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Baylor defense focused on physicality

Baylor defense focused on physicality
Posted at 10:06 PM, Sep 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-04 23:06:13-04

Baylor might have beaten Abilene Christian Saturday, but the Bears believe they gave up too many big plays.

Junior defensive end James Lockhart came up with a sack and linebacker Terrel Bernard added an interception, but ACU still racked up more than 200 yards rushing after only averaging 80 last season.

"We need to play with more of an edge on defense," said Lockhart at team availability Tuesday, "We need to be more violent just all across the board."

That violence will be needed against a UTSA team that dominated the Bears physically last season.

"There are a few players on UTSA that I would've voted first team All Big 12 last year," said Baylor head coach Matt Rhule.

The Roadrunners also racked up more than 200 yards rushing on their way to pushing around the Bears defensive front. When asked if they remembered that game, the Bears had an interesting answer.

"No comment on that one," said Lockhart with a smile and a laugh, "You take [his answer] however you want it. We're just staying detail oriented, staying explosive up front, and [having] precise aggression."

What will it take for Baylor's defense to be better than its ACU performance?

"We're just going to be the toughest, hardest working, most competitive team in the country," added Bernard.

Baylor will show off their physicality Sept 8 against UTSA in the Alamodome. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday night at 6.

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