Baylor Wins Opener Over Wake Forest, 24-21

The Baylor Bears defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 24-21, as the green and gold took control early and never relinquished the lead.

The Baylor Bears football team have had a a few months to think about how last season ended. While last season proved to be full of hope, Art Briles and staff knew that the Baylor football team must make that next step this season. The Baylor Bears' first task was not an easy one. Go play Wake Forest on the road, and win. For the Baylor Bears, mission accomplished.

The Bears' drew first blood as they received the opening kickoff and marched 80 yards on 8 plays for a touchdown. On the scoring play, Robert Griffin III, Baylor's phenomenal quarterback, found senior wide receiver David Gettis open in the back corner of the endzone for an 8 yard touchdown reception.

After the ensuing kickoff, Baylor's highly regarded defensive tackle Phil Taylor picked off a tipped Riley Skinner pass, and the Bears took over at the Wake Forest 49 yard line. The Bears put an additional 3 points on the board with a Ben Parks 22 yard field goal.

The Demon Deacons were quick to strike back. Down 10-0 early in the 2nd quarter, senior quarterback Riley Skinner led Wake Forest down the field setting up a 22 yard touchdown scamper by senior fullback Mike Rinfrette. After holding the Baylor Bears on the next drive, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons were primed to take the lead on their next drive. However, the Baylor Bears defense had other plans as Baylor cornerback Tim Atchison caused a fumble recovered by Baylor defensive end Tracy Robertson.

Turnovers were the Demon Deacons downfall, and a usual calm and collected Skinner had trouble dealing with the different looks the Baylor Bears showed him. Skinner ended the day with a 143 yards passing with 2 touchdowns, but 3 costly interceptions. Skinner was also sacked 3 times on the day. Devon Brown led the Demon Deacons in rushing with 46 yards on 8 carries, while wideouts Jordan Williams and Marshall Williams each led the team with 42 yards receiving.

For the Bears, sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin III threw for 136 yards and a touchdown in the victory, and he also added 41 yards rushing to his totals. On a day that saw Baylor wide receiver Ernest Smith throw for a touchdown, and Bears' defensive tackle Phil Taylor line up in the offensive backfield on 4th and inches, the statistics in this game were anything but normal. Jay Finley led all rushers in the game with 91 yards gained on 16 carries, and Baylor senior wide receiver led the Bears in receptions and yards hauling in 5 catches for 65 yards.

The Bears now move to 1-0 on the season, and have a week off before playing 3 straight games at home to finish their non-conference portion of their schedule.