Baylor University's football program has a rich history of exciting bowl game appearances, with some moments standing out more than others. From thrilling victories to heartbreaking defeats, the Bears have experienced it all in the postseason. Here are Baylor's top 5 bowl game moments:
The Birth of a New Era: 2010 Texas Bowl
Baylor's 38-14 victory over Illinois in the 2010 Texas Bowl marked a turning point in the program's history. The win snapped a 16-year bowl drought and gave the Bears their first postseason victory since 1992. Quarterback Robert Griffin III led the charge, throwing for 302 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jay Finley added 126 yards on the ground.
Griffin's Coming-Out Party
The 2010 Texas Bowl was more than just a win for Baylor; it was a showcase for the dynamic duo of Griffin and Finley. Griffin's impressive performance earned him MVP honors, and he would go on to lead the Bears to two more bowl appearances in his college career. Finley's dominant running style set the tone for Baylor's high-powered offense, which would become a staple of the program in the years to come.
The Fiesta Bowl Thriller: 2013
Baylor's 52-42 victory over UCF in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl was an instant classic. The Bears trailed 28-20 at halftime but came roaring back in the second half, scoring 32 points to secure the win. Quarterback Bryce Petty threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Lache Seastrunk added 117 yards on the ground.
Aerial Assault
The 2013 Fiesta Bowl saw Baylor's offense at its finest, with Petty and wide receiver Tevin Reese connecting for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears' passing attack was nearly unstoppable, with Petty completing 21 of 30 passes and throwing for multiple scores. The win marked Baylor's first BCS bowl victory in school history.
The Cyclone Comeback: 2012
Trailing 14-0 at halftime, Baylor staged an impressive comeback to defeat Iowa State 49-26 in the 2012 Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Nick Florence threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Glasco Martin added 124 yards on the ground.
Turnaround in the Second Half
The Cyclones' early lead seemed insurmountable, but Baylor's offense came alive in the second half, scoring 35 points to take control of the game. Florence's precision passing and Martin's hard running were the keys to the Bears' comeback victory.
The Alamo Bowl Romp: 2015
Baylor's 44-7 drubbing of Washington in the 2015 Alamo Bowl was a dominant performance from start to finish. Quarterback Chris Johnson threw for 243 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Johnny Jefferson added 107 yards on the ground.
A Well-Rounded Attack
The Bears' victory in the Alamo Bowl showcased their balanced offense, which featured both explosive passing and powerful running. Johnson's efficient passing and Jefferson's rugged running style proved too much for the Huskies to handle.
A Bittersweet Victory: 2019
Baylor's 26-14 victory over Georgia in the 2020 Sugar Bowl was a bittersweet moment for the Bears. While the win marked the program's second Sugar Bowl victory in school history, it also came in the midst of a coaching change, with Matt Rhule departing for the NFL.
A Fitting Tribute
The Sugar Bowl victory was a fitting tribute to Rhule's tenure at Baylor, which saw the program rise from the ashes to become a consistent top-25 team. Quarterback Charlie Brewer threw for 211 yards and one touchdown, while running back JaMycal Hasty added 63 yards on the ground.
As the Baylor football program continues to evolve, these top 5 bowl game moments will remain etched in the memories of Bears fans everywhere. From thrilling victories to heartbreaking defeats, each moment has contributed to the rich history of Baylor football.
What was Baylor's first bowl game appearance?
+Baylor's first bowl game appearance was in the 1949 Dixie Bowl, where they lost to William & Mary.
Who is Baylor's all-time leading rusher in bowl games?
+JaMycal Hasty is Baylor's all-time leading rusher in bowl games, with 234 yards.
What is Baylor's record in the Fiesta Bowl?
+Baylor is 2-1 in the Fiesta Bowl, with victories in 2014 and 2016.