Browsing: Phil Bennett

It was only a year ago when fans called for the firing of Baylor’s defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, as he faced constant scrutiny. The defense left a lot to be desired after giving up more than 519 yards per game through the first nine games of 2012.

Nov. 17, 2012, everything changed.

Baylor football left the Alamadome field victorious on Dec. 30, 2011. The team returned the field Tuesday for the first time since to begin spring practice.

Senior running back Terrance Ganaway rushed a school-record 42 times for 246 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, leading Baylor (8-3, 5-3) to a 66-42 win over Texas Tech at Cowboys Stadium and earning him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

No unit for Baylor football has been in flux more than the secondary. Injuries have forced younger players to step up and some to even change positions, bringing chaos to a group that already came into this year with a ton of pressure to improve.

Last Saturday, the Baylor defense stepped on the field for Rice’s second drive of the second half with the Bears leading 35-17. Despite the lead, the atmosphere in Floyd Casey Stadium was dead.

It shocked no one that the Sooners broke open the 2011 season with a 47-14 win over Tulsa. Heisman candidate junior quarterback Landry Jones threw for 375 yards and one touchdown. His favorite target, senior wide receiver Ryan Broyles, caught 14 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown.

Last November, the Texas A&M Aggies were in town for the Battle of the Brazos. Running back Jay Finley had just run for a 69-yard touchdown, increasing the score in Baylor’s favor 30-21.

After 15 spring workouts ending with an annual scrimmage, Baylor football turns its attention to next year’s 12 regular season games.

With the April 2 spring game quickly approaching, Baylor football diagnoses itself with a healthy offensive pulse and a fresh, promising look on defense.

Football’s path to consecutive postseason appearances started Monday as the Bears returned to the Highers Athletics Complex for the first of 15 spring workouts. As normal, energy and emotions ran high among players itching to get back on the field.