A Divergent Season Starts in Waco
For the Prairie View A&M Panthers, the trip to Waco ended in a steep 44-3 defeat that leaves them with a 1-2 record. The Bears, playing at home, improved to 1-1 after a dominant performance at McLane Stadium before an attendance of 38,642.
The disparity in talent was evident early, as Baylor’s offense dismantled the visiting defense while the Panthers struggled to find consistent rhythm against the home crowd.
Early Momentum Shifts
The game opened with a brief flash of hope for the visitors when Ethan Eddins kicked a 25-yard field goal to give Prairie View a 3-0 lead. However, the Bears responded immediately. Rhett Armstrong tied the game with a 46-yard field goal, and Baylor took the lead for good on a five-yard rushing touchdown by Caden Knighten.
The first quarter ended with the home team up 17-3, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. Baylor’s offense continued to operate efficiently, adding 17 more points in the second quarter to lead 34-3 at the half.
Bennett’s Air Attack
Quarterback Nate Bennett was the engine of the Baylor attack, completing 23 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Jayden McGowan on a 33-yard pass in the first quarter and Dre'lon Miller on a 22-yard strike in the second. Bennett also contributed a 17-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Armstrong added three field goals, including a 45-yarder and a 22-yarder, to seal the scoring. Baylor’s running game was led by Dawson Pendergrass, who carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards, while Gavin Freeman caught 10 passes for 104 yards.
Panthers Struggle to Respond
The Prairie View A&M offense could not overcome the early deficit. Tevin Carter completed 14 of 25 passes for 74 yards, but the team managed only one touchdown on the ground. Zayvion Turner-Knox carried the ball four times for 12 yards, and Ky'Yon Harris caught three passes for 38 yards.
The Bears added seven points in the third quarter on a 13-yard run by McGowan, and Armstrong added a final field goal in the fourth to close out the 44-3 victory. The result leaves Baylor with a 1-1 record and Prairie View A&M at 1-2.
Sources
ESPN
