Midseason Report Card – Baylor Bears

Sep 21, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears Josh Benenoch (37) and running back Lache Seastrunk (25) and linebacker Travon Blanchard (48) celebrate the win over the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears defeated the Warhawks 70-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Baylor Bears

QB: A+

Bryce Petty is continuing the new-found tradition of Baylor QBs who are just terrors with the ball in their hands and some time to throw it. 79-of-113 for 1680 yards and 13 TDs speaks pretty much speaks for itself when describing how great Petty has been for this video game-like offense. He spreads the ball out well to all the targets and may play his way into Heisman talk with some other pretty big names if he can keep this pace up.

Rest of offense: A+

Again, let’s play the numbers game. 412.2 passing yards per game, 302.2 rushing yards per game and 63.4 yards per game. This group virtually gives new meaning to dominating in about every facet possible. From a defensive coordinator standpoint, it’s one of the most difficult jobs in the country to figure out where to start in regards to containing this unit. Because, believe me, there’s no stopping them.

Defense: B

One of the harsh criticisms of the explosive Baylor teams that have surfaced in recent years under Art Briles has been the lackluster play of the defense, which would ultimately help with a few of their in-game demises. But so far in 2013, this unit has held up their end of the bargain by ranking near the top of most statistical categories.

Overall: A

This team, head-scratchingly, was unranked coming into the year and no doubt felt disrespected by a majority of the country. But they’ve used that chip on their shoulder to vault themselves up to no. 12 in the nation, and will only continue to move up if they can keep up the kind of play they’ve exhibited in the first half of the year. They have some tougher slates coming up in this second half with the likes of Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, so we’re going to learn quite a bit more about this exciting group of players.

Offensive spotlight: RB Lache Seastrunk

As much as everyone loves to watch Bryce Petty sling the rock around to Antwan Goodley, Tevin Reese and the rest of the receivers, the superior running ability of Seastrunk has taken this offense to another level. The man who self-proclaimed himself the Heisman winner last December has rushed for 648 yards and eight scores, while averaging an even 10 yards per carry.

Defensive spotlight: LB Bryce Hager

The junior linebacker has been an absolute gem on the defensive side of the ball with 48 total tackles, one sack and has been tremendous in pass coverage.