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.
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