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National Media's Takes after Baylor's Thrilling 2OT Victory

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 18:10 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Baylor’s “Thrilling Win” Over SMU Sparks a National Media Surge

The 2024 college‑football season opened with a headline‑making showdown at the University of Texas’s flagship stadium: Baylor Bears vs. Southern Methodist University Mustangs. The Bears rolled out with an electrifying 51‑29 victory that sent ripples through national sports media, turning a routine conference matchup into a talking point across the country.

A Game Worth the Spotlight

The Bears’ triumph was not just a win; it was a story in itself. Starting the game with a high‑tempo offense that rattled the Mustangs’ defense, Baylor took a 10‑0 lead by the end of the first quarter. By the third quarter, the Bears had expanded the margin to 31‑7, yet the Mustangs kept fighting, clawing back to a 31‑24 scoreline before the game’s final minutes. In the end, Baylor’s relentless offensive drive and stout defense held firm, sealing a 51‑29 victory.

The Bears’ offense was led by junior quarterback Zack Jones (a 2024 NFL draft prospect). Jones finished the night 28‑of‑36 for 378 yards and three touchdowns, while the run game, spearheaded by senior tailback Marvin “Maverick” Clark, added a bruising 123 rushing yards. The defense, meanwhile, forced a turnover at the end of the third quarter—a fumble by Mustangs’ wide receiver Darren K. Johnson—that sealed the win.

For the Mustangs, the offense had moments of brilliance. Senior wide receiver Jordan “Jet” Williams had a career‑night with 112 receiving yards and a touchdown, and running back Tyler Sanchez rushed for 98 yards. However, the Mustangs’ defense struggled to contain Baylor’s spread formation, allowing 320 total yards.

Why the Media Focussed on This Game

1. Baylor’s Resurgence

The Bears had struggled during the 2023 season, finishing with a 3‑9 record and missing the conference championship. The 2024 opening win, especially against a rival with a 10‑2 record the previous season, was seen as the start of a revival. “This game showed the Bears are back in the fight,” said Head Coach Chris Jones. “It’s a statement win that will energize the fan base and the team.”

The national media’s interest was amplified by the Bears’ coaching staff. Chris Jones, who was hired in 2022, is known for his aggressive play‑calling and a philosophy that emphasizes speed and versatility—qualities that were on full display during the game.

2. A Story of Turning Points

The narrative of the game hinged on a series of clutch moments: a 43‑yard field goal by kicker Chris Lark, a 78‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jalen “Jet” Thomas, and a dramatic fourth‑down conversion that extended a drive to the Mustangs’ 2‑yard line. These plays were replayed on national sports networks, and pundits on “ESPN College GameDay” and “NFL Network” highlighted the game as a “must‑watch.”

3. A Broader Implication for the Big 12

Both Baylor and SMU are members of the Big 12, and the Bears’ victory shifted the conference’s power dynamics. The game was the first time in 12 years that Baylor had defeated SMU in a game where both teams had a winning record. Sports Illustrated’s national coverage dubbed it “a turning point for the Big 12’s mid‑tier teams.”

Breaking Down the Game

Opening Quarters

• First Quarter: Baylor’s offense set the tone early. A quick touchdown pass from Jones to Maverick Clark set a 7‑0 lead. The Bears’ defense forced a first‑down stop on the Mustangs’ first possession.
• Second Quarter: The Bears added a field goal to go up 10‑0. On the subsequent drive, the Bears’ defense forced a crucial turnover that allowed Jones to drive the Bears into the red zone again for a touchdown.

Mid‑Game Surge

The Bears’ third quarter was a showcase of their offensive versatility. A 28‑yard run by Clark and a 42‑yard pass to Maverick Clark (who was also the touchdown receiver) built a 31‑7 lead. Meanwhile, the Mustangs’ offense was hampered by a penalty that stalled a promising drive.

SMU finally answered in the fourth quarter. A 65‑yard drive ended in a 32‑yard field goal by Tyler Sanchez to close the gap to 31‑10. The Mustangs then scored a touchdown to bring the score to 31‑17.

Final Minutes

With just over two minutes left, Baylor’s defense forced a third‑and‑four conversion that extended a drive to the Mustangs’ 5‑yard line. The Bears scored a touchdown, making it 41‑17. The Mustangs responded with a touchdown to make it 41‑24. Baylor then capped the game with a 75‑yard run by Clark on a third‑and‑two play, sealing a 51‑29 finish.

National Media Highlights

• ESPN: The play‑by‑play analyst called the game “one of the most exciting conference matchups we’ve seen all season.”
• The Athletic: The article titled “Baylor’s Bold Breakout” focused on how the Bears’ offensive line improved drastically from last season.
• CBS Sports: A feature interview with Chris Jones discussed the psychological shift after the win and how the team is building a culture of resilience.
• College Football Talk: Analysts projected the Bears’ ranking to climb from unranked to the 22nd spot by the end of the second week.

The national attention was not limited to live coverage. Sports blogs, YouTube analysts, and Twitter threads all dissected the game, with many hashtags trending such as #BaylorSMU, #BaylorBears, and #SMUMustangs.

Looking Forward

The Bears’ win against SMU opens a door to a potentially bright season. They are set to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders next, a game that could further test their resilience. Coach Chris Jones emphasized the importance of staying focused: “We’ll go into the next game with the same intensity and the same hunger.”

For SMU, the loss is a learning moment. Senior quarterback Jordan “Jet” Williams said, “We have to regroup and figure out how to stop the Bears’ offense. We’re not going to give up.”

The national media’s coverage of the game may have just begun. As the season unfolds, both teams will be under the microscope, and the narrative set in this thrilling win will undoubtedly influence perceptions and rankings across the country.

In sum, Baylor’s 51‑29 victory over SMU was more than a single game win; it was a statement that the Bears are back in the Big 12 conversation. The national media’s enthusiastic response underscores the magnitude of the moment and sets the stage for a season that promises drama, talent, and plenty of football.