WACO, Texas (AP) — Backup quarterback Nate Bennett threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for an additional rating to assist Baylor defeat Louisiana Tech 36-19 on Saturday.
Bennett, who began rather than Florida switch DJ Lagway for the second straight week, accomplished 21 of 24 passes because the Bears (2-1) gained their second consecutive recreation following a season-opening, neutral-site loss to Auburn.
Lagway suffered an ankle damage in Baylor’s 17-16 loss to the Tigers on Sept. 5.
Baylor’s offensive line protected Bennett nicely on all three of his landing passes, and he positioned these balls in a bread basket. Within the second quarter, he hit Louis Brown IV on a deep sample the place Brown misplaced the Bulldogs’ secondary with a double transfer for a 51-yard rating.
Within the third quarter, North Carolina switch Jayden McGowan hauled in a 43-yard scoring strike when Bennet put the proper contact on a fade route down the proper aspect. Bennett’s ultimate scoring toss additionally went to McGowan, who made a defender miss on his option to the tip zone from 36 yards out within the fourth.
Bennett scrambled for a 25-yard landing on Baylor’s opening drive.
Louisiana Tech (1-2) additionally scored on its first drive, a 15-play, 75-yard march that ended with Andrew Burnette’s 2-yard direct snap run.
After the Bears scored 22 unanswered factors, the Bulldogs tacked on two extra scores on backup Trey Kukuk’s 19-yard landing toss to Eli Finley and Jalen Mickens’ 2-yard scoring rush, making it 29-19 within the fourth.
Kukuk began rather than Blake Baker, who was dominated out pregame with a hand damage. He accomplished 25 of 44 passes for 223 yards, a landing and an interception, whereas dashing 11 occasions for 75 yards.
New weapon unlocked
Baylor coach Dave Aranda mentioned in current weeks he’s been on the lookout for a constant secondary receiver to emerge alongside Gavin Freeman, who erupted for over 100 yards receiving within the first two weeks.
McGowan is perhaps the choice Aranda’s on the lookout for. After catching 4 passes for 80 yards final week, McGowan caught two passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday.
The Takeaway
Louisiana Tech: Per week after lacking a 54-yarder towards then-No. 8 LSU, Kaegan Kent has nonetheless not made a discipline aim for the Bulldogs. Kent missed a 34-yard try late within the second quarter, which sailed means off the mark 4 snaps after lacking a 37-yarder negated by an offsides penalty.
Baylor: Because the Bears’ offensive line stays a piece in progress, their run recreation has struggled to provide. Baylor churned out 164 yards dashing, however averaged simply 3.7 yards per carry. The offense should discover a option to strike higher steadiness because the Bears enter Massive 12 motion.
Up subsequent
Louisiana Tech: Has a bye week earlier than internet hosting Military on Oct. 3.
Baylor: Opens Massive 12 play by internet hosting Colorado subsequent Saturday.
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