Chris Johnson will make his second start for Baylor after almost leading the Bears to a win in Fort Worth last Friday night. This left them with third-string quarterback Chris Johnson and, what do you know, he too was hit by the injury bug against Texas. Other Big 12 bowl tie-ins that could extend Baylor a bid include the Cactus Bowl, the Liberty Bowl, the Alamo Bowl and the Russell Athletic Bowl.
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“I’m thankful for all of Baylor nation for what they’ve done for me and the Baylor program”, Coleman added.
However, should No. 18 Florida upset No. 2 Alabama in the SEC Championship game (3 p.m., CBS), the Gators will likely be the SEC representative in the Sugar Bowl.
He’d made the decision before the game.
Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (18) eludes Baylor linebacker Taylor Young (1) on his way to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Waco, Texas.
Following a three-and-out by the Bears, the Longhorns tacked on a 23-yard field goal by Nick Rose after nickel back Travon Blanchard dropped an interception on second down and receiver John Burt failed to corral a third-down pass over the middle.
“We went out there with a mentality like we had nothing to lose”, senior center Taylor Doyle said.
The Bears answered by methodically moving down the field – again – and scoring on Hawthorne’s 8-yard dive into the endzone, cutting the lead to 20-17 with 9:40 left in the game. “But we’re not going to back down”. They play hard. They’re going to be motivated and they’re going to be hungry. It worked, and Texas’ defense was, at times, a little confused. When Jarrett Stidham’s injuries piled up against Oklahoma State earlier this year, Johnson filled in admirably.
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“I remember looking up there and being like, ‘What in the world, where did the time go, ” Hawthorne said. We’re one of the teams. The running back tandem of Johnny Jefferson and Terence Williams ran the ball mostly off direct snaps to cover 69 yards in less than three minutes en route to a touchdown. Baylor coach Art Briles confirmed after the game that Saturday was Coleman’s last home game at Baylor. He needs just 58 yards to surpass Hodges Mitchell for the 10th most rushing yards in Texas history, but considering how he’s looked lately, that could take 58 touches unless he breaks one loose for 2 or 3.
