The Illinois Fighting Illini have taken a 6-0 lead over the Baylor Bears after the first quarter in the Texas Bowl. The Illini capitalized on Robert Griffin III’s gaffe. Griffin III attempted a screen pass which wound up being a backwards pass and therefore a fumble. Illinois recovered the fumble and wound up kicking a field goal on their ensuing drive.
Illinois converted on another field goal when kicker Derek Dimke kicked a 28 yard field goal which capped off a 10 play, 57 yard drive and gave Illinois a 6-0 lead over Baylor.
So far, the fumble by Griffin III and Baylor’s inability to convert on third down has been the difference in the game. The Bears are 0 for 2 on third down conversions thus far and are losing the turnover battle. Illinois, by contrast, are 2 for 4 on third down conversions.
Despite being outplayed, the Bears find themselves only down by one score with three quarters left to play.