Was Florence given too much, too soon?

I do not think many people would voluntarily choose to trade places with Baylor quarterback Nick Florence.

He is the successor of a Heisman trophy winner and only played 18 games in three years before being handed over the responsibility of leading Baylor’s offense.

So, after Baylor’s six-turnover game with four interceptions against TCU, it comes as no surprise that critics may be questioning if Florence was given too much responsibility, too soon.

“The thing we got to keep remembering about Nick (Florence) is that he really hasn’t played that many football games,” Baylor head coach Art Briles said. “We look at him like he’s a real experienced quarterback where, really, his experience in game time is not that much.”

Although he is lacking in on-field experience, Florence said his biggest concern is to just do his own thing and play within his abilities without trying to be a photocopy of Robert Griffin, which has worked well for him so far.

Briles admits he may be guilty of dismissing the realities of playing quarterback and assuming that every situation Florence is given would just fall in to place. But Briles says it is only because of Florence’s knowledge and intelligence in the game.

“I don’t think you can put too much on him because he’s very intelligent,” Briles said. “I think maybe we had floated along there pretty well at that position these last two or three weeks and had a little success, and a lot of times when that happens you become a little more aggress with the football in situations because everything has been good.”

So how does Florence handle his critics and the pressure of trying to differentiate himself post-RG3 era?

“I just try to be who I am,” Florence said. “I try to go out there everyday and practice strong and practice hard and learn in the film room, and just try to do what I do and not be Robert Griffin.”

Florence says above all, the team has to remember that it’s just a game. They want to have fun, but they also want to win in the process. -- Savannah Pullin