10 Things: Baylor Outlasts Kansas State, Despite a Whole Lot of Ugly.

Will Boles gives his 10 things following Baylor’s last-second 35-34 win over Kansas State!

1. Baylor’s running backs are crucial to its success.

Even though he was playing at less than 100%, Bryson Washington still left his mark on the game today. Behind him, Michael Turner ran hard and found himself in the endzone for the first time in his college career.

2. The Bears’ defense finds themselves “so close” way too often.

Baylor consistently forced KSU into late-down situations, only to follow that up with easy first downs. There were multiple times where it felt like everyone in the stadium knew Avery Johnson was about to take off…except for the defense.

3. The offense couldn’t get out of its own way today.

There were holding calls and bad drops on almost every single drive today. Just as the drives would get going, they were immediately halted by mental errors.

4. Kyland Reed looked ROUGH today.

Rough might be an understatement. Reed missed so many reads today and even gave up the late hit penalty, pushing KSU into the red zone right before halftime, resulting in a touchdown. I’m not sure why Kaleb Burns didn’t get more play today; he couldn't have done any worse than that. 

5. Michael Trigg is the best player on the team.

Overreaction? I really don’t think so. Game in and game out, Michael Trigg does things that are completely abnormal. Simply put, he’s a freak. This offense would be empty without him. 

6. Sawyer Robertson! Running the ball!

All season, we’ve called for Robertson to run the dang ball! Today, he took off multiple times, including one two-point conversion where he took it in himself, but he could have easily run for a score on that third down in the red zone in the fourth quarter.

7. The review booth HATED the Bears today.

I’m not going to come out and say that either call was correct or incorrect, but I don't believe that there was substantial evidence for the overturns on Trigg’s touchdown or the fumble. I didn't see a good angle for the replay either time. That hurts!

8. BALL DON’T LIE!

Following both of the previously mentioned plays, Baylor completely erased the calls. After Trigg’s “TD”, Turner took it all the way himself. Following the “fumble,” Jacob Redding intercepted Avery Johnson and ran it all the way back for six!

9. Jacob Redding is a bright spot in the bleak defense. 

Redding constantly flies around and is usually a great open-field tackler. On top of that, he went up and grabbed an interception and took it to the end zone for a touchdown.

10.  Connor Hawkins! Magician!

Second game-winner this season, this one from 54 yards! Thank you, Connor Hawkins! It’s so nice to be on the other side of that. He’s been steady this season, with his only miss from outside 50.