Florence petitioning for sixth year

--A pair of freshmen looks to play significant roles for Baylor, even if they don't start. DE Javonte Magee and S Terrell Burt may not start the season opener against SMU, but they look to get on the field as backups.

--A late arrival for fall workouts was Jason Osei, a defensive lineman from London. Osel has played football for only six years, but at 6-3, 310, he has potential. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett told the Waco Tribune that Osei is raw and might take some time to develop, but he likes the big guy's attitude and outgoing personality.

--The Waco Tribune reported that coach Art Briles is planning to petition the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility for QB Nick Florence, who burned his redshirt season last year in the 11th game of the season after starter Robert Griffin III sustained a concussion. Approval is considered a long shot at best.

SERIES HISTORY
SMU leads Baylor 36-35-7 (last meeting, 2005, Baylor 28-23).

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The big change, obviously, is at quarterback, where senior Nick Florence takes over for Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. Florence won't win a game with his feet but can be an effective passer, and he has some fleet-footed targets to throw to. Veteran RB Jarred Salubi seems to be holding off a challenge from Oregon transfer Lache Seastrunk and Glasco Martin for the starting job.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Eight starters return from a beleaguered unit, and that experience is what the Bears are counting on. Newcomer Javonte Magee has made a quick impression at defensive end. The secondary returns four starters and looks to have solid depth with three others returning from injury.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We feel pretty good about where we are. I know we've got a hungry team, I know we have a team that's determined, and I know we have a team that wants to prove itself." -- Coach Art Briles, looking at the 2012 Bears

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