By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

2010: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in the Big 12.
Bowl: Lost to Illinois 38-14 in Texas Bowl.
Starters returning: 8 on offense, 5 on defense.

Overview
Achieving one set of goals usually means a new set of goals. Last year, Baylor ended a 16-year bowl drought by winning seven regular-season games and earning an invitation to the Texas Bowl. One of the those victories came against Texas – the Bears first victory over the Longhorns since 1997.

Next up on Baylor’s “to do” list is its first victory over Texas Tech since 1995 and its first victory over Oklahoma since … forever. Going into his fourth season in Waco, coach Art Briles has the program trending in the right direction. The defense needs to replace six starters and had trouble stopping opponents’ running games. The offense, though, should again be potent with dual-threat quarterback Robert Griffin III back for his junior season.



Who’s missing
Replacing running back Jay Finley, who ran for a school-record 1,218 yards last season, will be a key factor in keeping the offense explosive and balanced. Left offensive tackle Danny Watkins was one of the team leaders and best players. Defensive tackle Phil Taylor, like Watkins an NFL first-round draft pick, is gone. The Bears also must replace two of its three linebackers and both safetys.

Who’s back
Griffin threw for 3,501 yards and remains a game-breaker as a runner. When he’s not running, Griffin has perhaps the nation’s best group of wide receivers. Baylor had five players with 40 or more receptions. In particular, Kendall Wright and Josh Gordon are productive, big-play threats. Four starters are back on the offensive line.

Spring news
* The defense is expected to improve because of new coordinator Phil Bennett. A veteran of the Big 12 Conference (he has served as an assistant at Kansas State and Texas A&M), Bennett is considered one of college football’s top defensive coaches. He likes the speed on Baylor’s roster and the players have responded to his coaching style. Last season as Pitt’s DC, his defense produced 34 sacks and was ranked eighth in the nation overall.

* Sophomores Ahmad Dixon and Prince Kent were top recruits a year ago but neither saw much playing time last season. Both are expected to see plenty of action this season as Baylor needs to replace both of its safetys.

* Senior Terrance Ganaway, junior Jarred Salubi, sophomore Glasco Martin and redshirt freshman Brad Willard are all in the mix at running back as Baylor seeks to replace Jay Finley. "And we're looking for a guy that's never been 'it' in the game of tag," Baylor coach Art Briles said.

* Two new playmakers on defense could be players who were moved from offense. Former quarterback Brody Trahan at linebacker and former tight end Willie Jefferson at defensive end were productive pass rushers in the team’s last two spring scrimmages.

Coach Art Briles says
“We just kind of continued on from where we finished up in December. Our deal is for everybody that took a snap in December to be better in September. The first snap we take in September should be better than the last snap they took in December. So that's what we have to do. We're certainly not content, satisfied, patting ourselves on the back, because we haven't done anything. When you're through changing, you're through. And we're always going to strive, work, pride ourselves on being the best we can be.”

Schedule

Sept. 2	TCU
Sept. 17	Stephen F. Austin
Sept. 24	Rice
Oct. 1	at Kansas State
Oct. 8	Iowa State
Oct. 15	at Texas A&M
Oct. 29	at Oklahoma State
Nov. 5	Missouri
Nov. 12	at Kansas
Nov. 19	Oklahoma
Nov. 26	vs. Texas Tech (Arlington, Texas)
Dec. 3	Texas