Baylor Outlasts Texas Tech

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ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Tech almost flipped the script on seventh-ranked Baylor, but the Bears barely escaped.

Baylor linebacker Aiavion Edwards led the charge as the Bears sacked Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a two-point conversion attempt to preserve Baylor’s 48-46 victory on Saturday at AT&T Stadium.

Earlier this season, Baylor knocked off TCU 61-58 after trailing the Horned Frogs by 21 points in the fourth quarter. This time, Baylor had to desperately hold on to a 25-point lead it established midway through the third quarter.

That’s because Mahomes lit up Baylor for 593 passing yards and six touchdowns.

Mahomes’ final touchdown pass, a 40-yard strike to wide receiver Bradley Marquez, pulled Texas Tech to within two points. But the Bears finally got to Mahomes on the two-point try with 1:42 remaining.

“We had the look we wanted,” Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “We didn’t get a good release. Their (defensive back Collin Brence) did a good job of forcing our guy outside. Pat ran around. (It is a) learning

experience. At that point throw it up and see if we can make a play. (We) can’t take a sack there.”

Bears running back Shock Linwood recovered the ensuing onside-kick attempt and Baylor ran out the clock.

Other than that, it was another step for Baylor (9-1, 6-1 Big 12), which now has four straight wins after its only loss of the season in its quest for a second straight Big 12 title. The Bears need one more against Kansas State next Saturday and some help elsewhere to make the College Football Playoff.

“I can’t control that,” Baylor coach Art Briles said. “I think how I would look at it is, we haven’t done it yet, but to repeat as champions, it’s happened one time in the Big 12’s existence. “

Texas Tech (4-8, 2-7) concluded its worst season since going 4-7 in 1990 but there was a silver lining as Mahomes rallied the Red Raiders.

“He battled,” Kingsbury said about his freshman quarterback. “For a young kid to come in and keep battling, and he’s gotten better and better, so we’re excited to see him develop in the future.”

Baylor appeared to take control in the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns to build a 42-17 lead with 6:42 left in the quarter. Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty hit wide receiver Antwan Goodley for a 9-yard touchdown and backup Seth Russell connected with wide receiver Levi Norwood for a 27-yard score.

The third quarter also proved costly for Baylor. Texas Tech linebacker Sam Eguavoen came unblocked up the middle and hit Petty as the Baylor quarterback was releasing a pass. Eguavoen drew a roughing-the-quarterback penalty and a shaken Petty exited the game.

Petty had what Baylor officials called a mild concussion. Petty said he had blurred vision, but refused the call the injury a concussion, instead using the term “dinger.”

“I feel good,” Petty said. “Everything kind of came to on the sideline. It’s a new day and age now and I guess they get upset about a few dingers. “

Petty said he would definitely play next week against Kansas State. Eguavoen said the officials told him the hit was late.

Petty completed 18 of 25 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Russell was 8 of 17 for 82 yards and a touchdown.

After struggling to find its offensive rhythm in the early stages, Baylor scored touchdowns on its final three possession of the first half to take a 28-17 lead at halftime.

The Bears recovered three Texas Tech fumbles in the first quarter and cashed in one of them for points. Baylor linebacker Taylor Young forced a fumble by Texas Tech running back Justin Stockton and defensive end K.J. Smith recovered at the Bears’ 41.

Baylor’s offense responded with a 59-yard scoring drive to take a 7-0 lead when Linwood scored on an 8-yard run.

But Texas Tech battled back as Mahomes passed for 296 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Mahomes hit wide receiver Jakeem Grant for a 27-yard touchdown and Marquez for a 5-yarder as the Red Raiders attempted to keep up.

Baylor made that difficult by running through an injury-depleted Texas Tech defense. Linwood rushed for 97 yards in the first half, powering the Bears’ running game, which had 134 on the ground by the half.

Petty connected on 13 of 17 passes for 165 yards in the first half, including a 28-yard touchdown to wide receiver Corey Coleman.

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