Tigers prepare for Baylor's star quarterback

Baylor's freshman quarterback has yet to throw an interception.

By Lenny Goldman

Published Oct. 31, 2008

After two weeks of focusing on how to rebound and move on from tough losses, the Tigers look to change mindsets and avoid getting caught up in a big win this week.

After stomping Colorado 58-0 on Homecoming last week, coach Gary Pinkel said the Tigers will continue to buckle down and allow no distractions 48 hours prior to game time.

"I didn't ask the players to win," Pinkel said. "I asked them to play hard, with a great effort. It wasn't a gimmick in any way, it was to get everyone on my staff and the team focused on one moment in time and put all our attention on that."

This week the Tigers will have to focus on a 3-5 Baylor team led by freshman quarterback Robert Griffin.

Griffin has yet to throw an interception in his young career. He has thrown 175 passes and nine touchdowns in his mistake-free debut.

"As a true freshman playing in the Big 12 Conference and not even throwing a pick yet, that's something to be proud of," senior linebacker Brock Christopher said. "We'll be looking to try and change that."

As efficient of a passer as Griffin has been, his dominance has really come on the ground. He has already set a school record for a quarterback in rushing yards with 554 and rushing touchdowns with nine.

"Robert Griffin, you look at him as a quarterback and as an athlete," Pinkel said. "A guy like that goes on the field and can do a lot of things. He's a young player. He has a lot of poise. I'm very impressed how he manages himself as a young player in the arena Big 12 football. He has great athleticism. He runs well."

Griffin runs so well he's also a key contributor to the track team. Griffin won the Big 12 gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles last spring. He went on to finish third at the NCAA Outdoor Championship and was named an All-American.

"We just have to keep him contained in the pocket," senior defensive end Tommy Chavis said. "The front four has to do a great job at getting pressure on him and then keeping great pressure on him the whole game."

Fortunately for the Tigers, they've had their fair share of practice against dual-threat quarterbacks. Missouri took down Illinois quarterback Juice Williams in week one and was the victim of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy two weeks ago. Both know how to get the job done with their arm and legs.

"We want to do anything to create as much havoc and put pressure on the quarterback as much as we can," senior defensive tackle Ziggy Hood said.

Last week, Sulak owned up to that task and recorded six tackles, including two sacks.

"He watched a lot of film, and he was prepared for the game," Hodd said. "Confidence plus preparation equals a victory in the game for him. He just goes out there and plays, he doesn't worry about trying to make people make mistakes or anything, but he just goes out there and plays."