By Shehan Jeyarajah
Sports Editor
The Big 12 named sophomore quarterback Seth Russell co-Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 8.
Russell was listed as the second-string quarterback out of fall camp, but received an opportunity after senior quarterback Bryce Petty was sidelined for Saturday’s game with fractures in his back.
In Petty’s stead, Russell threw for 438 yards and accumulated six all-purpose touchdowns against Northwestern State on Saturday before being taken out at halftime. Russell threw for five touchdowns of 82, 50, 42, 61 and 57 yards and added a three-yard touchdown run in the first half.
The yardage was the third-best performance in Baylor history, and Russell’s six total touchdowns responsible tied a Baylor record. Russell also posted the most yards in a half in Baylor history.
Russell is the third current Baylor player to win the award, along with Petty and sophomore running back Shock Linwood. In all, this is the 15th time a Baylor player has been given this honor.
The Big 12 also named Kansas State senior quarterback Jake Waters as co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in a win against Iowa State.
No. 8 Baylor will travel to New York. to play Buffalo at University of Buffalo Stadium. The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m. Friday.
