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For any first-year quarterback, pulling back can be the hardest thing to do. Now consider how hard it must be for Baylor's big, athletic quarterback Seth Russell to make the so-called smart play when he sees the multitude of weapons at his disposal to make the fantastic play.
Still, even in a high-powered offense such as No. 5 Baylor's, sometimes the right play must be made over the high-risk one. Russell, who has inherited the difficult job of succeeding a Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time Big 12 champion at the QB position, is learning that he can't always go for broke no matter how badly he might want to.
“What I do like about Seth is he is very fearless,” Baylor coach Briles said during his weekly press conference. “And what you’ve got to weigh is the fearlessness versus intelligence. You’ve got to combine those where intelligence always rides a little higher than fearlessness. Because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.”
In two games, Russell has already put up 718 passing yards and nine touchdowns. But against two defenses -- SMU and FCS Lamar -- that will rank among the bottom of defenses he'll see in the Big 12, Russell has also thrown four interceptions, including three against Lamar, with a fumble to boot.
Last season, senior QB Bryce Petty threw three interceptions all season.
Briles knows those kind of mistakes will cost his team in league play. Since the end of last season when Baylor was left out of the College Football Playoff, Briles has preached that the Big 12 champion will likely have to go undefeated to earn a playoff berth this season.
Interceptions that stem from trying to keep a play alive, rather than living to see another down, can become a pick-six killer -- and potential playoff eliminator.
"I can’t make those dumb decisions, especially in bigger games,” Russell said during the weekly press conference. “I have to get better. We can’t have those interceptions. A lot of those were just stupid throws, first-and-10, and I tried to force something. And I don’t need to force it. I can just run and get 5 and get down. It’s all about field position.”
(h/t Waco Tribune-Herald)
