Stat of the half: Texas did not punt. And while that might not seem like a big deal, this was a team that punted 11 times against Texas A&M a week ago, and 26 times in the last three weeks. Texas was able accomplish this without having its top two running backs, Malcolm Brown (knee) and Joe Bergeron (hamstring). Texas was able to move the ball down the field through the air and had some timely runs by Jeremy Hills and Cody Johnson. Texas had 339 yards of offense in the first half and 12 first downs.
Best player in the half: It is a toss-up between the two quarterbacks, Baylor's Robert Griffin III and Texas' Case McCoy. For the first time this season, Texas has come out and moved the ball through the air. McCoy, in his fourth start, was 11-of-18 for 232 yards with three touchdowns. His 80-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin was the longest passing touchdown for Texas since 2009 when Colt McCoy hit Jordan Shipley for 88 yards. Griffin was extremely hot early leading the Bears to 14 points in the first seven plays. He finished the half 5-of-10 for 132 with two passing touchdowns, a rushing score and an interception.
What Texas needs to do: Take care of the football. Texas went up seven and then was careless with the ball. First Dominic Espinosa and McCoy had a miscommunication on a snap. On the very next series, McCoy threw his first pick of the season. That set Baylor up at the 2-yard line. Baylor scored two plays later to take a 24-21 lead.
What Baylor needs to do: The Bears need to continue to test Texas' safeties deep. Griffin had tremendous success going up top on the first two series. If the Bears can get Terrance Ganaway going and set up some more play-action, they will have a chance to once again pick on Blake Gideon and Christian Scott.
