Baylor Struggles Early, Ultimately Takes Out Texas State at Home
The No. 19 Baylor Bears (2-1) were not clicking on all cylinders against Texas State (1-2), but it didn't matter. The Bobcats were overmatched, and the Bears took home a 42-7 win on the Brazos.
Surely most Baylor fans expected to keep their fingernails intact during this game, but that wasn't the case in the first half. Baylor never conceded a lead in the opening 30 minutes, but there was never a foothold.
The Bears put together a touchdown on their first possession, driving 75 yards in 13 plays and chewing 6:25 of clock. A few possessions later, the script was the same. Up 7-0, Baylor went 69 yards on nine plays to double the score early in the second quarter.
Texas State was able to drive inside the Baylor 10-yard line on its ensuing possession, but it couldn't capitalize after an incompletion on fourth and goal.
That didn't matter. The Bobcats forced a three-and-out and scored on five plays. It was 14-7, but Baylor had 1:59 left to respond. It did.
Thanks to Blake Shapen, Baylor led 21-7 at the break after compiling 130 yards on the ground and 105 through the air.
The third quarter was more gruel. Shapen threw a pick. Sqwirl Williams fumbled. Texas State saw a field goal blocked. Aside from Gavin Holmes carving the defense on a 28-yard touchdown catch, few positives happened for each team.
Nonetheless, the Bears took a 28-7 lead into the fourth quarter, and they quickly added on. The field temperature was over 100ºF, and Baylor fans yearned for a lead comfortable enough to send them home. Richard Reese provided.
Well, there are few things more demoralizing for an opposing team than a 35-7 lead that's secured on a 51-yard run by a true freshman. Texas State started the bus from there, and the Bears capitalized with a few more scores to careen to the 42-7 win.
The star of today's show was Reese, and it feels like this accurately encapsulates his day:
Couple that with holding Texas State to 82 yards on the ground, and the Bears safely finished this one off.
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Baylor Bears? Click Here
Follow Inside the Bears on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnBaylor today! Click here To Listen.
