by Adam Shear
WACO - The countdown to the kick-off of the 2012 season is finally over for the Baylor Bears football team and their fans.
Saturday afternoon, thousands of Baylor fans gathered outside Floyd Casey Stadium to tailgate for the first game of the 2012 season.
"I think the key will be whether or not we have good defense this year and see if [the defense] improved," said Nathan Norman, Baylor Alumni. "If they have it will be an easy nine wins, maybe ten."
A strong defense will not be the only factor Bears this season because for the first time in three years they had to prepare to play with out the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III, who left Baylor to pursue his dream in the NFL.
"You can't replace RG3," said Baylor Alumni Paula Parish. "But you know [football] its not just about one player."
Griffin III will be replaced at quarterback by Senior Nick Florence. Despite the small sample of play they have seen from Florence, many fans expect him to keep the team rolling along like RG3.
"I actually have a lot of faith in Nick Florence," said Smith. "I've gotten to see pretty much every game he's played. I don't think [quarterback] is a weak spot for us."
While no one can predict exactly how the Bears will play this year, fans say it's just nice to know they can expect positive things on the field.
"It's good to go to work and be able to talk to Texas and [Texas A&M] fans about what happened on Saturday and not be totally embarrassed," said Greg Mills, Baylor Alumni.
Baylor's second game of the season will be at home against Sam Houston St. on Sept. 15.
