Ep. 4: David Smoak from Sic Em 365 explains what makes BYU-Baylor series different

Baylor reporter David Smoak from Sic Em 365 joined ESPN 960 in Utah County to discuss the "new rivalry" that may be forming between BYU and Baylor, the two biggest private religious institutions in the new Big 12.

 

The series is in just its fourth game, with Baylor holding a 2-1 lead. But it's already produced a few classics, such as the Bears' four-point win in Provo in 1983 when Steve Young threw for 351 yards and ran for 113 more but couldn't overcome Alfred Anderson's 144 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. That, of course, preceded BYU's 47-13 win in Waco in the historic 1984 season.

 

"There's already a little bit of (history)," Smoak said. "You talk about private schools, Brigham Young with its great history for what they've done under LaVell Edwards and all the great quarterbacks. But it's just two programs in quality places, and it's refreshing.

 

"Sometimes a rivalry can come from playing for 100 years or competing for national titles. That's not the case here, but there is a little bit of history from what happened nearly 40 years ago. And I think, for some reason, it makes sense ... It just seems to fit. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and Brigham Young and Baylor decided to start playing each other — and now they're going to be in the same conference."

 

Smoak also talked about the Baylor run game, which helped the Bears roll by BYU a year ago in Waco, as well as former East High standout Apu Ika, who now dominates the middle of Baylor's defensive line and is a likely NFL draft pick.

 

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