Baylor vs. Texas State Notebook: Bears Run Away in Second Half
The Baylor Bears football team started slow but finished strong in a 42-7 victory over the Texas State Bobcats on Saturday afternoon at McLane Stadium.
Despite the lackluster first half that saw the Bears take a slim 21-7 lead into the locker room at halftime, Baylor's rushing game came out with a bang in the second half en route to a 35-point win.
With Saturday's win, the Bears improve to 2-1 on the season while the Bobcats drop to 1-2 overall.
A few takeaways from Baylor's victory over Texas State:
BEARS MUST IMPROVE ON FIRST-HALF WOES WITH BIG 12 PLAY LOOMING
Regardless of Baylor winning by 35 points on Saturday afternoon, the Bears looked very sloppy in the first half of play. After taking a 14-0 lead on a 30-yard rushing touchdown by Craig Williams, Texas State failed to find the end zone on 4th and goal and turned the ball over to the Bears.
However, Baylor was unable to garner a first down and ended up giving the Bobcats great field position on the ensuing drive, as Texas State marched down the field for a touchdown to pull within 14-7. Baylor was able to answer before the first half rolled to a close thanks to the legs of Blake Shapen, as the Bears quarterback scrambled 35 yards for a big score on a 4th and 1.
But despite the 14-point halftime lead, Baylor's offense AND defense appeared questionable at best in the first half, and it's an area that must improve with Big 12 play starting next weekend.
BAYLOR'S RUSHING GAME HAS IMPROVED BUT MUST MAINTAIN MORE CONSISTENCY
The Bears' rushing game has improved since last season, but Baylor's backs have got to become more consistent with conference play right around the corner.
Richard Reese led the Bears in that department, garnering 156 rushing yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns.
Yes, Baylor's rushing game was remarkable in the second half, but the Bears must learn to have a balanced offense that keeps opposing defenses on their toes if they want to compete for a chance at winning a national title this year.
BAYLOR'S DEFENSE AND SECONDARY REMAIN SOLID IN HOME WIN
The Bears' defense came through in the clutch, there's no doubt about that. Yet there is still room for improvement, as can be seen through film study.
Thankfully for the Bears, the defense truly clamped down in the second half and didn't allow the Bobcats to score after Texas State's lone touchdown late in the second quarter.
Baylor's secondary remains solid, which is good news for the Bears as Iowa State awaits.
One thing remains certain regardless of Baylor's big win: the Bears have GOT to get better in all aspects before conference play begins next weekend.
Hopefully, coach Dave Aranda and company will have the Bears prepared -- both mentally and physically -- as Big 12 plays looms around the corner.
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com