Baylor Vs. SMU: Bears Still Miles Ahead Of Old Rival

Art Briles program is a lot bigger than any one player, as Nick Florence stepped right into RG3's shoes without missing a beat in their 59-24 drubbing of the Mustangs.

SMU Vs. Baylor 2012: Final Score And Game Recap

The Baylor Bears picked up right where they left off in 2011 with a commanding 59-24 victory over the SMU Mustangs on Sunday night at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, TX.

Nick Florence led the Bears to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter with two touchdown passes and eased fears over how Baylor would fare without Blake Griffin III. Florence went 21-of-30 for 341 yards and four touchdowns against the Mustangs. Baylor led 24-3 at the half and extended the rout to 45-3 in the third quarter before SMU was able to get back on the board.

SMU QB Garrett Gilbert, in his first game since transferring from the University of Texas, struggled once more with costly turnovers. Down 14-3 in the second quarter and after having led the Mustangs to the Baylor goal line, Gilbert's pass for Eddie Lackey was intercepted and the Bears scoring just three plays later.

Gilbert was 34-of-59 for 286 yards, two interceptions and two touchdowns on the game with Zach Line gaining 135 yards on 25 carries.

The Bears would also add 229 yards on the ground on 32 carries, with Jarred Salubi and Glasco Martin picking up most of the rushing duties.

For additional SMU and Baylor news, be sure to visit SB Nation Dallas. Also, further coverage on the Bears can be found at Our Daily Bears.

SMU Vs. Baylor Halftime Score: Bears Jump Out To 24-3 Lead Over Mustangs

The Baylor Bears hold a 24-3 halftime lead over the Southern Methodist Mustangs in Sunday's season opener for the two schools, as SMU quarterback and former Texas Longhorn Garrett Gilbert struggled in the first half of his first game with his new team.

Gilbert, who transferred to SMU prior to the 2011 season, threw for 135 yards while completing just 15 of 31 attempts, and was intercepted while trying to hit wide receiver Darius Johnson in the end zone on a slant pattern near the end of the half. The turnover led to a Baylor touchdown two plays later, as Bears quarterback Nick Florence connected with wide receiver Tevin Reese for a 50-yard score to extend Baylor's lead to 21-3. It was Florence's third touchdown pass of the half.

Florence first connected with wide receiver Lanear Sampson for a 5-yard score to cap off a game-opening 10-play, 75-yard drive for the Bears. Then, in Baylor's next possession, Florence tossed a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Najvar, giving the Bears a quick 14-0 lead.

SMU got on the board with a 22-yard field goal from Chase Hover in the second quarter following a 16-play, 66-yard drive which elapsed six minutes and 16 seconds.The Mustangs put together a 73-yard drive two possessions later, but it ended with Gilbert's interception.

Baylor added a field goal as the half closed after the Bears gained 50 yards in just 57 seconds following an SMU punt.

Florence completed 15 of 21 passes for 208 yards. Baylor running back Jarred Salubi led all rushers in the first half with 70 yards on 10 carries, Bears WR Terrence Williams caught five balls for 69 yards to pace all receivers.

For additional SMU and Baylor news, be sure to visit SB Nation Dallas. Also, further coverage on the Bears can be found at Our Daily Bears.

SMU Vs. Baylor 2012: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More

Baylor, playing its first game after the graduation of Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, is a nine-point favorite over in-state rival Southern Methodist. The teams will face off at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco on Sunday evening at 5:30 CT.

Baylor will turn to senior quarterback Nick Florence, who last played significant minutes as a freshman in 2009. Last season, Florence attempted 12 passes, completing nine for 151 yards, all in a 66-42 Bears win against Texas Tech. Baylor also has to replace leading rusher Terrance Ganaway, who ran for more than 1500 yards last season and is now with the St. Louis Rams. Look for Baylor to rely on junior Glasco Martin, senior Jarred Salubi, and Oregon transfer Lache Seastrunk.

On the SMU sideline, the quarterback position will take center stage, as June Jones hands the keys to junior Garrett Gilbert. The Texas transfer has picked up the SMU system more quickly than expected, according to Jones:

"The biggest thing is that he's more comfortable in what we are doing," Jones said. "It's similar to what he did in high school. Lake Travis had a spread look and threw the football around. We have a lot of the same concepts."

Television coverage is available on Fox Sports Net, beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT.

For more coverage of the game between the Bears and the Mustangs, check out the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream as well as Our Daily Bears.

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