Baylor Football: 3 reasons offense is doomed without Chris Platt

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 16: Jeremy McDuffie #9 of the Duke Blue Devils breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Chris Platt #14 of the Baylor Bears during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Zach Smith #11 of the Baylor Bears drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at McLane Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

2. Zach Smith cannot afford to lose weapons on offense

Baylor’s offense got a big boost from Zach Smith starting to take the snaps behind center. Anu Solomon did not give Baylor the leader they needed on offense. And, Solomon has been on a steady decline since his freshman year at Arizona.

Much of the reason for Smith’s major improvement over his two starts this year was the presence of Platt, who gave the offense some added versatility. Now, the offense will need to somewhat start over in terms of what the receiving corps can do.

The return of running back Terence Williams from injury could give Baylor a big boost. John Lovett was serviceable in place of the injured Williams and JaMychal Hasty in the backfield. Yet, the run game will get much better with the return of Williams and Hasty.

Smith’s progression could take a hit without Platt, who he had developed good chemistry with over the last two weeks. We’ll see what things look like with more of an emphasis on Denzel Mims and the run game in Platt’s absence.

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