondary, led by All
Southwest Conference safety Ron Burns, has been
especially effective, giving up only 49 passing yards a
game. '
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