Monday | December 9, 2013 Vol.116 No. 52 baylorlariat com Baylor Lariat

The fiesta is just getting started BIG12 CHAMPS

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Photos by Matt Hellman | Lariat Multimedia Producer And Robby Hirst ­| Lariat Photographer | baylorlariat com Bowl Issue MONDAY | DECEMBER 9, 2013 2 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com Bears win title By Shehan Jeyarajah After the Oklahoma game, the “This was amazing,” former Sports Writer injury bug began to bite the Bears. three-star recruit and current Out- At different points of the season, land Trophy finalist Cyril Rich- When asked during Big 12 me- running backs Lache Seastrunk ardson said. “When I came here, I dia day back in July whether Baylor and Glasco Martin, receiver Tevin thought I would just give it my all could win a Big 12 Championship, Reese, left tackle Spencer Drango, and do what I can, but to see every- senior safety Ahmad Dixon was linebacker Bryce Hager and cor- thing according to what happened quick to respond. nerback K.J Morton went down tonight, it’s an overwhelming feel- “Can God save a hooker?” with injuries. ing. I never thought that I would Well, it seems as though the While the offense slowed at be standing up there celebrating a answer to that question is an em- times, it gave the defense a chance Big 12 Championship.” phatic ‘yes.’ to prosper. Baylor sits at No. 6 and is head- Baylor trounced No. 25 Uni- That is, until No. 4 Baylor ed to a BCS bowl game for the first versity of Texas 30-10 in freezing struggled against No. 10 Oklaho- time in the 16-year history of the conditions to win its first Big 12 ma State on the way to its first and BCS. Championship in the 19-year his- only loss of the season, 49-17. The Bears will play the No. 15 tory of the conference. With the loss, Baylor’s national University of Central Florida in the “If you can get great players, championship hopes were dashed Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, great people, great administration and Oklahoma State was in the AZ on New Year’s Day. and great fan support, everything driver’s seat for the Big 12 title. “I think tomorrow when I wake can be a reality,” head football While dreams of a national up and see ‘Baylor – 2013 Big 12 coach Art Briles said. “This is a championship were over, the sea- Champs’ I’m going to believe it, defining moment for our program son was not lost. but right now it’s crazy,” senior de- and it’s one I think we’ll be able to With Oklahoma beating Okla- fensive end Chris McAllister said. repeat many times.” homa State in Bedlam on Saturday, “It just shows what you can do with It was not something that any- the game between Baylor and Tex- a vision, a dream and hard work.” one expected coming into the as became a de facto Big 12 Cham- But Seastrunk knows the sea- season. The preseason Big 12 poll pionship game. son isn’t over yet. selected Baylor to finish fifth over- After a 3-3 deadlock at half, “I’m happy we won the Big 12 all in the conference behind Okla- Baylor, unfazed by the stakes, out- Championship, but we’ve got to get homa State, Oklahoma, TCU and scored the Longhorns 27-7 in the to business. Hey, we won. Cherish Robby Hirst | Lariat Photographer Texas. The preseason Associated second half en route to its first Big it. I’m not a big guy like ‘oh, we did Senior linebacker Eddie Lackey holds up a ‘2013 Big 12 Champs’ sign on top of the podium at Floyd Casey Press and USA Today polls did not 12 Championship. this.’ I’m moving on. I’m already Stadium on Saturday after Baylor defeated Texas 30-10 to clinch the Big 12 Championship outright. have Baylor ranked. “Everyone in this locker room about to start watching film on The Bears attempted to remedy knows we can go out there and UCF.” this situation immediately with beat whoever it is, if it’s Texas, if Ever since Briles came to Waco, their performance in non-confer- it’s Oklahoma,” senior cornerback his intentions were to bring Bay- ence. After dominant wins over KJ Morton said. “We don’t look at lor a Big 12 title, even when that Wofford, Buffalo and Louisiana- names anymore. We know what seemed improbable. Monroe, the Bears moved all the we’re capable of. This program has “I had a guy send me a quote a way up to No. 17 in the AP poll grown so much. Even just from the couple weeks ago that was some- and No. 15 in the USA Today poll. players believing, the faith that we thing Michaelangelo said, ‘the During the first seven games, Bay- have in our abilities now. Every- problem with people is not that lor averaged 63.9 points per game. body has confidence.” they aim too high and miss; it’s that With each win, the bandwagon On Senior Day, Baylor re- they aim too low and hit.’ That’s the grew. With the hype came the de- minded everyone just how far this way you have to think and feel,” tractors and pun- program has come. When most of Briles said. “We’re always going to dits who claimed Baylor could the seniors in this program were aim high.” not be better than the traditional recruited, Baylor was a doormat. Baylor football will focus on its powers because the Bears had not Since the majority of football play- next goal of winning the program’s played anyone. And at the time, the ers redshirt, most recruits came af- first BCS bowl game on Jan. 1. pundits were right. With that back- ter a 4-8 season in 2009. The only No. 6 Baylor will play Univer- drop, No. 6 Baylor obliterated No. highly rated player who played his sity of Central Florida in the Fiesta Robby Hirst | Lariat Photographer 10 Oklahoma 41-12 in a matchup last game in the green and gold Bowl on New Year’s Day in Glen- Senior nickelback Prince Kent savors the moment after Baylor wins its first Big 12 Conference Championship after of top 10 teams. Saturday night was Dixon. dale. defeating Texas 30-10 on Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium. Bears take on UCF Knights in Fiesta Bowl By Shehan Jeyarajah Central Florida has outscored in the nation at red-zone defense. wide receiver Tevin Reese is not Sports Writer its opponents this season by a com- Baylor has struggled mightily in expected to return from a dislo- bined 365-215, capped off by a 62- the past few games at scoring in cated wrist, but a return is not im- After winning its first Big 12 17 explosion against Connecticut the red-zone, and UCF may be able possible. Championship on Saturday night, on Oct. 26. The Knights rank 45th to take advantage. UCF is not great The Bears have a chance to run Baylor football earned a bid to overall in total offense with 432.0 at getting third down stops, and away with their first BCS bowl win play in a BCS bowl game for the yards per game, and rank 41st in a Baylor team that excels at mak- on New Year’s Day. The win would first time in the history of the BCS. scoring offense with 33.2 points ing things happen on third down be their third straight bowl victory With their conference champion- per game. should look to take chances. and fourth straight bowl appear- ship, the Bears are pegged to go Junior quarterback Blake Bor- Both of these teams are solid ance. Both of those marks would to the 43rd annual Tostitos Fiesta tles is the unquestioned offensive football teams who have played be school records. Bowl at the University of Phoenix leader of the UCF Knights, and has great seasons, but Baylor should The Fiesta Bowl is one of five Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. where been called a potential first-round come out as the better football BCS bowl games, along with the the Bears will face American Ath- NFL Draft pick in the upcoming team. USA Today’s Jeff Sagarin Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Rose letic Conference champion No. draft. Bortles has thrown for 3,280 rates UCF’s schedule as the 92nd in Bowl and BCS National Champi- 15 University of Central Florida yards and 22 touchdowns on the both FBS and FCS football. onship. The BCS bowls are con- Knights. season. Against Louisville, Bortles Out of Baylor’s 11 games sidered to be the most significant “Baylor Nation and our football led a 75-yard drive and threw a against FBS teams, eight were postseason action in college foot- program are honored and ener- clutch touchdown pass to take a against opponents who finished ball in lieu of an actual playoff sys- gized by the invitation to the Tosti- 38-35 lead with only 23 second re- the season bowl-eligible. On the tem. This is the final year of BCS tos Fiesta Bowl,” director of athlet- maining in the game. other hand, UCF played against 12 bowl selection, as the FBS is mov- ics Ian McCaw said. “This is the The Knights have a relatively FBS teams and five of its opponents ing to a four-team playoff system culmination to a very special year weak rushing attack that ranked finished the season bowl-eligible. next year to determine the national for Baylor football, and we look 79th in the country with 152.0 UCF’s opponents finished with a champion. forward to a great football game on yards per game. Junior running combined record of 62-82. Baylor’s The champion of the Big 12 his- New Year’s night.” back Storm Johnson rushed for opponents finished with a record torically is picked to play in the Fi- UCF surprised many with its 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns of 70-62. esta Bowl against an at-large team. dominant season in the AAC and this season. Johnson added 261 UCF doesn’t have the running The champion of the American second all-time AP ranking. The yards and three touchdowns re- game to be able to try and keep Athletic Conference is guaranteed Knights started the season un- ceiving. Freshman running back the ball out of Baylor’s hands. If at least one of the at-large bids in ranked before finishing the season William Stanback compiled 410 Baylor’s defense can take away the the BCS, and this year that team 11-1, with their only loss being to yards rushing and six touchdowns passing game from Bortles and was UCF. Baylor is the fourth dif- No. 12 South Carolina. The Game- on limited touches. make Johnson and Bortles’ feet ferent team to represent the Big 12 cocks have since moved up to No. UCF’s defense was rated as one beat them, UCF does not have the at the Fiesta Bowl in the last five 9. of the top defenses in the country. firepower to keep up with Baylor’s seasons. Oregon is the most recent Outside of the loss to South The Knights rank 19th in total de- offense. Baylor allows only 207.8 champion after the Ducks defeated Carolina, UCF went undefeated fense, giving up an average of 346.3 yards of passing per game. Kansas State in 2013. throughout its conference sched- yards per game. Their 19.6 points Baylor should get junior line- No. 6 Baylor football will face ule, including a road win over Big against also ranks them 13th in the backer Bryce Hager back from the No. 15 University of Central 10 opponent Penn State in State nation. The defense could be char- injury for the bowl game after Florida at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s College, Penn. The Knights’ signa- acterized as opportunistic, as they missing the last three games with a Day at the University of Phoenix John Raoux | Associated Press ture win was a 38-35 win on Oct. average more than two takeaways groin injury. Sophomore left tackle Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The Central Florida running back Storm Johnson rushes against Rutgers in 18 at No. 8 Louisville to spoil the per game. Spencer Drango has a chance to game will be broadcast live nation- Orlando, Fla, on Nov. 21. Johnson rushed for 1,015 yards this year. Cardinals’ shot at a perfect season. UCF has been one of the best return from back surgery. Senior ally on ESPN. MONDAY | DECEMBER 9, 2013 baylorlariat com www.baylorlariat.com Bowl Issue Baylor Lariat|3 Floyd Casey provides 63 years of winning By Shehan Jeyarajah were telling each other, ‘Wow, being done with, it’s special.” 25. In those games, Baylor is 6-0. lor fans have given Floyd Casey, the last season at Floyd Casey Sports Writer this really happened.’ Nobody’s The Bears have been abso- During that stretch, Baylor has even compared to earlier in his being one of them,” junior quar- seen it happen before we came lutely dominant at home since beaten No. 23 and No. 24 Texas, career. terback Bryce Petty said. “To end The phrase “biggest game in here and tonight that dream be- the beginning of the 2011 sea- No. 5 and No. 10 Oklahoma, “Everybody comes out now, the season like that, Case Closed Baylor history” has been used came a reality.” son. Including Saturday’s win, No. 1 Kansas State and No. 23 they’re loud, screaming the as everybody said, was a great to describe many games this And how fitting it was that Baylor closed The Case on a 10- Oklahoma State. The Bears were whole time,” Martin said. “It feeling. All the tradition, all the season, most notably at home the dream became a reality in game winning streak. The last considered major underdogs in gives us a boost of energy, and Baylor greats that have played against No. 10 Oklahoma and on front of a record 51,728 fans to time Baylor lost at home was three of those six games. makes it hard to lose.” before, it was great.” the road against No. 10 Oklaho- cap off the final game of the final Oct. 13, 2012. Before that loss, Baylor finished with a total Baylor won all of their home Yes, the lights are now dark ma State in Stillwater. But with season at historic Floyd Casey Baylor’s second to last loss was record of 191-146-5 at Floyd games this season for the second at The Case, but it was sent out Baylor’s Big 12 Championship Stadium. Nov. 20, 2010. In that stretch, Casey Stadium for a winning time in three years, and ended in style. When Martin was asked clincher against No. 25 Univer- “I couldn’t have written a Baylor has won 19 of their last 20 percentage of 55.8 percent. This with the biggest win in school whether the home field advan- sity of Texas in the final game storyline better than this,” senior at home. Baylor has played their is during a point in Baylor his- history and Baylor’s first ever Big tage would continue to Baylor at Floyd Casey Stadium on Sat- running back Glasco Martin best against the best. Texas was tory where the Bears went 331- 12 Championship trophy being Stadium, there was no hesita- urday, we have a new titleholder. said. “We’ve been working on the sixth opponent in the last 369-11 for a winning percentage presented on the turf. tion. “It was like a dream,” senior this for four years. To finally get two years that Baylor has played of 46.5 percent. Martin loves the “There was a lot of momen- “Without question!” safety Ahmad Dixon said. “All that on the night that The Case is at home ranked in the AP Top home field advantage that Bay- tum heading into this season, the seniors were up there and we

Robby Hirst| Lariat Photographer Fans absorb the atmosphere in the final game at Floyd Casey Stadium on Dec. 7 against the Texas Longhorns. Baylor played its inaugural season in 1950 and closed the stadium after a Big 12 title in 2013.

I’m in Arizona... now what?

1 Shop Historic Downtown Glen- dale has been named by USA Today & Sunset Magazine as one of the country’s ten best places for shopping.

Eat 2 With tastes ranging from traditional German or Polish fare to contemporary Chinese and home-style Mexican flavors. Take your taste buds on a global tour without ever leaving the neighborhood. Glendale is home to more than 450 restaurants. There is something for everyone, and your appetite is sure to be satisfied.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Archives The Bears will play against the University of Central Florida Knights in the University of Phoenix stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Tickets on sale for 3 Be Entertained Get your fill of arts and entertainment at the Arizo- na Broadway Theatre, Brelby Theatre Company, Cer- reta Candy Company, Challenger Space Center, Desert bowl game; student Botanical Garden and West Valley Symphony. bus tour in the works The Baylor Bears are playing in a tickets or by calling the Baylor Athletic Official “Baylor Bowl Tour” travel BCS bowl game for the first time in Ticket Office at 254-710-1000. packages are available through An- Glendale, Ariz. at the Tostitos Fiesta Tickets can also be purchased in thony Travel. Bowl. They are set to take on the Uni- person at the Ferrell Center box of- The travel packages include hotel versity of Central Florida. fice from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday accommodations for three nights, a How can students and die-hard through Friday. charter flight option, a pre-game tail- 4 Baylor fans attend this historic event? Baylor students may purchase tick- gate ticket, pep rally admission, game Hike has been allotted ets later this week at the Bill Daniel day transportation, souvenir, creden- The city offers approximately 40 miles of hiking trails open from sunrise to sunset. 17,500 tickets for the 2014 Tostitos Fi- Student Center Ticket Office. Student tial and more. To order, visit anthony- Trails are expansive and not very demanding. Trails include Skunk Creek Linear Park, esta Bowl. tickets cost $105 and will be distrib- travel.com/baylor/bears-bowl/ or call a 3.5-mile linear trail that connects to Thunderbird Paseo Path; Thunderbird Park, a Lower level tickets are priced at uted on a first-come, first-served basis. 800-736-637. series of trails that spans 20 miles; Bridle Path, a 9-mile trail over a decomposed granite $230, Ring of Honor tickets cost $194 A Baylor student bus trip, similar The Baylor Alumni Network will path meant for equestrian use; Thunderbird Paseo Path, a 4-mile long linear trail; and and the upper level tickets are face val- to last year’s Holiday Bowl experi- also be coordinating a pep rally, tail- the Grand Canal Linear Park, a 3.25-mile long linear trail. ue at $144. Tickets are on sale now and ence, is in the works and details will be gating and other events in Phoenix can be purchased at BaylorBears.com/ forthcoming. with more details still to be finalized. | baylorlariat com Bowl Issue MONDAY | DECEMBER 9, 2013 4 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com Briles delivers new stadium, Big 12 title By Parmida Schahhosseini they aim to low and they hit.’ That’s back Bryce Petty said. “To be hon- Sports Writer the way you have to think and feel est, when you have someone with and that’s what we talk to players that much of a vision and deter- It has been a season to remem- about. We’re always going to aim mination for things, it’s almost like ber for Baylor head coach Art high.” it’s too much. But to be in the spot Briles as he saw his hard work and Briles continued to do just that. we’re at with this team, I couldn’t commitment to Baylor University He continued to recruit and in- be more proud.” pay off with the university’s first still the value of winning into his The road to success wasn’t al- Big 12 title and first trip to a BCS players. Slowly, Baylor continued ways easy. Road games didn’t treat Bowl. to improve before everyone’s eyes. the Bears kindly as the team didn’t Through a season of ups and Briles led the Bears to back-to- have the comfort of the fans sup- downs, Briles came out on top, back bowl wins for the first time in port (with the exception of those building a program that was once 25 years, and is the first head coach who traveled). Baylor faced a ridiculed into a national power- to take the Bears to four straight tough road game in Manhattan house. For Briles, winning the Big bowl berths. Under Briles, Baylor Kan., against Kansas State, but the 12 is much more than just a title. received its first Heisman Memo- team came out on top and found a It’s about building a legacy at Bay- rial Trophy winner in Robert Grif- way to win. That’s all that Baylor lor. fin III, propelling the Bears onto did this season as it climbed up the “It means if you get great play- the national map. polls, all the way to No. 4. ers, great people, great administra- Despite going 11-1, there were However, the road to an un- tion and great fan support, every- some ups and downs this season. defeated season was halted after a thing can be reality,” Briles said. “If While the strength of schedule 49-17 blowout against Oklahoma you stay the course and you stay didn’t favor Baylor in terms of the State. Baylor didn’t control its own consistent with what you do day polls, Briles kept his players hum- destiny at the time, but Briles had in and day out, you have a chance ble despite the competition on the faith. Briles rallied the troops and for success at the end. It’s a defining field. Baylor continued to play well, prepared the team for TCU. moment for our program and it’s averaging 53.2 points per game this Just days before Thanksgiving, one I think we’ll be able to repeat season. Baylor has won 11 of its last Briles received devastating news many times.” 12 Big 12 games, which has never that his brother Eddie Briles passed Prior to Briles’ arrival, the Bears been accomplished by Baylor in away. never had a winning season since Big 12 history. With emotions high, the players entering the Big 12. Baylor strug- Success isn’t new to Briles, who dedicated the game against TCU gled in Briles’ first two seasons, but has rebuilt programs before. When for Briles. Baylor won the game it was expected because of the time Briles coached at Stephenville, with a game-ending interception it takes to build a program. How- playoff wins were expected as he from sophomore safety Terrell ever, Briles promised two things: earned four state championships in Burt and the Baylor’s Big 12 hopes to bring Baylor football back on 12 seasons. Briles also had success were alive. After a win over Texas, campus and to win a Big 12 Title, in the collegiate level prior to Bay- Baylor got what is so desperately and despite the adversity along the lor when he was the head coach at wanted — a conference title and way, it was a promise he intended the University of Houston. national relevancy. Briles did the to keep. After six seasons, that mis- Briles took the Houston Cou- improbable. He built this program sion is accomplished. gars to four bowl games in five sea- to high heights with expectations “As a coach and as a player, sons, including three straight. His of topping this season next year. you always expect positive results ability to rally his players, inspire Through the highs and lows, Briles and you always feel that the op- to play bigger than themselves and remained a Baylor Bear. portunity is going to be out there believe sets Briles apart from the “He weathered the storm. He if you work hard and stay steady,” rest. was here when it was horrible. He Briles said. “I had a guy send me a “When I was sitting in Coach’s weathered the storm. It finally all quote a couple weeks ago that was office and he was telling me what came together with us. I’m very Travis Taylor | Lariat Photo Editor something Michelangelo said, ‘The he wanted this program to be, happy to be a part of this,” junior problem with people is not that that’s when it hit me. This is what running back Lache Seastrunk Baylor head coach Art Briles strolls the sidelines during Baylor’s 41-17 victory over Oklahoma on Nov. 7 at Floyd Casey Stadium. When Briles was hired by Baylor in 2008, he promised a Big 12 Championship and a new stadium. they aim to high and miss; it’s that that vision was,” junior quarter- said. Baylor defense anchored record 11-1 season By Parmida Schahhosseini 7-for-28 on fourth down, which is Sports Writer the second best in the nation. The defense forced 92 punts this sea- Baylor’s hard-nosed, physical son, which is the most in Baylor defense played up to its potential. history. After begin the laughingstock of The main ingredient allow- the nation last season, this year’s ing this ball-hawking, aggressive unit rose up and backed up the defense to be successful was turn- hype with smashmouth, aggressive overs. play to propel the team to its first The defense forced two or more Big 12 Title. turnovers in 14 of the last 19 games After giving up an average of and is 16-3 in that span. The de- 37.2 points per game last season, fense intercepted the ball 17 times, the Bears reduced that number while giving up 19 passing touch- significantly — allowing only 21.2 downs. points per game this season. After Baylor scored five touchdowns a dominant showing against Kan- on its interceptions and one touch- sas State on Nov. 17, 2012, this de- down on a fumble recovery after fense has turned its play around. senior linebacker Bryce Hager re- “This program has grown so turned one 91 yards against Buf- much,” senior cornerback K.J. falo. Baylor is 24-2 when forcing Morton said. “Even just from the two or more turnovers. players believing, the faith that we After a targeting call during the have in our abilities now. Every- third quarter against TCU, Dixon body has confidence. Everybody was forced to miss the remainder knows we can go out there and of the game and the first half of the beat whoever it is, if it’s Texas, if it’s Texas game. Oklahoma. We don’t look at names Despite being a marquee player anymore. We know what we’re ca- in the secondary, the other guys pable of.” were able to step up to hold Texas Defensive coordinator Phil to three points. Bennett took a lot of heat last sea- “Those guys were doing a great son, with many fans screaming for job and I almost got flattered by his termination, but head coach watching them instead of getting Art Briles believed in him and out there with them,” Dixon said. rightfully so. “These young guys stepped up and Bennett had success prior to everybody stepped up.” Baylor, coordinating top 20 defens- Sophomore defensive end es at Kansas State and Pittsburg, in Shawn Oakman gave the Bears an addition to Oklahoma as a second- added boost with 12 tackles for ary coach. loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles In 1997, Bennett also helped and blocked a first quarter field TCU earn its highest defensive goal attempt against Texas this sea- rankings in five years. Bennett had son. the pedigree as a successful defen- Sophomore defensive end Ja- sive coordinator, but it was up to mal Palmer played in all 12 games the players to mature and buy into coming off the bench, contributing his system. with 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks This season, Bennett’s unit was and four forced fumbles. determined to be better. Seniors Freshman defensive linemen stepped up as linebacker Eddie Byron Bonds and Andrew Billings Lackey led the way with 13 tackles Travis Taylor | Lariat Photo Editor have made their mark on the team. for loss, 97 tackles, and two inter- Senior defensive end Chris McAllister returns an interception for a touchdown against Wofford on Aug. 31. Baylor defeated Wofford 69-3. Baylor’s defense Bonds started in seven games, con- ceptions, one of which was a criti- was the No. 19 scoring defense in the FBS, allowing 21.2 points per game. tributing 20 tackles, 3.5 tackles for cal pick-6 against TCU. loss and a forced fumble while Bill- Morton reeled in his second sive end Chris McAllister said. Late in the season as injuries was no different as Baylor was only destructed,” Briles said. “We knew ings started in one, adding 19 tack- and third interceptions of the sea- “I think tomorrow when I wake piled up and Baylor faced tougher able to muster three points in the that the defense was playing well les and 3.5 tackles for loss. son against Texas, one of which up and see ‘Baylor — 2013 Big 12 opponents, it became more critical first half. enough that we were going to be in With younger guys getting came in the fourth quarter to seal Champs’ I’m going to believe it, but for the defense to step up. Since the “We felt like we were not per- the game, it was just going to be a more reps, Briles recruiting bet- the deal for the Big 12 Champions. right now it’s crazy. It just shows game against Oklahoma on Nov. 7, forming offensively like we needed low-scoring game.” ter talent, and players maturing in “It’s crazy right now and it what you can do with a vision, a Baylor’s offense has had slow starts to and we felt like we were mov- Baylor limited third down con- Bennett’s system, this unit can get hasn’t really set in,” senior defen- dream and hard work.” to every game. Against Texas, it ing the ball and just kind of self- versions to 33 percent and was better. MONDAY | DECEMBER 9, 2013 baylorlariat com www.baylorlariat.com* Bowl Issue Baylor Lariat|5

It’s not just a Petty rises up to lead family in the locker “room. It’s a family Bears to first BCS bowl By Parmida Shahhosseini his leadership ability. The guys is a natural leader and outside. Baylor Sports Writer he’s got so much compassion, poise, maturity inside of him for the limited amount of reps he’s had prior to this Nation came together Good things come to those who wait. It year. It’s pretty remarkable quite honestly.” couldn’t have been scripted any better for Petty’s road to being a quarterback wasn’t easy. Prior in a big way, not just in junior quarterback Bryce Petty. After wait- to Baylor, Petty committed to Tennessee, but destiny ing behind former quarterbacks Robert had other plans for him. Petty ended up coming to this season, but also in Griffin III and Nick Florence, Petty rel- Baylor, but saw no action. In his first year, he was on past seasons. ished his opportunity, leading the Bay- the , but redshirted to retain eligibility. lor Bears to its first Big 12 Title. In 2012, he saw a little bit of game action, playing in six “I kind of just started crying un- games, finishing 7-for-10 with a touchdown. After Flor- controllably and I don’t really do that ence finished his eligibility, it was Petty’s time to rise up. ” much, but it’s just been a process and “I have waited a long time for this,” Petty said. “I it’s the fact that when you put your trust think some of those fans were crying more than I was in God and he’s faithful, things work out and that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just a family in the and it’s a great feeling.” Petty said. locker room. It’s a family outside. Baylor Nation came Petty came into this season with big together in a big way, not just in this season, but also shoes to fill, but he believed in himself. in past seasons. There have been rough times, which is Last season, Baylor’s offense was ranked what makes being on top here so great.“ second with Florence setting the mark for Petty started out the season strong, leading his team most passing yards in a season at 4,309. to three straight games scoring 70 points or more. He While Petty didn’t eclipse that record, he even led the Baylor Bears to their first road win over did lead the No. 1 offense in the country, Kanas State in Manhattan, Kan. Petty threw for 342 averaging 624.5 yards per game. Since the yards and three touchdowns in the win. Petty finished beginning of the season, Petty has made it the season passing for more than 200 yards and two known that Baylor had a chance to win the touchdowns in all of 12 games. Big 12 and backed up his talk with his play Despite the adversity late in the season, Petty’s on the field. teammates were confident that he could finish the job. Petty averaged 320.3 yards per game, Junior wide receiver Antwan Goodley thrived as his throwing for 30 touchdowns and only two chemistry with Petty propelled him for a 1,000-yard interceptions. At 61.8 percent comple- season. tion, he surpassed Florence’s percentage “Don’t you see what he’s doing?” junior running at 61.6. Petty’s ability to throw the deep back Lache Seastrunk said. “If there wasn’t a feature ball has kept defenses honest. Petty back, he could run it, throw it, shovel it. I don’t know leads the nation with 9.5 yards per he could probably shoot a pass to somebody. Bryce is play this season. the whole quarterback in one. That’s what people would “[Petty’s play] is just phenom- drool and dream about.” enal,“ head coach Art Briles said. This season, Petty has given Baylor Nation what “You would like to expect that, but it wanted. With a chance to play in Baylor’s first BCS to see it be a reality is really good. bowl, Petty is able to cement his spot in Baylor history The numbers are good, but the as one of the program’s best quarterbacks. Photos By Matt Hellman | Lariat Multimedia Producer thing I’m so impressed with is just

Versatile offensive attack sparked Baylor’s Big 12 title run

By Parmida Shahhosseini freshman rushing record, breaking Rob- terbacks garner the most attention, it’s Sports Writer ert Griffin III’s record of 843 yards in the blocking scheme on the 2008. offensive line Controlling the clock was not a goal for Chafin had his first 100-yard rushing where the a Baylor offense that outscored opponents game against Texas Tech and rushed for o f f e n s e by 32 points per game despite opponents 304 yards this season averaging 5.8 yards starts. winning the time of possession battle by per carry. five minutes per game. Baylor’s ground “I didn’t expect any of this to happen, game was vital to finish out games. but it happened and I prayed to God Baylor has plenty of depth at the run- that I can continue doing what I do ning back position, beginning with the and play the game like it’s elusive, electrifying, junior running back meant to Lache Seastrunk. Seastrunk led Baylor with 1,060 rushing yards this season. Seastrunk averaged 7.5 yards per carry, averaging 106.0 yards per game, with 11 touchdowns. be played,” Lindwood Seastrunk’s longest touchdown was an said. 80-yard scamper against West Virginia on Senior wide receiver Tevin Reese and Oct. 5. His ability to find the holes and junior wide receiver Antwan Goodley exploit the defense is what sets him apart have blazing speed and can outrun from other backs. their opponents, but the running Seastrunk isn’t the only running back game gives receivers a one-on-one contributing in the backfield. matchup. The ability to run the Games The physical ground and pound, ball prevents Baylor from being are won in downhill senior power back Glasco Mar- one dimensional, making the of- the trenches tin scored his 24th rushing touchdown fense more potent. and if the oh his Baylor career against Texas, which blockers do tied him for second all-time with Walter “I love watching those their assign- Abercrombie. guys play. It’s thun- ments, running Martin rushed for 490 yards this sea- der and lighting. backs can break son, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Martin They can’t be through holes and also added six touchdowns this season. stopped,” get big gains as they While his numbers may not be flashy like Goodley pass through the line Seastrunk, Martin does all the dirty work. said. of scrimmage. When Baylor needs a back during A s When Baylor lost sopho- short yardage situations, Martin gets the tal- more left tackle Spencer Dran- nod. ented go to a back injury, the running His physical style of play also forced a s game struggled. opponents to defend him differently than t h e s e While Seastrunk and Martin were they would Seastrunk, adding more pres- running backs Photo By injured, the dominance on the line of Travis Taylor sure on the other team. are, it has been | Lariat Photo scrimmage wasn’t the same. Against Texas, with 3:35 remaining in a collaborative Editor Senior guard Cyril Richardson added Photo By Constance Atton | Lariat Photographer the game, Baylor was up by 20 points, but effort. The rela- a physical presence the team needed, giv- No. 8 senior running back Glasco Martin celebrates with fellow teammate No. 25 Lache there was plenty of time left on the clock. Seastrunk after scoring a touchdown against University of Texas on Dec. 7. The Bears tionship between ing the ground game a boost en route to Martin ran for back-to-back first downs celebrated a 30-10 win over the Longhorns, earning the title as Big 12 Champions. the running backs a Big 12 title. to take time off the clock for the victory. and receivers is mutual be- “It was amazing. I never thought that “I’m very happy for Glasco finishing injured during the game against Okla- Against Oklahoma, Linwood rushed cause while the backs allow for the one- I would be standing up there and doing out the game,” Seastrunk said. “He’s a se- homa on Nov. 7, freshman running backs 23 times for 182 yards as the defense did on-one match ups, the speedy receivers that,” Richardson said. “When I came nior. He deserved it. We finished out the Shock Linwood and Devin Chafin were not have an answer. Nine days later, Lin- stretch the field forcing defenders to pick here I thought I would just give it my all Case in style.” forced to step up. wood followed his performance rushing their poison. This opens up the offense and do what I can, but to see everything While Seastrunk and Martin are the Linwood has given the Bears much for 187 yards on 29 carries and a touch- completely, making head coach Art Briles’ according to what happened tonight, it’s primary backs, Baylor has depth on the needed production, rushing for 862 yards down. offense a quarterback friendly system. a really good feeling. It’s an overwhelm- bench. When Seastrunk and Martin got and eight touchdowns. In addition, he also holds the Baylor While the backs, receivers and quar- ing feeling.”

I-35 @ 335C | baylorlariat com Bowl Issue MONDAY | DECEMBER 9, 2013 6 Baylor Lariat www.baylorlariat.com