Baylor University delivered a striking performance on Saturday afternoon at McLane Stadium, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 45-17 and effectively extinguishing Kansas’ hopes for postseason play. This victory comes after a strong finish to their regular season, as the Bears concluded the year with six consecutive wins, marking the longest streak in program history.
Quarterback Blake Robertson played a pivotal role in the game, throwing for 310 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 192 yards and two touchdowns. This impressive performance allowed him to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the season, setting a freshman record for the Bears, who ended the regular season with an overall record of 8-4 and 6-3 in the conference.
Baylor began the second half with a scoring spree, finding the end zone on their first three drives and taking a commanding 42-17 lead. The Bears amassed a total of 603 yards of offense, showcasing a balanced attack with two running backs surpassing the 100-yard mark, along with a duo of receivers achieving the same feat.
The Jayhawks initially scored first through Devin Neal’s 19-yard touchdown run, but Baylor quickly responded with back-to-back touchdown passes from Robertson to receiver Baldwin. The Bears maintained their momentum throughout the game, with key contributions from players like Pendergrass and receiver Cameron, who also had strong receiving performances.
Defensively, Baylor managed to contain the Jayhawks, with standout plays including an interception that helped set up one of their scores. Kansas’ Jalon Daniels managed to throw for 280 yards, but his efforts were hindered by two interceptions.
Looking ahead, Baylor will be making their 13th bowl appearance in the last 16 years, a testament to the program’s consistency and resilience under head coach Dave Aranda. As bowl selections are set to be announced soon, the Bears have solidified their status as a formidable opponent in the postseason.
This victory not only highlights the strength of the Baylor team but also offers hope to their fanbase as they prepare for the upcoming bowl game. The team’s ability to finish strong and build momentum could lead to success in their next challenge on the national stage.