Baylor Nation packs Reliant Stadium for Texas Bowl

I think it’s safe to say there have never been more Baylor fans gathered together under one roof than there were at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Dec. 29 for the Texas Bowl, and I’m proud to say I was one of them. Out of the announced crowd of 68,211, the vast majority — perhaps 50,000 or more — were sporting the green and gold in a fantastic display of Baylor pride — quite appropriate for “Baylor Day,” as it was declared by Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. (Click here for photos from the game and some of the week’s pep rallies.)

In fact, of the 29 bowls played so far this winter, only four have attracted more fans than the Texas Bowl — the Rose, Gator, Chick-fil-A and Music City bowls — and none of those crowds was as one-sided as Baylor’s.

Such numbers are just another example of how Baylor fans have risen up this year, as well as a deserving reward for a Baylor team that put up numbers Bear fans haven’t seen in years, if ever. Most wins since 1995. First bowl since 1994. First AP ranking since 1993. First win in Austin since 1991. And on the individual side, Baylor fans got to watch quarterback Robert Griffin III set the school’s single-season and career passing yard marks, running back Jay Finley set a new program best for single-season rushing yards, and receiver Kendall Wright set the school records for single-season and career receptions. An exciting team and an exciting year, to say the least.

Sic ’em, Baylor football and Baylor Nation!