5 takeaways from Baylor’s wild loss to WVU: Bears fall in Morgantown yet again

Baylor lost in a 43-40 thriller to West Virginia Thursday evening at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va.

The Bears (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) and Mountaineers (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) combined for over 1000 yards of offense in an absolutely frantic contest.

Here are five takeaways from Baylor’s unexpected loss to West Virginia:

Drones excels in 2021 Shapen role

Sophomore quarterback Blake Shapen left the game with a head injury in the third quarter, resulting in redshirt freshman slinger Kyron Drones to take over under center. Pitted in a tough spot on the road, Drones stepped up in a big way and delivered time after time, despite the loss.

This situation mirrors the 2021 season to a tee. Shapen was inserted into a road game against Kansas State when then-Baylor QB Gerry Bohanon went down with an injury. Shapen stepped up and led the team with accurate passes and smart decision making.

Although early to tell, Drones appears to be a guy this team can rely on to come in amid a Shapen absence. Don’t be too discouraged by the loss, there are still some positives shown.

Shapen’s “business-like” week paid off, until injury

Earlier in the week, head coach Dave Aranda said Shapen had a “business-like” approach to the bye week before WVU. This seemed to do him well as he went 12-18 for 294 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone.

Shapen did cough up a costly fumble that was returned 65 yards for a touchdown, but outside of that he was on the money.

Unfortunately, Shapen had his day cut short following a head-to-head hit from a WVU defender in the third quarter. Shapen finished his day 14-22 with 326 yards and two touchdowns.

Christian Morgan finding his stride

Fifth-year senior safety Christian Morgan had high expectations coming into the season. He played alongside Texans safety Jalen Pitre for several years, and looked to step up and fill Pitre’s shoes.

The 2022 hasn’t been a home run season by any means, but the last few outings have shown what Morgan is capable of doing in his elevated role. Morgan came up with several huge tackles or deflections, and even has two interceptions so far on the year.

As long as he can stay healthy, the Houston native will look to be a major factor down the stretch for this Baylor defense.

The second half wasn’t as strong for Morgan, but this game quickly got out of control, and it’s not to be solely blamed on any unit specifically.

Holmes continues to shine when targeted

It was quite a day for sixth-year senior wide receiver Gavin Holmes. The veteran wideout carved the Mountaineer defense up for 157 yards on four catches, including a 35-yard score in the first half alone. Holmes finished his career-day with a sizzling 210 yards on seven grabs with one score.

Holmes kept finding separation in one-on-one coverage and made WVU pay each time.

With such a young receiver room, the Justin native needs to be relied on more to have big games like this. Sophomore wideout Monaray Baldwin is a lethal speed threat, but the two seem to have become the clear go-to options for Shapen, and now potentially for Drones.

Lethal tight end duo, why don’t you utilize it more?

Baylor is benefiting from the services of fifth-year senior tight end Ben Sims for likely the last season. Sims is accompanied by junior tight end Drake Dabney in that room and both receive significant playing time.

Sims and Dabney were both featured so heavily against WVU, much like the Bears’ road win against Iowa State on Sept. 24. When the tight ends get involved, it opens this offense up and gives Shapen a lot to work with.

Now, a lot goes into that, and defensive schemes also play a factor in this, but it’s something that is notable through the sixth game of the season. Sims and Dabney offer unique ability in their own regard and its something Baylor should look to exploit in the coming weeks.

Twitter: @MichaelHaag_

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