Baylor Dominates Prairie View A&M 44-3 Behind Bennett’s Efficient Night

Decisive Start Sets Tone

The Baylor Bears established control early and never relinquished it, securing a 44-3 victory over the visiting Prairie View A&M Panthers at McLane Stadium in Waco on Sunday. The game’s trajectory was defined by Baylor’s offensive efficiency in the opening period, where they outscored their opponents 17-3 to build an insurmountable lead.

Quarterback Nate Bennett orchestrated the attack with precision, completing 23 of 35 passes for 301 yards. While Bennett accounted for two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, he also threw two interceptions. The Bears’ ability to convert scoring opportunities was evident from the first quarter, where they capitalized on multiple drives to take a commanding lead.

First Half Dominance

Prairie View A&M opened the scoring with a 25-yard field goal by Ethan Eddins, making it 3-0. However, Baylor responded immediately. Rhett Armstrong connected on a 46-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 before the Bears took their first lead.

Caden Knighten powered in from five yards out, followed by Jayden McGowan’s 33-yard reception from Bennett, pushing the score to 17-3 by the end of the first quarter.

Baylor continued its offensive momentum in the second half. Dre’lon Miller caught a 22-yard pass from Bennett for another touchdown, extending the lead to 24-3. Armstrong added a 45-yard field goal before halftime, capping the period with a 31-3 advantage. Nate Bennett himself found the end zone on a 17-yard run, further demonstrating the Bears' versatility and dominance in the first half.

Closing Out the Contest

The Bears maintained their pressure in the third quarter, with Jayden McGowan scoring on a 13-yard rush to make it 41-3. Armstrong sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with a 22-yard field goal, bringing the final score to 44-3.

Key contributors included Dawson Pendergrass, who rushed 15 times for 69 yards, and receiver Gavin Freeman, who hauled in 10 passes for 104 yards. On the defensive side, the Bears held Prairie View A&M’s offense largely in check.

Tevin Carter completed 14 of 25 passes for 74 yards but lacked support from a rushing attack that was limited to just 12 yards by Zayvion Turner-Knox on four carries. Ky’Yon Harris led the Panthers in receiving with three catches for 38 yards.

Post-Game Records

The win improves Baylor’s record to 1-1, while Prairie View A&M falls to 1-2. The game was played before a crowd of 38,642 at McLane Stadium.

Sources

ESPN