Baylor Football: 5 reasons the Bears will beat Duke in Week 3

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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 09: Zach Smith #11 of the Baylor Bears throws against the UTSA Roadrunners at McLane Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. Zach Smith lights up Duke’s defense

Rhule announced this week that Zach Smith will get the start over Anu Solomon as the senior quarterback is going through concussion protocol. Smith does have more starting experience in the Baylor offense and played well in some games down the stretch in 2016.

If nothing else, Baylor can get a much needed change of pace to their offense. Whatever Solomon was doing was just not working against UTSA. And he did not do enough to even keep pace with Liberty’s offense.

The last time that Smith started he led Baylor to a big victory as an underdog over the Boise State Broncos. He could actually carry a two-game winning streak into the start of Big 12 play if he wins this matchup.

Smith will have a huge challenge in front of him to keep pace with a quarterback in Daniel Jones that is responsible for 42 points in two games. Not to mention how much time of possession he could get against the Baylor defense. Either way, Smith will get an opportunity to shine.

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