Baylor's Offense Is More Than Just RB Lache Seastrunk

It just doesn't feel that way sometimes. Or, most times.

After all, Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk enters 2013 with a lot of Heisman hype and some corresponding confidence to boot. 

The Oregon transfer ended 2012 as a reflection of his team: en fuego ("on fire"). In Baylor's final six games, including the Holiday Bowl win over UCLA, Seastrunk reached the 100-yard mark five times and racked up seven of his eight total touchdowns on the year (six rushing, one receiving). He averaged 7.7 yards per carry through the whole season. 

But Baylor's offense in 2013 is more than just Seastrunk, and it starts with fellow running back Glasco Martin. The senior was a more consistent part of the ground game throughout 2012 for the Bears and led all rushers on the team with 15 scores. Only when Seastrunk took off in the second half of the season did Baylor's offense truly become more balanced. 

At times, it even became run heavy. The Bears' Holiday Bowl win over UCLA featured a staggering 67 rushing attempts to just 13 passing attempts. 

While the perception of Baylor's offensive identity remains in the passing game with new quarterback Bryce Petty, it wouldn't be shocking at all—it would probably be expected, actually—to see Art Briles' team come out running the ball with Seastrunk and Martin.

The two will run behind what figures to be arguably the best offensive line in the Big 12. Guard Cyril Richardson receives a lot of the praise after being listed on All-America lists with ESPN and Sports Illustrated, but Dan Greenspan of the NFL Network lists Richardson and tackle Spencer Drango as two of the best at their position in the Big 12. 

That O-line should give Petty some time to throw to what appears to be another loaded receiving group led by senior Tevin Reese, who has 2,235 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns for his career. But two freshmen, Robbie Rhodes and Corey Coleman, have been getting a lot of praise this preseason as well and are slotted to make an impact this year. 

There's a lot to defend if you're an opposing coach on Baylor's schedule. And if the Bears' defense can shore up even a little, this is a team that can make a legitimate run at a Big 12 title. If not, we can at least count on the Bears being the most exciting team to watch in the conference this year. 

Ben Kercheval is the Lead Writer for Big 12 football. All quotes obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise. You can reach Ben on Twitter @BenKercheval.