Baylor's Dave Aranda Expects 'Challenge' at Iowa State
Another week in the books and another victory for the Baylor Bears football team has head coach Dave Aranda looking forward to Big 12 play starting this Saturday in Ames, Iowa.
The 17th-ranked Baylor football team hits the road for another true test as Aranda and the Bears battle the undefeated Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Central Time on ESPN2.
"We're excited for this week; had the opportunity to go back and look at the game [against Texas State], saw a lot of improvements and things that still need some improving on," Aranda said. "But I feel the ability to play with a little more edge on the offensive side and then reducing the penalties, and the increased discipline were all good signs. It's a beginning, and it's a start."
A beginning and a start that Aranda hopes will see this young team grow even more as the season progresses.
Offensively, the Bears (2-1) are averaging 43.7 points, 234.7 rushing yards and 219.7 passing yards per game compared to the Cyclones (3-0) averaging 31.7 points, 156 rushing yards and 259 passing yards per game.
On defense, Baylor is allowing 14.3 points, 84 rushing yards and 206.3 passing yards per contest while Iowa State is allowing 9 points, 60 rushing yards and 174.3 passing yards per contest.
Saturday's showdown pitting these two Big 12 powerhouses against one another will definitely be one for the ages, and one Aranda can't wait to coach.
"We're definitely going to be challenged coming up on Saturday and I just feel that as far as the view of who we want to be and consistently look like, I'd say Iowa State is that in a lot of ways and they don't beat themselves," Aranda said. "They are efficient with all their movements and what they do. They're a tough outfit, so a lot of respect for them, a lot of respect for their coach. It's going to be a challenge for us, so excited for that and to see how much we've grown in all of it."
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com