The fireworks were flying early in Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Offensive explosion has been the trend during the first half between Baylor and SMU, as the Bears go into halftime with the lead 28-21.
The Bears started the game at their usual pace, scoring in just 4 plays and 50 seconds. Junior quarterback Seth Russell found junior receiver Corey Coleman down the sideline for a 42-yard connection on the first play of the game.
Junior running back Shock Linwood took 2 carries for 30 yards down SMU territory. culminating in junior running back Devin Chafin punching in a 3-yard touchdown. Things were looking ugly early for the Mustangs.
One play and eight seconds later, the Mustangs knotted up the score.
Quarterback Matt Davis found Courtland Sutton for a 46-yard touchdown pass. The Bears would answer back with a 58-second drive, again beginning with a Russell-Coleman long connection. After an 11-yard Linwood carry, Russell ran for a 4-yard touchdown.
Davis would lead the Mustangs down the field again to quickly tie the game at 14.
After a Baylor stop, Russell would find K.D. Cannon on a fade route to make it a 28-14 game after one quarter.
SMU marched down the field again on the Bears at the start of the second quarter. Davis found Sutton again to make it a one touchdown game, 28-21.
With 3:51 left in the half, Davis was picked off by junior safety Taion Sells. The Bears looked primed for another scoring drive just before the half but Russell was intercepted. A high pass tipped off the outstretched hands of senior receiver Jay Lee into the awaiting hands of Darrion Richardson.
Richardson returned the interception to the Baylor 33, giving SMU the momentum late in the half. The Baylor defense stood fast however, sacking Davis at the 3 yard line to end the half.
The Bears have gained 274 yards so far in the game. After shutting out SMU last season 45-0 at home, the Bears gave up 21 points and 255 total yards in one half tonight.
