Heisman Worthy Next Stop, S.A

WE’RE THERE WHEN YOU CAN’T BE

Special Bowl Issue TheTUESDAY| DECEMBER 6, 2011Baylor www.baylorlariat.comLariat

FINISH.Baylor has gone 9-3, its most successful campaign since 1986, but the team insists it isn’t done yet. Here’s a look at where the Bears have been and where they’re going.

Heisman worthy Quarterback Robert Grifﬁ n III makes a strong case for college football’s most prestigious award >>Page 2 Next stop, S.A. Find out where to go before and after the Alamo Bowl

Player photos by Associated Press >>Page 7 Crowd photo by Matthew McCarroll | Lariat photographer TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 | the Bowl Issue 2 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com RG3’s season earns trip to NYC By Krista Pirtle Sports Writer

He is one of three players in the history of the FBS with more than 10,000 yards passing and 2,000 yards rushing, gradu- ated both high school and college Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor early, competed in the Olympic Head coach Art Briles announces Baylor’s acceptance to the 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl on Sunday at the Simp- Trials at the age of 17, is a final- son Athletics Center. Baylor will play Washington at 8 p.m. Dec. 29 in San Antonio. ist for the Manning Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Davey O’Brien Na- tional Quarterback Award and the Heisman trophy. Going to San Antone: His name is Robert Griffin III Meagan Downing | Lariat Photographer and he is the quarterback at Bay- No. 10 quarterback Robert Griffin III deflects Texas players as he runs lor University. for a touchdown on Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium. Baylor defeated Monday it was formally an- Texas 48-24, finishing the season 9-3. BU stays in Texas for bowl nounced that Griffin had been invited to New York City for the On the season, Griffin has -ac son done with conference play, cumulated 3,998 yards passing Griffin had one extra weekend By Tyler Alley game losing streak. This season, become bowl eligible you like Heisman ceremony, along with and 644 rushing, responsible for to state his case for the Heisman Sports Editor Baylor heads into the bowl rid- to share it with the people that Wisconsin running back Mon- 45 touchdowns. He leads the na- on then national stage in Waco ing a five-game winning streak. helped you get there. That’s the tee Ball, Stanford quarterback tion with a 72.4 completion rate. against a renowned program, the It’s not a BCS Bowl or the Cot- The offense is fresh off a 48-point part I love about it. We get to Andrew Luck, LSU cornerback “I think we have the best University of Texas. ton Bowl, but the Bears will take showing against Texas, and the share it with our team, but our Tyrann Mathieu and Alabama quarterback in the nation,” junior “We don’t plan on letting any- it. And they’ll take it gladly. defense forced six turnovers. team gets to share it with our running back Trent Richardson. tight end Jerod Monk said. “He’s one win the Heisman against us,” Baylor accepted an invitation “It’s huge,” junior quarterback fans.” According to ESPN analyst phenomenal when throwing the Texas linebacker Keenan Robin- to play in the 2011 Valero Alamo Robert Griffin III said. “We are More than three weeks will Kirk Herbstreit, the name on the ball around. He gets it to a lot of son said early in the week. Bowl at 8 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the playing with a lot of confidence, have passed between Baylor’s last front of his jersey will keep him guys and there are opportunities Griffin and the Bears had the Alamodome in San Antonio. defense especially. Our offense is regular season game and its bowl from the Heisman. to score. Just looking at the de- opposite view on the game as “I am very excited to accept putting up a lot of points and a lot game. “He’s from Baylor,” Herbstreit fense, he knows where to throw Griffin hit Wright for a 59-yard our invitation to the Valero Ala- of yards. If anybody could play “I think it’s a positive thing if said. “He’s not going to win the the ball, and he executes the of- touchdown pass the second play mo Bowl in San Antonio,” head with us right now, it would be a anything just because, coming off Heisman.” fense really well. You don’t see of the game. coach Art Briles said. “I am re- tough match up. We feel like if the season, you’re as beat up as Griffin disagrees, crediting the hardly anybody in the country “I think he is [worthy of the ally familiar with San Antonio. we go out and be us, then nobody you are physically. I think emo- name on the front of his jersey throw the deep ball like him. It’s Heisman],” Robinson said after It’s a great city, great venue with can beat us.” tionally as well, you’re just a little more than the one on the back. amazing.” the game. “Tonight he showed the Alamodome. The thing that Briles said the message since worn down from the stress of the “It’s not just about me, it’s that and played great against a catches my eye, as I watched early the beginning of the season was season,” senior inside linebacker about all of Baylor Nation,” Grif- great defense. He did his job. He in the year, is the attendance at for Baylor to not be a “one-hit Elliot Coffey said. “I think that fin said. “I don’t know if you can “It’s not just about me, scored 48 points on us, so I think some of UTSA’s games — they wonder” in terms of going to the time off is good. We have a say we deserve it, but it would it’s about all of Baylor he is.” had 56,000 people there. So that bowl games. week off to recover here and then definitely be warranted.” Looking back, Briles ac- is really impressive. It shows me “That was a big deal last year we start up practice pretty soon.” Originally, Griffin was plan- nation. I don’t know if knowledges Griffin’s Heisman that they are football-crazy, foot- getting in a bowl game at Baylor Students may purchase their ning on attending the University you can say we deserve moments, but said it is his efforts ball-hungry in San Antonio.” University,” Briles said. “It’s a big tickets at the Bill Daniel Student of Houston, but when he found it, but it would defi- over the whole season that earned Baylor (9-3, 6-3 in Big 12) will deal this year to get into a bowl Center Ticket Office from 8 a.m. out head coach Art Briles was him a shot at the award. play University of Washington game at Baylor University. There’s until 5 p.m. Thursday to Friday leaving there to take the head nitely be warranted.” “I think he’s done enough this (7-5), the No. 2 non-BCS Pac-12 a lot of teams out there in Divi- for $65. coaching job at Baylor, he fol- Robert Griffin III | Quarterback season to win a Heisman,” Briles team. sion 1-A football that would love lowed along. Quick Hits said after the Texas game. “I don’t “What they have done over to be where we are at right now, “I knew he could run because think it comes down to one day. I the last three years has been re- so we understand that and we I had some friends, high school The Baylor team, led by Grif- think it certainly helped him to- markable,” Briles said. “I think don’t take it for granted. What we What: Valero Alamo track coaches, who were watch- fin, stepped up this 2011 season. day without a doubt, but when I they have gone 5-7, 7-6 and they want to do is seize the moment. ing him run,” Briles said. “That Bowl It all started with the upset over think you judge somebody, you are 7-5 this year, but prior to that We want to take advantage of this was the first thing that caught our then No. 14 TCU 50-48. Another judge them over the long run, not they were 0-12. Coach (Steve) opportunity that we have worked eye. Then when he came to camp, boost for Griffin’s résumé is his the short run. His long run has Sarkesian has certainly done an for, and that’s our main goal” Who: Washington I remember after we had gone role in Baylor’s undefeated No- been very impressive this year.” outstanding job. The thing that Some of the possible bowl through some drills throwing, vember, highlighted by Baylor By definition, the Heisman is really caught my attention was scenarios for the Bears included telling the coaches hey we got to Where: Alamodome, stunning then No. 5 OU with a awarded to the most outstanding what they did to Nebraska last games outside Texas, such as the hide this guy. This guy is special. I San Antonio 45-38 victory, sealing by a last college football player in Ameri- year in the Holiday Bowl.” Insight Bowl in Temp, Ariz. Briles was really excited when I saw him second 34-yard touchdown pass. ca. This is the second consecutive said having the bowl in Texas is throw the football. You can teach “He has the ability to make “He’s the most dynamic player year for Baylor to go to a bowl great for Baylor Nation. When: 8 p.m., Dec. 29 somebody to throw and you can plays that no other quarterback in the NCAA right now,” running game. Last year Baylor was head- “It’s a definite plus for our teach proper pocket etiquette and can make,” Wright said. back Terrance Ganaway said. ed into its first bowl in 16 years, fans,” Briles said. “When you form, but I haven’t ever seen a TV: ESPN With both Luck and Richard- “Why wouldn’t he win it?” but also coming in on a three- go through the season and you slow guy get fast.” Analysis: Huskies will look to stop RG3, BU run game By Krista Pirtle it did against the Sooners’ Landry lem attacking over the top. Bay- hill runner, willing and eager to to the left as the play is being lining sophomore Jesse Callier in Sports Writer Jones; Price is squirmy, however, lor safeties Mike Hicks and Sam break through the gap the of- called. shotgun behind center to plow a and can find a solid read while he Holl will need to be at their best fensive line has created and then Once the ball is snapped, the handful of key yards. Washington travels 2,161 scrambles. to jump his reads and force him lower his shoulder to power an player on the far left end of the As far as the Washington de- miles to the Alamo Bowl with This is where the Baylor sec- to run the ball himself. extra handful of yards. line blocks the right tackle on his fense goes, it is about as mediocre facets Baylor has faced all year: ondary must step in and play Attacking the secondary will Polk looks for the outside outside shoulder allowing a flag as the Big 12’s. a decent defense, a fiery quarter- lights out. be key for the Huskies, but their edge where the receivers can set route down the sideline for Polk, Baylor’s wide receiver screen back whose rush game is nonex- In the Bears’ final conference rush game can prove just as de- up extra blocks for him. leaving him wide open to catch is an option but not the best bet istent and a strong running back. game against Texas, coverages structive. The Huskies also have a play the ball and take it to the house. with sophomore safety Sean Sophomore quarterback Keith were blown and gaps were not Junior tailback Chris Polk featuring Polk that resulted in The key defensive player in Parker, who has a team-high four Price’s numbers pale in compari- filled. Baylor defensive coordi- is 5’11” and weighs in at 222 touchdowns against both Ari- this set is the linebacker on the interceptions on the season. son to Baylor’s Robert Griffin III; nator Phil Bennett saw the prob- pounds. zona and Washington State. Two weak side; he cannot bite toward The Bears can rotate between his ball placement and quick re- lems and drew up a solution that He and Baylor’s senior run- additional players are on the line the middle because he will be running the game clock and fir- lease, however, are similar to that paved the way for his defense to ning back Terrance Ganaway are of scrimmage while a pair of re- beat on the outside. ing from the hurry-up. of the Heisman candidate’s. Price force six turnovers. neck and neck in statistics with ceivers overload on the right side Shutting down Polk will be The more time Robert Griffin set a school record this season Price, however, is a more con- Polk averaging 111.8 yards per of the ball. key for Baylor. When Washing- III has the ball, however, the less with 29 scoring passes. fident quarterback than Texas’ game and Ganaway with 112.2. Polk will either start on Price’s ton wants to line up in the wild- likely the Huskies are to score. Baylor can try to blitz him like Case McCoy and has no prob- Ganaway is more of a down- left side or switch from the right cat formation, the Huskies favor

September 2 - Baylor opens September 24 - Baylor October 8 - Baylor rebounds the season by shocking then- defeats Rice 56-31 on Parents at home by beating Iowa State No. 14 TCU 50-48 on Aaron Weekend behind Griffin’s six 49-26. Terrance Ganaway Jones’ game-winning field total touchdowns (five passing, rushed for 200 yards and three goal. The next day, Robert one rushing) touchdowns. Griffin III made an appearance on College GameDay.

October 1 - Baylor loses its October 15 - Baylor loses first game of the season 36-35 a tough road game at Kyle September 17 - Baylor shuts to Kansas State in Manhattan, Field against Texas A&M 55- out Stephen F. Austin 48-0 in a Kan. Griffin still managed five 28. Griffin threw for a school- lightning-shortened game. touchdowns in the game. record 430 yards in the defeat. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 www.baylorlariat.com Bowl Issue the Baylor Lariat|3 Bears seek redemption in San Antonio Alamo Bowl invite brings second chance after 1994 loss to Washington State By Daniel Wallace Sports Writer

The Bears will have the lux- ury of staying in Texas to play in their second bowl in 2 years. The Valero Alamo Bowl will be played at San Antonio’s Alamo- dome, in San Antonio which has a capacity of 66, 000. This is only the second Big 12 vs. Pac-12 match-up in Alamo Bowl history, with the first coming last year when Oklahoma State upended Arizona 36-10. The Big Ten and the Big 12 were the conferences competing in the bowl from 1995-2010. In 1993 and 1994, the match-ups featured the Southwestern Con- ference and the Pac-10. This year’s selection into the Alamo Bowl for the Bears is the second time in school history. In 1994, Baylor was a mem- ber of the Southwestern Confer- ence and earned a bid into the Alamo Bowl. The Bears did not come out on top in that game, however, as they fell to Washington State 10-3 in a defensive battle. That year’s Baylor squad set a then-school record of 359 points but was unable to generate much offense against the nation’s second-ranked team. The Bears’ defense, however, did hold Washington State to Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor just seven rushing yards in that game. No. 24 running back Terrance Ganaway celebrates after his touchdown against the Longhorns at the Floyd Casey Stadium Saturday. The Bears beat Texas 48-24 in the last game of the Since its inception in 1993, regular season. The Bears go into the game ranked No. 17 the Alamo Bowl has featured some of the most thrilling fin- Bowl was an offensive explosion, attempts that were intercepted, to tight end Justin Swift. That ishes and intriguing match-ups. where 83 points were scored. The including a 34-yard touchdown was too much time for the 1998 The 2008 Valero Alamo Bowl Nebraska Corn Huskers scored return for the first points of the Big 10 Offensive Player of the saw No. 23 Missouri top No. 20 66 of those points and proved too game. Year and future Superbowl MVP, Northwestern in the second over- powerful offensively for North- In a rematch in 2007, the Ag- Drew Brees. time game in Alamo Bowl his- western. The Cornhuskers of- gies fell again to the Nittany Lions In an 80-yard drive that only tory. fense put up 636 total yards, 467 24-17 despite grabbing an early took 54 seconds to complete, The MVP of that game was of which were rushing yards, two-touchdown lead. Brees found Isaac Jones for the the current offensive star wide which both are Alamo Bowl re- In 1998, the No. 4 ranked game-winning touchdown to receiver for the Philadelphia Ea- cords. Kansas State Wildcats trailed 30- stun the Wildcats and put the fin- gles, Jeremy Maclin. He had the The No. 18 Texas A&M Ag- 20 with 6:44 remaining in regu- ishing touches on a wild, come- game-winning touchdown and gies were dominated by the No. lation against the Purdue Boil- back victory. The 1998 Wildcats’ returned a punt 75 yards for a 13 Penn Sate Nittany Lions in the ermakers. They rallied for two No. 4 rank is the highest of any

touchdown in the second quarter 1999 Sylvania Alamo Bowl. touchdowns to take a 34-30 lead team to play in the Alamo Bowl. City of San Antonio to lead his Tigers past the Wild- The Aggies lost 24-0, never with 84 seconds left on the clock The Big 12 is 7-7 all-time in The Bears will face off against Washington State in the 2011 Valero cats 30-23. recovering from quarterback after a touchdown from Wildcat the Alamo Bowl and the Pac-10 Alamo Bowl at 8 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Alamodome. The last Alamo The 2000 Sylvania Alamo Randy McCown’s first two pass quarterback Darnell McDonald is 2-1. Bowl for Baylor was in 1994 when the team lost to Washington State 10-3. Sports take: A love letter to the BCS On the Web

Dear BCS organizers, major bowls are theoretically Robert Griffin III lead the 12th- a post-season. That definitely supposed to represent the top 10 ranked Baylor bears to a victory doesn’t need to change. I am absolutely thrilled with teams in America, a lot of people than see West Virginia play, and I mean, it would be a lot your decisions this year. Although would have probably expected you guys were smart enough to clearer whether Andrew Luck the vast majority of America you to actually select the teams or Robert Griffin III should ac- wants to see a playoff system and that deserved to be there. tually win the Heisman if they, there are probably ways to have As a graduate from Kansas you know, got to play each other, that make more money anyways, State, how could I not love seeing but America doesn’t want that. you guys have really stuck to your my team in the Cotton Bowl in- “80 percent of the America doesn’t want the best corrupt principles and kept the stead of getting one of the at-large voters on ESPN person (RG3) to win the Heis- BCS Championship series. bids? wanted to see man outright. The country wants The BCS bowl series this Being eighth in the country, a surprise disfigured by lobbying year, in particular, was extremely they certainly deserved to be in Oklahoma State in the and conference bias. That’s what well-organized. The bowls were a more important bowl, but now championship instead America wants and you guys are Who are we? perfectly selected. Many people they’ll get to play in a lesser one. of a game they’d making sure we get helpings of it. The 2011 football might have thought that LSU Much less stressful for the play- How could I not love the Bowl season was filled with should have played Oklahoma ers; I can see that you were clearly already seen, but you Championship Series? March big wins and lost State, you know, since they’re Joshua Madden |A&E editor looking out for their well-being all were smart enough Madness is by far the least ex- clearly the top two teams. 80 by ignoring them and instead citing time in all of competitive rivalries, but when to know better.” percent of the voters on ESPN choosing Virginia Tech (ranked sports and I would hate to see soning so I can really praise it as President Starr asked wanted to see Oklahoma State much as it deserves. 11) and Michigan (ranked 13) for something totally not exciting Joshua Madden | A&E Editor the Bears to “Rise Up,” in the championship instead of a If Alabama wins, a team that the Sugar Bowl. like that implemented in football. game they’d already seen, but you didn’t even win its conference Even cooler is West Virginia – Filling out brackets and compet- that’s just what we did. all were smart enough to know championship will be the national ranked 23rd in the country – being with friends is horrible – I Check out the sic ’em better. Seeing Alabama in the champion and, since you guys are ing included in one of the major want more meaningless bowls filled action in the championship will be super bor- still smart enough to not put in bowls. They definitely deserve to with teams that don’t deserve to ing and that’s what America really a playoff system, you can’t blame be there because they won a really figure that out. be there and you guys have never Lariat original film, wants, even if Americans say they it on the excitement of a tourna- mediocre conference. You guys On top of all of this, your abil- failed to deliver. “We Are Baylor,” only wanted something completely ment. Nothing but pure, unbri- were smart enough to say “Rank- ity to continue not doing a playoff on different. dled entitlement for Alabama! ings be damned!” when setting up system helps to make the Heis- Sincerely, baylorlariat.com Think about if Alabama wins I also want to praise you all the BCS structure and for that I man race more muddled than it Joshua Madden and how cool that will be. You for not selecting any of the teams applaud you. needs to be, especially given that Also check out our guys know this already, of course, ranked between sixth and ninth No one would have rather Heisman voting is inexplicably PS: I really, really hate you, BCS photo slideshow. but I want to go through the rea- for a major bowl. Given that the seen potential Heisman winner placed before the thing you call organizers.

November 12 - Baylor pulls November 26 - Baylor defeats Texas Tech 66-42 on Ganaway’s October 29 - Baylor loses to “The Comeback,” erasing a 246 yards, four shy of school Oklahoma State 59-24. Griffin 21-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Kansas 31-30 in record. Nick Florence comes throws for 425 yards and one in for Griffin and throws for two overtime. touchdown in the loss. The touchdown, capping off the loss looks to be the end of “November to Remember.” Griffin’s Heisman campaign.

November 19 - Baylor upsets November 5 - Baylor then No. 5 Oklahoma 45-38 on December 3 - Baylor destroys rebounds against Missouri 42- Griffin’s 479 passing yards and Texas 48-24. Griffin has 320 39 on Homecoming. Ganaway four touchdown, including the passing yards and four total rushes for 186 yards and two “Immaculate Reception” by touchdowns against the Big touchdowns. Wright. 12’s highest-ranked defense. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 4 | the Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com |5 Get ready, San Antonio

The Lariat looks forward to the Alamo Bowl by looking back over Baylor’s record-setting 2011 football season

Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor

No. 2 wide receiver Terrance Williams catches the ball along with Texas A&M No. 22 No. 24 runningback Terrance Ganaway runs the ball in for a touchdown Nov. 27. at the Texas Shootout No. 10 quarterback Robert Griffin III carries the ball down the field for a first down during the game against Texas at Floyd Casey Stadium on Saturday. The Bears upset the Longhorns with a 48-24 victory, making them undefeated at home and securing a bid to the Alamo bowl. defensive back Dustin Harris Oct. 15. Possession was given to Texas A&M, which in Cowboys Stadium. The Bears celebrated their victory over Texas Tech University with a final score ended up defeating the Bears 55-28. of 66-42.

Makenzie Mason | Round Up Photo Editor Meagan Downing | Lariat Photographer No. 16 inside receiver Tevin Reese attempts to break away from Oklahoma’s No. 14 defensive back Aaron Colvin No. 10 Robert Griffin III starts the play against TCU on Sept. 2 atFloyd on Nov. 19. The Bears beat OU 45-38 for the first time in 21 matchups. Casey Stadium. Baylor beat TCU 50-48. Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor No. 10 quarterback Robert Griffin III hurdles over Missouri No. 1 defensive back Kip Edwards for a first down Nov. 5 at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears ended up with a 42-39 victory over the Tigers.

Makenzie Mason | Round Up Photo Editor Makenzie Mason | Round Up Photo Editor Associated Press Matt McCarroll | Lariat Photographer The team comes out of the tunnel into the stadium before the game against Iowa State on Oct. 8. No. 42 inside receiver Levi Norwood dodges opponents during the game Quarterback Robert Griffin III passes under pressure from Oklahoma State linebacker James Thomas during the The Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band stands in the Texas formation in the game against Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 17 at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears against Rice on Sept. 24. Baylor blew away Rice 56-31. fourth quarter on Oct. 29 in Stillwater, Okla., Oct. 29, 2011. Oklahoma State won 59-24. celebrated a 48-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 4 | the Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com |5 Get ready, San Antonio

The Lariat looks forward to the Alamo Bowl by looking back over Baylor’s record-setting 2011 football season

Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor

Makenzie Mason | Round Up Photo Editor Makenzie Mason | Round Up Photo Editor Associated Press Matt McCarroll | Lariat Photographer The team comes out of the tunnel into the stadium before the game against Iowa State on Oct. 8. No. 42 inside receiver Levi Norwood dodges opponents during the game Quarterback Robert Griffin III passes under pressure from Oklahoma State linebacker James Thomas during the The Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band stands in the Texas formation in the game against Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 17 at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears against Rice on Sept. 24. Baylor blew away Rice 56-31. fourth quarter on Oct. 29 in Stillwater, Okla., Oct. 29, 2011. Oklahoma State won 59-24. celebrated a 48-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 | the Bowl Issue 6 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com A little A hero in his own Wright birdie told us Senior wide receiver Kendall Wright complements Griffin but sets his own records Baylor Nation tweets By Daniel Wallace On The Alamo Bowl Sports Writer

Even Superman can’t do it @StephanieSBarry alone. “Baylor’s headed to While most of the credit for the Alamo Bowl, coach the Bears’ stellar offense this Art Briles announces” season is attributed to Heis- yippeeee!” man hopeful quarterback Robert Griffin III, and rightfully so, one player stands out as Griffin’s right- @volkthehulk hand man when the Bears take “All I want for Christmas the field on offense. is tickets to the Alamo Of Griffin’s 267 completions, Bowl” 101 of them have gone to the player who wears the number @RoseyM_Sun seven, senior wide receiver Ken- “can’t wait to go to the dall Wright. Alamo Bowl! It’s going to Wright came to Baylor from Pittsburg, Texas, and has been be an awesome experience making big plays and eye-pop- for Baylor Nation!” ping catches for the Bears ever since. @AMINER777 In 2008, his true freshman “It will not take 14 days year, Wright made an immedi- for the Bears to win this ate impact on the team; he led in Alamo.” receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He holds several all-time school records @J_Sko with 3,913 receiving yards and “so excited I can’t believe 29 touchdowns. Wright caught it, I have to pinch myself passes in all his 49 career games sometimes just to make for Baylor. sure Im not dreaming. He is the only player in school Ready to finish the season history to record 200–plus receiv- 10-3” ing yards in a single game; he ac- Matt McCarroll | Lariat Staff Photographer No. 1 senior receiver Kendall Wright breaks a tackle in the first half against Texas at Floyd Casey Stadium on Saturday. The Bears beatthe complished that feat twice, once @pressn4truth at Kansas State on Oct. 1 and Longhorns 48-24. “Wahoo!” also in Baylor’s upset victory over Oklahoma on Nov. 19. nothing that he does is like, ‘Wow, hard and we play hard. We prac- one way to get that. That’s to live “Kendall is a guy that lays it Griffin said Wright is a de- how did he do that?” tice at a high level.” it and feel it, and get on the field on the line every time he plays, @TornadoRich pendable, reliable receiver he In turn, Wright said in the Art Briles, Baylor’s head an d p l ay.” every snap,” he said. “He plays at “Baylor will travel well trusts, and he is not surprised to case of his special chemistry with coach, said he has enjoyed watch- And the way Wright plays the high rate of speed, which can be to San Antonio but the see Wright’s leaping catches or Griffin, practice really does make ing Wright grow both as a receiv- game, Briles said, has been a de- conducive to some minor bruises competition is lacking. athletic grabs. perfect. er and as a person in his time at termining factor in his growth. and sprains, but he has done a Disappointed after I “Kendall is that guy,” Griffin “It’s the way we practice,” he Baylor. Wright, who considers himself tremendous job of being a tough- found out we are #12” said. “He will catch that anything said. “It all starts with practice. If “He’s been a tremendous No. 1 one in terms of receivers minded, mature individual for us. you throw near him. If he believes we don’t practice hard every day, weapon for us the last four years,” in the Big 12, credits his quick- It’s been a good four years at Bay- then none of this will happen. he said. “The thing that we’re most ness and work ethic as what set lor University for him and for us.” @nickikennington he can catch it, he will catch it. I’m “I am flying in for the not amazed by anything that Ken- We won’t be in sync, and it won’t proud about Kendall is certainly him apart, but Briles said Wright’s Baylor will lose Wright, a gen- bowl from Virginia! dall does, just because I’ve seen happen. So the way we practice, how he’s improved with maturity main contribution to the team is eral studies major, when he grad- it and he’s an amazing player, so it translates to the game. Practice and with experience. There is only his mentality. uates in May. Bought my plane tickets yesterday. Class of ‘07 :)”

@frankjuarez10 Senior defense player Elliot Coffey “#BaylorNation will de- scend into the Alamodome and make the stadium shine in brings his best game on, off the field green and gold.”

By Tyler Alley said. team, and Coach [Art] Briles says “We have made big plays that doing, and that wasn’t the situ- On Robert Griffin III’s Sports Editor Baylor went 3-9 overall, 0-8 in it, we’re a great team and we have we needed to make. It’s great to ation at all,” Coffey said. “So the Heisman candidacy the Big 12 that year. Now things great players. And it’s just great to see guys that I’ve seen work, guys more you see people buy into the The darkest of days: Baylor are looking sunny. Baylor, which see that it’s changed the way it has. that I’ve seen grind, get yelled at system, the more people you see football 2007. finished the season 9-3, is on its It’s night and day from the way it by [defensive coordinator Phil] people accept how things are go- @jadderol This is how senior inside line- way to the Valero Alamo Bowl used to be.” Bennett, go out there and make ing to change, it really changed.” “Congrats RG3 on the backer Elliot Coffey described and the defense has forced a turn- The highlight of the season for those plays. It just shows these And once he and other players Heisman nod. Hopefully his true freshman year playing over in every game this season. Baylor has been the “November to guys are working, but they can began to follow the program Ben- the voters will remember for the Bears; it comes in marked Coffey said it was monumen- remember” where the team went make plays.” nett, Briles, Kazadi and linebacker that its best player in FBS, contrast to the team’s recent suc- tal for the 2007 team to even think 4-0; the defense played a big role Coffey said he credits the coach Jim Gush were implement- not best player on the best cesses. ing, things began to improve, he it could beat a Big 12 team, an im- in those four wins with 11 turn- team’s turnaround with the ar- team!” Coffey said that during this mense difference to the team’s at- overs, and then six turnovers in rival of the current coaching staff. said. And not just on the play- time, players faced internal ques- titude this season. the following game against Texas. However, the transition was not ing field: Head Coach Art Briles @PenlandLife tions about their participation in “There was so much pes- Coffey himself earned Big 12 easy. highly praised Coffey in a recent Baylor football due to the team’s simism that was still floating Defensive Player of the Week for “There were guys, when interview. “Incredible student. bad record and had to work hard around the program from guys his performance against Kansas, Coach Briles got here, did not buy “I am very proud of Elliot for Incredible athlete. to keep from getting down. who had just been defeated for so in which he had 10 tackles, one into his system, did not buy into a variety of reasons: being a great Incredible football player. “When you’re working as long that [the players] had really tackle for loss and two intercep- [assistant athletic director of ath- leader, a great teammate, being a But most importantly, hard as you are and you’re losing, just accepted that as their fate,” he tions. Coffey, who has been called letic performance Kaz Kazadi’s] great spokesperson for our foot- incredible person! it makes you think, ‘What I am said. one of the leaders of the defense, system, felt that what they were ball program and our university,” #RGIIIforHeisman” doing? What am I doing wrong?’ “To approach games like we said he is excited to see what the doing was the right way, that they Briles said. “The apple didn’t fall You have to reassess yourself,” he do now, knowing that we’re a solid team is capable of doing. would win doing what they were far from the tree. He has got a @jareddslack great mom and dad who have cer- “my fear is that #RGIII tainly raised him in a positive way winning the heisman to where he is more concerned and him staying for his with others than himself.” final season are mutually In terms of his personal growth, Coffey said the move exclusive... we can’t have from being an athletically gifted both.” suburban kid in high school to a college linebacker was about the @BAYLOR_PAYTON more than talent. “RG3 was integral to “I didn’t have to go out there revitalizing Baylor foot- and focus on the details as much ball, more so then An- as I did, say, coming to college, drew Luck for Stanford! where you understand that the Sic Em Griffin!” game isn’t about being the best athlete anymore,” Coffey said. “It’s @sstrakejr about how smart you are, how you “RG3ismen!” can adjust to the different looks that you get, how you can listen to your coaching. It’s precious what @BYXBaylor you’re given, and you got to work “Congratulations to and stay on and preserve.” Robert Griffin III! Make Coffey is currently devoting #Baylornation proud in all of his focus to the bowl game, NYC!” but he said he hopes to keep playing football as a professional outside Baylor. It’s in his blood; his dad played for the Washing- ton Redskins. However, if that doesn’t work out, Coffey’s major in speech communications will Follow The Lariat: Meagan Downing | Lariat Photographer provide an outlet, and hopefully a No. 4 linebacker Elliot Coffey tries to escape a Rice player on Sept. 24, at Floyd Casey Stadium. Baylor beat Rice 56-31. career, in which to use his off-field talents. @bulariat TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 www.baylorlariat.com Bowl Issue the Baylor Lariat|7 Are we there yet? By foot, car or trolley, San Antonio makes transit easy for fans

Parking permits for Alamodome lots have been sold out, purchased by Alamodome season ticket holders and sponsors. Still, the Alamo Bowl and the city of San Antonio make it easy to reach the stadium from downtown. San Antonio’s transit system, the VIA, provides trolley service outlined on the map above the dotted line indicates an alternative route in event of a detour. The trolley runs every 12-15 minutes and 5-7minutes after 5 p.m. Full fare is $1.10 each way; exact change is required. An all-day pass costs $4.

Also noted in the map are the three parking garages closest to the Alamodome 1. Saint Mary’s Garage: At Saint Mary Street and Travis Street, entrance on Travis 2. Houston Street Garage: At College Street and Navarro Street, entrance on College 3. Marina Garage: Bowie Street and E. Commerce Street, entrance on Bowie

Good eats for every budget Ticket info A list of Urbanspoon’s most popular restaurants in San Antonio Allotment: 12,500 spread High-end eating ($15-25 per entrée): among lower level, Fogo de Chão Churrascaria — Brazilian Steakhouse club level and 849 E Commerce St #393 upper sideline Boudro’s on The River Walk 421 E Commerce St Students: Mid-range restaurants($10-15 per entrée): Buy at the SUB Chris Madrid’s Dec. 8-9, 12-14 1900 Blanco Rd 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery Cost: $65 218 Produce Row Low-cost cuisine ($10 and under per entrée): General: baylorbears.com Magnolia Pancake Haus Available to 606 Embassy Oaks #100 general public Chester’s Hamburger Co. starting Dec. 8 9980 W Interstate 10 Cost: starts at $65 To fully explore San Antonio, look beyond Alamo

By Rachel Ambelang especially captivating during the not to mention the whole park is where you can take a break from restaurants known for attracting an outdoor experience that com- Staff Writer holiday season. San Antonio’s transformed into a winter won- shopping to eat quality food. visitors because they have patios bines different mediums of art mild winter weather allows Fiesta derland. It is a great place for San Antonio junior Sam Saenz outside by the river. from all across the globe. The punchline, “Texans are Texas patrons to enjoy outdoor groups of all ages. said the River Walk is definitely This setting is especially pretty The Majestic Theatre is a very fond of showing off the plac- events. San Antonio is also a great where he will be this Christmas at night during this time of year beautiful theater that showcases es where we killed people,” may Most people take advantage place to shop. La Cantera (15900 break. because the shops have decorated different performances every have some thinking the obvious of traditional park attractions, La Cantera Parkway) is a growing “There’s just so much to do in their section of the River Walk for year. Both “The Nutcracker” and place to visit in San Antonio is such as rides and roller coasters, in popularity because of constant that one area. I don’t care how the holidays. “Fiddler on the Roof “ will be the Alamo, but the historic city during this time of year instead expansions and its wide variety green the river is. I’ll probably go For those interested in the playing throughout December. has much more to offer visitors of enduring waiting lines in the of shops, from tastes in style to and check out their flea market arts, San Antonio has much to “I’m really excited to get back than an old battle ground. summer heat. products. one of these Saturdays.” offer. Many museums and shops [to San Antonio]. Me and my One favorite year-round But there is also a lot of added La Cantera is also very visu- The River Walk is a much are located on the River Walk friends will definitely be out hav- activity is visiting Six Flags Fi- fun during the holiday season, ally appealing because the stores more hectic but also diverse past the shops, such as the San ing a good time right after we esta Texas. Most large cities have like a large indoor ice skating are outdoors, and so it has at- place to shop. Like La Cantera Antonio Museum of Art and the watch the Bears win the bowl theme parks, but Fiesta Texas is rink, holiday shows and concerts, tracted many nice restaurants (, the River Walk has many nice River Walk Floating Art, which is game,” Saenz said. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 6, 2011 | the Bowl Issue 8 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com