Art Briles, Baylor Bears still fighting for respect after Big 12 title

Art Briles led the Baylor Bears to the Big 12 conference title last season and has seen a number of his players drafted by the NFL, including Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III at No. 2 three drafts ago, but he’s still fighting for respect.

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Baylor still finds itself in a conference where Oklahoma and Texas are still the perceived heavyweights of the conference–rightfully so considering their long and storied pasts–but Baylor is the top dog now and Briles is the reason.

With Big 12 Media Days kicking off in Dallas on Monday, Briles spoke about how his team is changing the perception that the team is the underdog despite beating the Sooners for the conference title and having a Heisman contender once again in quarterback, Bryce Petty.

“Me personally, our team, we see ourselves as the guy fighting hard, scratching hard, trying to get some recognition and some respect, Briles said. That’s something we’re having to deal with. The perception and image of Baylor football is a little different from what it has been in the past, thanks to our players.”

“We have to learn to prepare as the hunted, as opposed to the hunter. We’ve always been the hunter. I don’t want to lose that edge and that attitude. That’s something that we’re working hard to maintain.”

Baylor’s lone conference loss came to Oklahoma State a season ago before they lost to a one-loss UCF team with Blake Bortles in the Fiesta Bowl and were tabbed as the media’s pick to win the Big 12 this season behind a high-powered offense and severely underrated defense.

If the Bears can maintain that edge and underdog spirit, the media may actually get this one right.

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