True freshman leads Baylor football to another big win

18-year-old Robert Griffin is quickly becoming the storyline for Baylor football this season, picking up accolades from just about everyone who watches him play (update to add: including being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week). After the Bears broke out for a 51-6 win over Northwestern State a week ago, Griffin led the Bears to a 45-17 win over Washington State on Friday night.

The true freshman quarterback set a new Baylor single-game record for rushing yards (217). He also established Baylor and Big 12 Conference records for yards per rush (19.7), and his 346 yards of total offense ranks 12th in school history. And in case you think all he can do is run — he also completed a perfect 61-yard pass to David Gettis late in the second half that was the Bears’ longest play from scrimmage so far this season.

Griffin led the Bears to their largest margin of victory against an NCAA Division FBS (formerly Division I-A) team since a 49-21 victory over Iowa State in 1996. It was Baylor’s first win against a non-Big 12 BCS opponent since beating North Carolina State in 1998, and the first time the Bears scored 40-plus points in back-to-back games since 1994. The team finished with 426 yards rushing, the third-best team total in school history and the most for a Baylor squad since 1993.

If you haven’t been out to watch Griffin and the Bears play, you really owe it to yourself to do so. Baylor is on the road this weekend, playing at UConn Friday night on ESPN2, then returns home the following week for the Big 12 opener against Oklahoma. Get your tickets now! (And while you’re waiting for game day, enjoy these photos from BaylorBears.com and the Waco Tribune-Herald.)

Sic ’em, Robert Griffin and Baylor football!