There are a lot of questions regarding SMU's offense with 5 new starters on the offensive line, and Gilbert coming over to play QB for June Jones from Texas. I actually think this will be a great change of scenery for the 5-star recruit in Gilbert and the offensive line won't be terrible considering they have several veterans that have started along the line before. Gilbert is perfect for the run and shoot and I think this offense can really take off especially with dynamic WR Darius Johnson and RB Zach Line. If there was a team a new offense would want to play it's the Baylor defense which should have many of the same issues they had a year ago. They couldn't stop the run or the pass and it started up front where they had just 19 sacks and allowed 5.2 ypc. Line should have a huge game going against a 4-2-5 defense that will have to play honest in Jones style of play calling. Baylor was 118th in pass defense and gets all of those starters back so I don't think it's a good thing. On the other side of the ball....
Baylor will be just fine with QB Nick Florence taking over but it may take a little bit as the offense lost 5 starters to the NFL. The offensive line will be juggled and could have some issues against SMU's front 7 which is tough against the run and has good linebacker speed. Baylor will want to run a lot, but I think SMU should be able to hold up and at least force this team to kick field goals. Pass defense is the main issue for SMU, but again this is a perfect warm up for them with Florence an unknown at QB. All in all the pass defense still stiffened in the red zone as they only allowed 15 passing touchdowns. Watch out for defensive end Margus Hunt from SMU. He could be a huge star on the rise and can get to the QB and I think he could be the best defensive player on the field on Sunday night.
