5 Baylor players to watch out for against West Virginia

Zach Smith

Zach Smith is not he next Bryce Petty. He is just a sophomore who has had to be scrappy in his early college career to get this playing time. He first made his mark as a freshman when the previous starting quarterback was injured midway through the 2016 season. He competed to retain the job going into this season and he impressed the new coaching staff enough to get another strong go at it.

On the year, Smith has 1,160 yards by completing 83 of 158 passes. He has eight touchdown throws on the year and a long pass of 79 yards. Smith does offer that big play capability when he has time to throw the ball downfield.

At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he is a strong presence and he shows that he can develop into a strong team leader. That first win of 2017 will be Smith’s first collegiate win of his career. The Bears lost all four games he started last season as part of a six-game losing streak to end the season. Baylor did start last season with seven consecutive victories.