Baylor leads Texas Tech 28-17 at the half

By Cody Soto
Sports Writer

ARLINGTON – Things are getting interesting here in Jerry’s World. With a big effort by sophomore running back Shock Linwood, Baylor leads Texas Tech 28-17 at the half at AT&T Stadium.

The Bears racked up 299 offensive yards behind 134 rushing yards and 165 passing yards. Senior quarterback Bryce Petty had 165 yards on 13 completions and a touchdown pass in the half.

Both teams forced three-and-out situations on their opening drives, but fumbles crippled Texas Tech as a dropped ball was recovered by senior defensive back Collin Brence to give the ball back to Baylor. Linwood used an eight-yard run to put the Bears on the scoreboard first.

Another Texas Tech fumble forced by Ryan Reid ended the first quarter. On the second play of the next quarter, Petty slipped and dropped the ball to turn over the ball to the Red Raiders.  Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with Jakeem Grant to tie up the shootout in the second quarter.

Baylor responded with a big 46-yard run by Linwood, which set up a nice red zone position for the Bears. Freshman running back Johnny Jefferson ran for a two-yard touchdown to put the Bears up by a score with 11:50 left in the half.

A fake punt allowed Texas Tech to score on a 40-yard field goal, pulling the game within four. Baylor took advantage of a short field to use two plays to get into the end zone. Sophomore receiver Corey Coleman caught a touchdown pass from Petty to put the Bears up 21-10.

Texas Tech did not go away. Mahomes passed to Grant to set the Red Raiders up in scoring position. A 5-yard touchdown run kept the Red Raiders in the game. However, Baylor punched in a three-yard run by Linwood to lead 28-17 at the half.

The Bears will receive the ball to start the second half.