Underrated Performer for Baylor against West Virginia: Jackie Marshall

Baylor’s bend but don’t break defense, aided by another offensive explosion, helped the Bears get their first program victory in Morgantown and become bowl-eligible on Saturday against West Virginia.

The Mountaineers’ offense was able to find success against Baylor (499 total yards), largely due to the play of their quarterback, Garrett Greene (Sr.). Greene’s versatility kept Baylor’s defense on its heels at times, as he rushed for 129 yards and threw for another 237.

For all of Greene’s success, Baylor’s defense spent a lot of time meeting him and his running backs behind the line of scrimmage. The Bears finished the night with four sacks and eight tackles for loss.

While Baylor’s pair of linebackers, redshirt sophomore linebacker Keaton Thomas (12 tackles) and sixth-year senior Matt Jones (six tackles, sack, pass breakup, a quarterback hit), stole the show, this week’s underrated performer made up for some costly mistakes in his last outing.

Jackie Marshall (RJr.) has flashed multiple times this season, but he’s also made some costly mistakes that often come with inexperience. After two crucial penalties that allowed TCU to keep things close, Marshall played more disciplined ball in Morgantown.

As the Mountaineers found themselves down 35-21 and rallying, Marshall was able to chase down Greene for a sack that resulted in a seven-yard loss, settling West Virginia up with a second and long situation. Marshall’s sack was the third of his career; he finished the night with five tackles, three of which were solo. 

The Bears will be back on the road again this week, as they head to Houston to face the Cougars for a 6 p.m. kick at TEDCU Stadium.