Baylor Bounces Back with Thrilling Win Over SMU in Texas Showdown

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After a disappointing Week 1 loss to Auburn, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda called for urgency—and his team responded in dramatic fashion. In a high-scoring thriller Saturday night, the Bears edged in-state rival SMU 48–45 in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd at McLane Stadium. Separated by just 99 miles, the matchup between Baylor and SMU lived up to its billing as a Texas showdown. The game featured explosive offenses, momentum swings, and a nail-biting overtime finish that left fans breathless. Back-and-Forth from the StartThe opening quarter set the tone. SMU struck first with a quick touchdown drive, but Baylor immediately answered, hinting early at the offensive fireworks to come. The two teams traded scores all night, with neither able to seize control. By halftime, the scoreboard read 24–24, and it was clear this one would go down to the wire. Every possession mattered, and as the fourth quarter began with the score tied at 38–38, McLane Stadium erupted with anticipation. Robertson Leads the ChargeSenior quarterback Sawyer Robertson rebounded from a rough opener with a career performance. He completed 34-of-50 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns, engineering key drives in the second half—including two crucial scoring tosses that helped force overtime. Robertson’s poise in the pocket and command of the offense were on full display, as he connected with multiple receivers in crunch time.

“After last week, we knew we had to respond,” Robertson said postgame. “This team didn’t flinch. We kept fighting.” Balanced Weapons ShineThe Bears’ offensive firepower wasn’t limited to the passing game. Running back Bryson Washington provided the necessary ground balance, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns. His final score—a 2-yard plunge in overtime—proved to be the game-winner.

In the receiving corps, Ashtyn Hawkins hauled in 10 catches for 145 yards, while Josh Cameron delivered a breakout performance with 151 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. Kobe Prentice added two scores of his own, including a pivotal 29-yard strike in the third quarter. In total, Baylor racked up 601 yards of offense, carving up an SMU defense that struggled to contain the Bears’ varied attack. Eyes Forward to SamfordNow sitting at 1–1, Baylor turns its attention to Samford, who visits McLane Stadium on Saturday, September 13, for an early 11:00 a.m. kickoff. While the Bulldogs may not present the same challenge as SMU, Aranda made it clear there’s no room for complacency. “This was a big win, but we’re still growing,” Aranda said. “We’ve got to clean up some things and keep the intensity up. Samford’s going to come in hungry.” Final ThoughtsSaturday night’s win wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about setting a tone for the rest of the season. Baylor showed resilience, offensive firepower, and the ability to rise under pressure. If they can build on this performance, the Bears could be a real threat in the Big 12 race.