Aug. 13, 2003

WACO, Texas - Thunder clouds and soggy sod greeted Baylor's football team on the practice field Wednesday afternoon as the Bears continue in preseason drills. Wednesday was Baylor's second of six two-a-day practice sessions in accordance with the NCAA's new two-and-one preseason practice policy.

Head coach Guy Morriss challenged the Bears after what he called a solid morning practice to maintain the intensity and focus in the afternoon session. However, he was not pleased with the session, particularly on offense.

"It wasn't what I had in mind when we let them go this morning," Morris said. "We've got to learn how to put back-to-back practices together. The defense wasn't bad, but the offense was totally unfocused and made too many mental mistakes - dropped balls, fumbles on the ground, couldn't get lined up, couldn't get the right personnel on the field. They were just spaced this afternoon."

Despite the sub-par performance in Wednesday's afternoon session, Morriss is confident the team will respond and bounce back with a solid practice Thursday morning.

"I fussed at them a little bit and then hugged their necks," Morriss said. "We have to be better than that. We have to push through whatever it was that caused them to lose all their focus this afternoon. We took a step back this afternoon, but it will be interesting in the morning to see how they react. I think they'll be fine. If I know them at all, they'll probably come out here and have a good morning, which we've got to have."

After Thursday's single session, the Bears practice twice Friday followed by single sessions Saturday and Sunday. All practices are open to the public.

The 2003 season begins Aug. 30 as the Bears host UAB at Floyd Casey Stadium.