WACO, Texas -- Some instant analysis from a dizzyingly entertaining first half that more closely resembled a tennis match. Outstanding.
Turning point: Baylor's opening drive. The Bears announced very early that they would be moving the ball consistently with a six-play, 72-yard drive that featured two carries for 19 yards from Terrance Ganaway and was capped by a double pass from Robert Griffin III to Kendall Wright to Terrance Williams for a 40-yard touchdown. This would not be a repeat of the 2010 game.
Stat of the half: TCU and Baylor traded scores on six consecutive drives in the first half, combining for 57 points in the first 30 minutes. Last year's game featured just 55 points, and the over/under for tonight's game was 52 points.
Best player in the half: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. Wright has nine catches for 168 yards, including an acrobatic 36-yarder to set up the Bears' final touchdown of the half and a 35-yard touchdown along the right sideline to put Baylor ahead early. He has two touchdown catches and threw another.
Best call: Called it. Baylor wanted to make a splash early, and did exactly that. On the opening drive, Art Briles called a double pass and it worked to perfection.
What Baylor needs to do: Keep getting stops when it needs them, like a crucial fourth down in its own territory with TCU charging late in the first half. The offense looks like it may score at will and is headed for 50, so the defense doesn't need to be great, but TCU's offense can hang with the Bears.
What TCU needs to do: Find a way to slow down the Bears offense. The young secondary is getting torched everywhere, and linebackers Tanner Brock and Tank Carder have been unable to slow Baylor's 240-pound bowling ball, Terrance Ganaway, who has 105 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. The Horned Frogs can get blown out if that continues in the second half with Baylor needing to control the clock.
