Baylor's Dave Aranda: BYU Game Will 'Show What We're About'
Following week one's blowout victory over Albany, Baylor Bears football coach Dave Aranda was rather blunt when looking back at Saturday's win.
In fact, he started his press conference with six simple words before expanding on how he felt about the opening weekend at McLane Stadium.
"Feel good going into this week," Aranda said. "Way proud of the team for their effort and their focus and their energy. For last week, I think so much of it is just trying to get out of our own way and really reveal who we are and what we're all about."
So what, exactly, does that mean?
"I thought, for so many guys, first game, so many guys played and so many guys in new roles, leadership roles, and there's always the anxiety or the view of 'I need to make every play,' and I didn't see any of that," Aranda said. "I saw young guys that stepped on the field for the first time and I felt like they belong there. So I credit the team, I credit the coaches for a lot of that."
This weekend will be a true test for Aranda and the No. 9 Bears, as Baylor hits the road to face No. 21 BYU in a pivotal week two showdown.
"What a great opportunity with this next game versus BYU," Aranda said. "[Cougars coach] Kalani [Sitake] and his team are playing at a high level so excited for that. I think an opportunity for us, again, to show what we're about."
Aranda is particularly impressed with BYU quarterback Jaren Hall.
"Great play-action pass thrower," Aranda said. "I think he can move in the pocket and create things if things aren't there. He's going to be one of the better quarterbacks we play all year. The film is impressive in terms of the decisions he makes, the throws that he's able to complete, and really the throws that he doesn't take. He doesn't put the team at risk, so he was good last year, and he's better now."
Blake Shapen and the Bears hit the road to face Hall and the Cougars on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9:15 p.m. Central Time.
The game will be televised live on ESPN and air on 1660 AM and 92.3 FM.
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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