Anonymous opposing coach analyzes Baylor's quarterback situation in 2023

Before Baylor takes on any opponents this season, it must solve an internal conflict. The battle at the quarterback position is fierce, and not all outsiders are convinced the winner is so apparent.

An anonymous opposing coach recently commented on the complicated situation. His perspective was shocking.

“The roster is solid. They have some dynamic speed guys on offense. The quarterback (Blake Shapen) is solid but not really remarkable; the Mississippi State QB (Sawyer Robertson) could push him out,” the coach said, via Athlon Sports.

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Is Blake Shapen not the answer?

Many Baylor fans assumed Blake Shapen was the unrivaled candidate for the Bears’ QB1 position. After all, Shapen did a respectable job in the position last season. Named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 player by the league coaches, the 6-foot quarterback threw for 2,709 yards on 233-of-368 passing with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Furthermore, Shapen boasted a 137.7 efficiency rating as a passer, just shy of cracking the top-12 in school single-season history. While the Louisiana native was never a nightmare for opponents, he had flashes of greatness.

Specifically, Shapen looked spectacular against No. 7 Oklahoma State, when he threw for a season-high 345 yards and two TDs on 28-of-40 passing with two interceptions. Nonetheless, this anonymous coach isn’t convinced.

“This will be a big season to see how they rebound from ’21. It’s the year after the step back where you find out about culture and development,” the opposing coach said.

Change could be coming for Baylor

The coach has a point. After going 12-2 in 2021, Baylor looked like a shell of its former self last season. The Bears went 6-7 and concluded the season with an embarrassing 30-15 loss to Air Force. This specific coach seemingly believes Sawyer Robertson could be the answer to Baylor’s problems.

Robertson transferred to Baylor this offseason after spending two years at Mississippi State while receiving minimal playing time. Although Robertson has not proven his skill on a collegiate level, he was once a promising prospect.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Robertson was a four-star recruit and the 18th-best quarterback in the Class of 2021, according to On3 Industry Rankings. With an impressive frame and no history holding him back, perhaps Robertson can give Shapen a run for his money behind center.

Only time will tell. Watch the Baylor Bears begin their 2023 campaign as they take on Texas State on Sept. 2, in McLane Stadium.