Baker Football Quick Hits

The squad has looked pretty good in fall camp so far. The team has finally seemed to amass some depth overall and that could be a major factor.

The defensive line is especially deep with as many as eight players talented and experienced enough to see some action this fall. Having the “big uglies” rested and energized upfront could be very beneficial.

The secondary is also very talented and experienced for the Wildcats. An increase in interceptions could be forth-coming and everyone knows winning the turnover battle is a key to success.

The linebacking core seems to be the only questionable area as only one starting linebacker returns. The team still has good depth, even in the LB corps, so some playmakers or at least steady contributors should emerge during the season. As long as the youngsters who are thrown into the mix are assignment sound, the defense should have no problem being the best in recent team history.

The offense could really open some eyes this year as well. The offensive line could finally be at that point where they can consistently wear down opponents with the running game. There is experience aplenty upfront on offense so the sack total should decrease from last year as well.

The Baker backfield is solid at quarterback and running back, where a mix of veterans and youngsters will fight for carries. The running system will be based more on speed than power this year, which could mean more big plays.

The receiving core has a ton of games-played under their belt and six or more wideouts could see the field on a regular basis.

More updates to come from fall camp…

Baker Football Pre-Season Analysis

The 2008 Baker Wildcat Football team has about a week and a half before taking the field for their first game, and it just happens to be all the way down at Tennessee Martin University.  Just looking at the Skyhawks schedule is rather amusing. They actually play South Florida the week before good ole BU. That might not mean anything to the casual fan, but South Florida just might be a familiar name to everyone in the near future. Last year they were actually ranked in the top five in the entire nation! Thats the NCAA division 1 nation too… The South Florida Bulls are actually ranked in the top 25 this year in pre-season polls for the first time in school history. The Bulls have a sleeper Heisman trophy candidate in quarterback Matt Grothe and even had a player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft last season. Next to that up and coming, media sensation South Florida team on Tennessee Martin’s schedule is Baker University of the NAIA. Not to mention Auburn of the SEC is also at the tail-end of the Skyhawk schedule.

Before I get too cared away I should mention that the Wildcats have a lot going for themselves as well. They should matchup very well in the NAIA this season and have looked sharpe in fall camp. Beating the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks is not impossible either. Anybody that saw Michigan lose to Appalachian State knows that. The key to an amazing upset is the mindset involved. The Baker squad must somehow come out with some confidence and hang around on the score board.