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thethethe Baylor Lariat Vol. 111 No. 52 December 7 , 2010 , we have a

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aylor hasn’t been in a bowl Bgame since 1994. Now, with seven wins under its belt, the 2010 team is headed to the in Houston at Reliant Stadium. It’s the same place where just last year Baylor Nation cheered on its men’s basketball team as it worked toward a berth into the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. Now we’re back. Different sport, same goal — to win. 2010 Texas Bowl edition

Newspaper of the Year | Texas APME Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor TheLariat Best Student Newspaper | Houston Press Club TUESDAY| DECEMBER 7, 2010 | the Texas Bowl Edition 2 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com Postseason play ‘a great opportunity’ By Chris Derrett and unexpected injuries to offen- Sports Editor Ticket Info sive leaders Griffin and Jay Finley >>On campus in 2009 hindered the Bears as they Before speaking at Sunday’s again went 4-8. Students can purchase press conference, a smiling head Healthy and experienced, this coach Art Briles slapped himself. tickets in the SUB beginning year’s squad can finish the way it He offered an explanation to the Wednesday from 8 a.m. always envisioned. media in attendance, but there to 5 p.m. and continuing “You have to get there first, and was more understanding among Thursday and Friday at the now you have to do a great job in the reporters and camera opera- same hours. preparation and doing whatever tors than confusion. we’ve got to do to win the football “Just making sure this is real,” >>Online, BU athletics game. That’s the way I want this Briles said. “It’s real.” Anyone can get seats from senior class to go out, as winning If Baylor’s football history baylorbears.com for either the first bowl game around Baylor seemed like a 16-year long night- $65, $60, or $25. [since 1992],” Briles said. mare of futility to the green and For other players, it could be a gold faithful, Baylor Nation finally be ready to go,” Griffin said. only a taste of things to come. awakened as McCaw and Briles The game holds meaning to “It is one chip off the shoul- officially revealed the Bears’ bid in any and all associated with Baylor der. I mean, I have a couple more Houston’s Texas Bowl. football, and more broadly Baylor I need to pluck off, and I am sure “The perception of Baylor has University and its surrounding these guys do, too,” Griffin said certainly improved; the image of community. alongside Landor and senior Dan- Baylor has improved. There are For a number of men on the ny Watkins. “So we will continue people still standing on the play- field, it will be the final chapter in to play with all those chips on our ground, and we got chosen,” Briles a story filled with both success and shoulders and be ready to go out said. disappointment. there and get after somebody.” After Kansas State announced “I know those guys have always Finally, for the Bears’ future, it would be playing in New York talked to me and told me about all an appearance on ESPN during City’s , the Texas the things they have been through primetime can prove an immense Bowl’s choices essentially became Daniel Cernero | Lariat Photo Editor with different coaches and differ- help in the recruiting game. either Baylor or Texas Tech, both “There’s going to be a lot of re- Head coach Art Briles and Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw happily announce Baylor’s Texas Bowl bid at a ent transitions they have had to of whom finished 7-5 overall. Fifth Sunday press conference. The bowl will be the Bears’ first since 1994. make,” senior Byron Landor said. cruits that are going to be able to in the Big 12 bowl pecking order, Current fourth-year Baylor come out and watch us practice the Texas Bowl chose the Bears, site for Baylor fans. run. Briles and the team expect the because it has been a really long players began their collegiate and be around us for two or three leaving the Red Raiders to Dallas’ Just over eight months ago same homefield advantage when time. Everybody is going to have career with a 3-9 effort in 2007 days,” Briles said. “Those are huge TicketCity Bowl. Baylor fans packed the stadium to Robert Griffin III and Co. take the a reason to be there, whether it is under head coach Guy Morriss. advantages. We’re still in the news The Bears face Illinois on Dec. watch their men’s basketball team field. a special trip or they call in a sick A rocky start to the Briles era and football season is going on, so 29 at Reliant Stadium, a familiar in the school’s historic Elite Eight “Everybody has been waiting, day at work, so I am sure they will brought a 4-8 campaign in 2008, that’s big.”

You win some, you lose some A look back at the Bears’ 7-5 campaign Illinois analysis: BU must stop rush By Matt Larsen Like the Bears, who closed the combines speed and power in his consistent and balanced approach. Sept. 4: Football wins its season opener against Sam Hous- ton, 34-3. Back for his first game since his injury, Robert Griffin Sports Writer season with three losses, the Illini running style. They sit at fifth in the Big Ten in rushes for 59 yards and passes for 242. Defensively, the Bears did not finish their season on a He has picked up more than total defense, giving up 344 yards hold their opponent scoreless in the first half. “If we play defense It has been a momentary breath high note, losing three of their last 1,500 yards this season while quar- a game, 131 rushing and 213 pass- like that every week we are going to win a lot of football games,” of fresh air for the Bears since four. Most recently the team lost terback Nathan Scheelhasse has ing. Head Coach Art Briles says. their last regular season game on 25-23 at Fresno State on Friday. added 815 of his own. With their game Friday against Nov. 20, but this year the breath Also like the Bears, the Illini Though playing in a pass-sat- Fresno State, the Illini’s schedule is shorter than it has been in 16 managed no big upsets in route to urated Big 12, the Bears showed had them playing their last game Sept. 11: The Bears dominate Buffalo, 34-3, for back-to-back home game wins. Griffin runs for two touchdowns, his second seasons as they look to down the their improved but middle-of-the- their ability to overcome a run- two weeks later in the season than putting the Bears in the lead at 34-3 toward the beginning of the Fighting Illini Dec. 29 in the Texas conference finish, their biggest minded Kansas State team and the the Bears. third quarter. Jay Finley finishes with 76 yards on a 5.8-yard aver- Bowl. win coming in a 33-13 win over conference’s second-best rusher, Unlike Landor, senior offensive age. After two wins, Baylor’s next challenge is TCU. “We have a great opponent 7-5 Penn State. Daniel Thomas, in a 47-42 win tackle Danny Watkins chose to in Illinois. They have done some Most of Zook’s Fighting Illini earlier this year. use this time to take a mini hiatus fabulous things this year on the teams have been led by a rushing Senior safety Byron Landor from football. football field,” head coach Art attack, and this edition is no dif- took advantage of the chance to “I didn’t watch any football Sept. 18: Baylor loses 45-10 after TCU scores touchdowns on its first five possessions. The Horned Frogs take a quick 35-3 Briles said. “Coach (Ron) Zook is ferent. scout the Illini last Friday. over the past week,” he said, smil- advantage over the Bears gaining 335 of their 558 total yards very well respected in the coaching While both backfield starters “Actually they came on TV the ing after his teammate’s comment by halftime. The Bears are stifled by TCU’s defense. Griffin fin- circles around the country.” have speed, junior running back other night and I texted all my about watching the Illinois-Fresno ishes 16-of-28 passing for 164 yards while running 14 times for In his sixth season coaching Mikel LeShoure draws the most roommates and told all of them game. “We had a little shutdown 21 yards. the Illini, Zook’s squad experi- attention. ‘Make sure you watch the game,’” there for a bit. It was nice to cool enced down years in 2008 and “Both those guys are really he said with a smile. “They are a the jets so to speak. When we got 2009 after an eye-catching, nine- good,” Briles said. “The QB is a running team; I think we have on the field there [in Saturday’s Sept. 25: The Rice Owls fall short as Baylor redeems itself win season in 2007 that ended in good runner. LeShoure is First- done a pretty good job with the practice], it was a good atmo- in a 30-13 win. “We hit a couple of big plays in the first half and a trip to the 2008 Rose Bowl. Zook team All Conference. They are run this year as a defense.” sphere. Everyone was juiced up, one in the second. I know Kendall caught one and Josh (Gor- received numerous Coach of the 13th in the nation in rushing the The Illini offense has also been ready to go.” don) caught one. We were trying to be methodical throughout the Year honors that year. football, third in the nation in time lights out in the red zone, finishing Briles believes the rest has been night,” Briles says. The last two have been less of possession. Those are all factors nearly 94 percent of red zone trips just what the doctor ordered. convincing, as 2008 and 2009 saw that we will really look into.” with points. “We have a refocused, refreshed a combined seven Illini wins. At 6 feet, 230 pounds, LeShoure Defensively, Illinois brings a football team,” he said. Oct. 2: The Bears win their fourth game of the season against Kansas at home, 55-7. Griffin sets a single-game school record with his 444 total yards while 10 field goals on the season from Aaron Jones already outnumbers last year’s kicking output. Seniors’ marks etched in Bears’ history By tyler Alley yards and three touchdowns on 40 ffense O & Reporter receptions. He nursed an ankle injury Defense Oct. 9: Baylor loses at the Cotton Bowl, 45-38, against Texas his junior year that limited him to only Tech. Griffin has a career high 384 passing yards. Wright grabs pecial teams S Baylor’s seniors will have one last three starts in nine games. Finley is 11 receptions for 145 yards, bringing in a 62-yard touchdown game to wear the green and gold; they pass from Griffin in the frist half that helps the Bears close the also a two-time member of the Big 12 margin to 35-28. will have one last chance to showcase Commissioner’ Honor Roll. He grad- their abilities on the field and possibly uated in May with a degree in general earn their eighth win of this season. studies. Here is a recap a just few of the se- Phil Taylor transferred from Penn Oct. 16: While playing on the road the Bears defeat the Buf- niors who have made an impact. State in September 2008 and has start- faloes, 31-25. Finley rushes for a career-high 143 yards. After ed all 12 games for Baylor this season. a fight for a pass in the end zone, Chance Casey’s last-second Byron Landor transferred from He has 52 total tackles on the year, pass breakup helps the Bears win in their final meeting with Colo- Blinn Junior College two years ago. seven tackles for loss and two sacks. rado before the Buffaloes leave the Big 12. He started all 12 games at strong safety He also forced a fumble. Taylor was for the Bears this season. He had 115 named second-team All-Big 12 by Jay Finley No. 23 RB total tackles, three being for loss. He the AP, Coaches, and multiple news Byron Landor, No. 14 S Oct. 23: The Bears earn bowl eligibility for the first time since 1155 rush yards, needs 33 to also had an interception, a fumble re- outlets. He is also projected by CBSs- Team-high 115 total tackles 1995 after their 47-42 win over against Kansas State. “It means set BU single-season record covery, five pass breakups and a forced ports.com to be a second-round pick 1st team AP All-Big 12 pick a lot. To be here for my fifth year now, I’ve been through a couple fumble. At Sunday’s press conference in the upcoming NFL Draft. of changes. The program has turned around. It’s a blessing,” Fin- Landor spoke on the meaning of the Danny Watkins, a native Cana- ley says. Griffin is 26 of 38 passing with two touchdowns each seniors finally notching a bowl victory. dian, transferred from Butte College, to Gordon and Wright, and Finley averages 9.6 yards per carry. “I know those guys have always a junior college in California. He talked to me and told me about all the has started all 24 games as a Baylor Oct. 30: The Bears continue to delight fans by beating Texas, things they have been through with Bear, and he has done very well after 30-22, in Austin for the first time since 1991. Griffin has a 59-yard different coaches and different transi- taking NFL draft pick Jason Smith’s touchdown to Terrance Williams and passes for 219 yards. Finley tions they have had to make,” Landor position. Baylor’s offensive line this rushes for 116 yards on 15 carries. “I don’t think there was any said. season ranks second in the Big 12 in player in the locker room that had any doubt that we were going Antonio Johnson started all 12 fewest sacks allowed and third in rush- to win this game,” senior Byron Landor says. games this year at outside linebacker ing offense. Watkins has recorded 122 for the Bears. The Waco product has knockdowns on the season. 41 solo tackles with 21 more assisted, Watkins was named first team All- Following its two victories, No. 22 ranked Baylor loses Nov. 6: Danny Watkins, No. 59 OT five of those tackles being for loss. He Big 12 by the AP and the Kansas City to No.19 Oklahoma state, 55-28. After being held scoreless in Antonio Johnson, No. 7 LB Could be third BU OL chosen also earned three sacks, an intercep- Star, and is a Coaches’ second team 62 total tackles led all BU LBs the first half, Baylor scores all of its 28 points in the second half. in NFL draft in last three years However, the Bears efforts don’t compare as Oklahoma State’s tion and a fumble forced this year. He All-Big 12 pick. He is currently pro- lead proves to be too large to overcome. was named a Coaches’ and AP Honor- jected to be drafted in the late-second able Mention All-Big 12 for his efforts. or early-third round by CBSsports. Jay Finley started all 12 games at com. tailback for the Baylor Bears this sea- Derek Epperson, from Southlake, Nov. 13: The Bears come back to play in the comfort of Floyd son, marking the first season he start- has been Baylor’s punter for every Casey Stadium for the Battle of the Brazos. Despite taking an ed the whole season. He has gained game of his collegiate career. This early 30-14 advantage, a stagnant offense and special teams 1,155 yards on 183 attempts with 11 season he ranks 21st in punting in the miscues eventually hinder the Bears in a 42-30 loss. Finley’s 172 rush yards push him past the 1,000 yard mark on the season. touchdowns this year, along with 76 nation with a 44.2 yard average. He yards on nine receptions. He earned is a Ray Guy Award candidate and an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 by an All-American candidate. The Dal- the coaches and AP, and the Kansas las Morning News also named him Nov. 20: Baylor finishes the 2010 regular season going 7-5 City Star named him second team All- second-team All-Big 12, and he has overall, 4-4 in the Big 12 with a 53-24 loss against Oklahoma. “It’s Big 12. earned Honorable Mention All-Big like I told the players, we’re not going to let this deal beat us up Derek Epperson, No. 38 P Finley has played in 45 games for 12 by the coaches and the Associated Phil Taylor, No. 98 DT because it would be easy to do that, and I don’t like doing easy Averaged 44.2 yards per punt the Bears while starting 22. He has Press. Epperson could eventually join 52 total tackles, seven for loss things.” Briles says. Honorable mention AP All-Big 12 2nd team AP All-Big 12 pick amassed 2,597 yards and 21 touch- former Baylor punter Daniel Sepul- downs on 466 rushes, along with 416 veda in the NFL. TUESDAY| DECEMBER 7, 2010 www.baylorlariat.com Texas Bowl Edition the Baylor Lariat|3

Courtesy Photo | Houston Texans Reliant Stadium hosts the fifth rendition of the Texas Bowl Dec. 29. Able to house 71,500 fans, the stadium has been used for concerts and rodeos in addition to football at the high school, collegiate and professional level. Texas Bowl ‘reliant’ on strong teams, exposure

By Krista Pirtle tradition and the largest alumni alums and fans and they’re excited For the past three years, the The DePelchin Children’s Cen- “The teams come and visit the Reporter base in the country. We are thrilled and can’t wait to get here,” said Zac Texas Bowl annually generated an ter serves more than 20,000 chil- day before the game, both individ- that they are our first ever Big Ten Emmons of Houston Texans me- average of $25 million; now, with dren and family members annually ually. They hang out for a couple In 3 weeks, Baylor will head participant.” dia relations. ESPN, that income will increase. through 30 programs including of hours, the players, cheerleaders down to Houston, Texas, to face The NCAA awarded Houston Since then, the Texas bowl has “We are excited to work with adoption, foster care, autism, and mascots. They play games, the Illinois Illini in the fifth Texas with the opportunity to host a hosted TCU vs. Houston (20-13), ESPN to take the Texas Bowl to an counseling services and more. hang out, sign autographs bring Bowl held at Reliant Stadium. bowl game on June 27, 2006, re- Rice vs. Western Michigan (38-14) even higher level of performance “The DePelchin relationship is them things like noisemakers and This bowl is one of the young- placing the Houston Bowl. The in- and Navy vs. Missouri (35-13). for our community, our conference one of the greatest things about the posters, etc. Then the kids get to est, with the Illinois vs. Baylor augural game was held December Last December, it was an- partners and the student athletes Texas Bowl and is very rewarding. go to the game. The kids don’t get matchup only its game. 28, 2006, when Rutgers defeated nounced that ESPN Regional Tele- we serve,” Houston said. “ESPN When you ask the players what this kind of opportunity to interact “We were very pleased today Kansas State 37-10, hosting 52,210 vision would partner with the Tex- brings a wealth of resources and one of their favorite things about with people that are close to ce- to invite Baylor and Illinois to play fans, the largest crowd since 1972 as bowl after the 2009 Texas Bowl. experience that will help the Texas the bowl was, playing with the lebrities, the people these children in the Texas Bowl,” said Heather without any team from Texas com- With this new partnership, the Bowl rapidly reach its full poten- children is at the top. We donate look up to. This helps to boost Houston, Texas Bowl Executive peting. Texas Bowl will host the Big 12 and tial. We look forward to working proceeds from the Bowl each year, their self-esteem, knowing that Director. “Baylor fans traveled ex- “Anytime there’s a team from the Big Ten. with the professionals at ESPN on last year donating $100,000. The somebody notices them,” said De- tremely well to the NCAA Cham- Texas, it’s a great opportunity for Previously, it hosted the Big this exciting project and expanding emotional reward, however, has no Pelchin Children Center’s market- pionship basketball regional here us. We are excited to have Baylor East and either Conference USA or our relationship with them in the price value,” Emmons said. ing and communications manager at Reliant Stadium last year and with their alums either living in the on years to come.” So far, the Texas Bowl has do- Jerry Heinold. we feel confident that energy will Houston or within driving dis- alternating years. The Texas Bowl’s charity part- nated $300,000 and more than $5 The Texas Bowl is not just about transfer to a bowl appearance as tance, which helps attendance. This means that ESPN will ner is the DePelchin Children’s million in promotional support for the game, but helping out its com- well. Illinois has a great football We’ve already heard from Baylor broadcast for the next four years. Center. their charity. munity. City of Houston brings food, festivities for every age or dinner if you want a variety that offers everything from pizza Museum, zoo Restaurants cater of quality food. Before a football to calzones to cannolis. They are among attractions to appetites, game, you may crave a big juicy open for lunch and dinner and are cheeseburger, or perhaps a tender closed on Mondays. By Sanmai Gbandi wallets of all sizes steak. If so, Houston’s is the place Niko Niko’s, located at 2520 Contributor for you. Ask anyone about Hous- Montrose Blvd., is a Greek and By Molly Dunn ton’s and you are bound to here a American café that was featured Contributor Driving to Houston to sup- praise or two about their hand- on Food Network’s “Diners, port our Baylor Bears in their first cut french fries or their messy Drive-ins and Dives.” Known for Around Reliant Stadium and bowl game since 1994 will be an finger-licking barbecue ribs. their gyro sandwiches and french downtown Houston, you can find exciting affair. The real question Star Pizza, located at 77 Har- fries, Niko Niko’s has established a multitude of restaurants varying is: What do you do in the down vard, off of Washington Avenue, a name for itself. As an affordable in cuisine, atmosphere and qual- time before and after the game? is home to some of the best pizza and enjoyable meal, check it out ity. Whether you want to eat close Houston is the fourth-largest in town. Locals rave about the and you won’t be disappointed. to the stadium or grab a bite on city in the United States, so as you El Tiempo Cantina, located at your way in from surrounding can imagine, there are a plethora 1308 Montrose Blvd., has some of cities, you are guaranteed a great You are guaranteed the best Tex-Mex food in Hous- of things to do there that can kill meal at these local favorites, in- ton. El Tiempo Cantina is known time but also be extremely fun cluding many one-of-a-kind eat- a great meal at for having the best fajitas, guaca- and rewarding. eries. these local favorites, Courtesy Photo | Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau mole and green salsa. Its lunch With more than 24 million In the Upper Kirby area, including many one- and dinner menu consists of visitors, annually, The Galleria is The Houston Museum of Natural Science includes a butterfly habitat, Beck’s Prime at 2902 Kirby Drive planetarium, IMAX Theater and a prestigious gem and mineral collection. various seafood enchiladas, beef a major tourist attraction to just offers praiseworthy burgers, fries of-a-kind eateries. fajitas, numerous quesadillas and about anyone who visits Hous- and shakes to satisfy your fast- adults is $7. Call ahead before you the Wortham IMAX Theater is a grilled entrees. El Tiempo Can- ton. It has an eclectic collection of food cravings. Whether you are go to see which exhibitions they breathtaking experience. quality of their pizza. Stop by this tina is a town favorite and cannot stores to suit every need and de- in a hurry or want to have a sit- have on display. Finally, Discovery Green is local favorite and enjoy a person- be missed. sire of its visitors. The Galleria is down meal, Beck’s Prime is an The Houston Zoo is also lo- another inexpensive site to see in al slice of pizza, split a whole pie Around the Galleria area in located on Westheimer, which is excellent, affordable choice for cated in the Museum District. Houston. Discovery Green is the with your friends or chow down Houston on Post Oak Blvd., there a few west of downtown Houston, lunch or dinner. There are currently 4,500 animals name of the nonprofit organiza- on some of their excellent sand- are many chain restaurants and one of the liveliest and most ex- Goode Co. Texas Bar-B-Q, housed in the zoo, and you can tion that developed the park in wiches and pasta options before fast-food places. Kenny & Ziggy’s citing places in Texas. Along with located at 5109 Kirby Drive, is a see them interact in their habitats. downtown Houston. The Discov- heading to the game. Deli, located at 2327 Post Oak 375 stores and restaurants, there Texas landmark when it comes to It costs $11 to get in as an adult, ery Green Team has incorporated Hickory Hollow BBQ, 101 Blvd., is a New York delicatessen is a massive ice rink on the first barbecue. From brisket to sweet and it is worth it. the latest “green” technology to Heights Blvd., is a Texas style café restaurant known as Houston’s level of the shopping center. The water duck to barbecue sand- The Museum of Natural Sci- create an exciting 12 acre park. you don’t want to miss. Whatever best deli. Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli Cheesecake Factory and Rainfor- wiches and excellent southern ence has over a dozen permanent There are performing and visual your comfort food may be, you was also featured on “Diners, est Café are two of many eateries desserts, this original Houston exhibits that deal with topics like art events along with outdoor can find it here. Houston Press Drive-ins and Dives” and the lo- located inside of the Galleria. barbecue joint will give you all Texas wildlife and astronomy. The movies and live performances. names their chicken fried steaks cals know why. With excellent Another place of interest is the the fixings for a barbecue meal most amazing thing about this You can check out all of as “Best in Houston.” You cer- Zagat ratings, this deli offers the Museum District. The Museum of and more. museum is the Wortham IMAX these attractions with your fam- tainly don’t want to pass up this best sandwiches, soups and deli Fine Arts is one of many muse- Check out Goode’s Armadillo Theater. It is currently show- ily, friends, or even by yourself. restaurant while in town. entrees that are compared to ums in the district. More than 2.5 Place located directly across from ing movies “Harry Potter & The Wherever you decide to go re- In the Midtown Montrose area original New York delis. Whether million people visit the museum Goode Co. Texas Bar-B-Q at 5015 Deathly Hallows: Part 1” and member one thing: our Baylor of Houston, you can find many you want a triple smoked pas- each year, and it is one of the larg- Kirby Drive, for another barbecue “Wild Ocean 3D.” The tickets go Bears need your support, so don’t unique local restaurants varying trami sandwich, a cup of matzo est art museums in America. The restaurant with live music. from about $15 to forget to cheer them on in cuisine. ball soup or a Brooklyn style patty art collection contains more than Houston’s, located at 4848 $17, so it is a bit to a victory at the bowl Ponzo’s Italian Food, located melt, this deli will give you what 62,000 pieces of art and more Kirby Drive, is a perfect place pricey. However, game. at 2515 Bagby, is a family-owned you want and even more. than 30 exhibitions. General ad- to eat for l u n c h mis- sion for seeing a movie in and operated Italian restaurant Texas Bowl Edition TUESDAY | DECEMBER 7, 2010 4| Baylor Lariat Friend us on Facebook: The Baylor Lariat

Fans on opposite sides of the stadium take turns chanting “Baylor” and “Bears” during the game against Kansas State on Oct. 23. The BU win was the team’s sixth, making it bowl eligible. Makenzie Mason | Lariat Photographer Bruins Bold

Matt Hellman | Lariat Photographer Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor No. 75 left offense tackle Troy Baker lifts his helmet during the singing of “That Good Old No. 12 wide receiver Josh Gordon hauls in a 47-yard touchdown reception, avoiding the tackle of Kansas State’s No. 16 defen- Baylor Line” on Aug. 26 after Baylor defeated Sam Houston State 34-3, at home. sive back Terrance Sweeney, in the first half at Floyd Casey Stadium.

No. 10 quarterback Robert Griffin III reaches the ball out in an attempt to gain yardage Oct. 30 during the game against UT at DKR-Memorial Stadium in Austin. Baylor beat Texas 30-22. Matt Hellman | Lariat Photographer www.baylorlariat.com Texas Bowl Edition the Baylor Lariat|5

Baylor football players bow their heads during the post- game prayer and a teammate of No. 67 Joe Korbel places a hand on his back.

No. 5 cornerback Mikail Baker breaks up a pass thrown to Kansas State’s No. 89 receiver Aubrey Quarles on Oct. 23 at Floyd Casey Stadium.

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor Above photos By Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor (Above) No. 2 wide receiver Terrance Williams goes down the line of fans as he makes his way onto the field. (Right middle) With Baylor holding onto a narrow lead, fans focus on the action of the Baylor vs. UT game in Austin. (Right bottom) A Baylor yell leader runs with the flag while celebrating a Baylor score.

Sam Houston Buffalo Rice Kansas 34-3 34-6 30-13 55-7 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 WINS Colorado Kansas State Texas Illinois 31-25 47-42 30-22 ? Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Dec. 29 (bowl eligible)

Matt Hellman | Lariat Photographer Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor Bruiser, Baylor’s mascot, gets the Baylor Line spirit going before a home game at No. 5 cornerback Mikail Baker is overcome with emotion following Baylor’s win over Kansas State on Oct. 23. Baker suffered a Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. season-ending knee injury just three games into the season last year but has recovered and is a major part of the Bears’ defense. TUESDAY | DECEMBER 7, 2010 | the Texas Bowl Edition 6 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com

You were there when the Bears first marched into the stadium and when the wins began building. You cheered the team to victory as it became bowl eligible and joined the players on the field to celebrate. On December 29 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, the Bears will storm the field to take on Illinois in the 2010 Texas Bowl. Rise up in Houston, Baylor Nation!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS STUDENT TICKETS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 OFFICIAL BOWL GEAR Baylor students may purchase tickets 5:30 p.m. – Pep Rally to the 2010 Texas Bowl ($30 each) Westin Galleria Get your Texas Bowl T-shirt from the Wednesday, December 8 through WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 Baylor Bookstore while they last. December 10 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Reliant Center or until supplies are exhausted in the 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Tailgate Bill Daniel Student Center Ticket Office. Sponsored by the Baylor Sports Network All student tickets will be allocated on 2:30 p.m.– March of the Bears a first-come, first-serve basis. Student Reliant Blue South Lot 18 pick-up instructions will be given at the 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – TexFest time of purchase. Reliant Stadium grounds Sponsored by the Texas Bowl Regular tickets online at: Baylorbears.com/bowlcentral 5:00 p.m. – Kickoff Baylor vs. Illinois

For complete and up to date schedule information, visit baylorbears.com