They came into Dallas as underdogs—Baylor, a program rebuilding its identity, facing a Top 20 SMU team, in front of a hostile crowd at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. SMU struck first with authority: on the game’s opening play, Kevin Jennings fired a 75‑yard touchdown pass to Romello Brinson that left everyone breathless and set a tone of mustard‑thin margins and explosive playmaking The Mustangs didn’t relent; they stretched their early advantage to 10‑0 with a 43‑yard field goal by Collin Rogers
But Baylor wasn’t here to roll over. QB Sawyer Robertson, now in the midst of a remarkable run, started to carve up the SMU defense. He hit Kobe Prentice for a 28‑yard touchdown, trimming the deficit (Baylor, SI), and followed that with a beautiful 33‑yard strike to Josh Cameron—Baylor was back in it, 17‑14 (Baylor, SI). SMU countered with a bomb of their own: another 75‑yard touchdown, this time to Jalen Cooper, and behind again, 24‑14
But Baylor refused to be denied. Bryson Washington powered in a 7‑yard touchdown and SMU’s dominance was cut in half at the half—24‑21 (Baylor, SI). The third quarter yielded only a field goal for Baylor, knotted things at 24‑24 (Baylor, SI). For three and a half quarters, SMU had played sharp; then, everything shifted.
With 8:38 left, SMU’s T.J. Harden took over—he ripped off a 40‑yard run and added a score to push SMU up 38‑24 LMT Online). Baylor looked done… until Robertson, calm and laser‑focused, orchestrated a breathtaking 72‑play, 48‑yard touchdown drive, capped by Cameron with about 5:23 remaining (Baylor, SI). Still trailing, Baylor regained possession and engineered another crazed drive—this one ended with a 21‑yard TD to Kobe Prentice with just 34 seconds left—that tied it at 38‑38 and sent everyone into overtime (Baylor, SI).
OT unfolded with perfect symmetry: Baylor ran it in with Washington for the first touchdown. SMU answered immediately, a 25‑yard pass to Brinson nudged them ahead and forced double overtime. But in the second OT, SMU’s kicker, Collin Rogers, missed from about 38 yards—a crucial misfire Then, Baylor leaned into discipline—five straight runs, patient, physical. And freshman kicker Connor Hawkins delivered—27 yards, right through the uprights—Baylor wins 48‑45 in a seismic upset
Sawyer Robertson finished 34‑of‑50 for a staggering 440 yards and four touchdowns, no interceptions, marking his third straight 400‑yard outing to begin the season. His October keeps rising—he’s now amassed 859 yards and seven touchdowns through two games Josh Cameron hauled in nine catches for 151 yards and two TDs; Ashtyn Hawkins had a career day, 10 catches for 145 yards. Washington bulldozed for 115 yards and two scores. Baylor’s total offense: 601 yards, nearly 150 more than SMU’s 458 (Baylor, SI).
SMU’s big performers weren’t absent: Jennings threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns; Harden added 115 rushing yards and three TDs—record-setting numbers, yet it wasn’t enough The difference? Missed kicks and defensive fatigue—crucial failures in the clutch.
Game context: Baylor’s now 1‑1, ready for Samford next; SMU also stands at 1‑1. Importantly, Baylor extended its dominance in this historic rivalry—their 14th straight win against SMU, dating back decades to the Southwest Conference saga
Coach Dave Aranda was characteristically proud but measured: praised his team’s fight, acknowledged mistakes, underscored the improvement ahead (SI).
Words scarcely do justice to this rollercoaster. Baylor built a legend on the shoulders of Robertson’s arm, Washington’s legs, and Cameron’s and Hawkins’ hands—all under pressure, when it mattered most. To SMU’s credit, they were dominant for large stretches—but when the lights shone brightest, Baylor refused to let the moment slip.
This was college football at its unhinged, glorious best: explosive plays, late-game heroics, overtime heroism, and a storyline whispered years ahead every few moments. Fans will replay this one in slow‑motion for a long time.
What stood out to you? Robertson’s arm? The offensive onslaught? Or the resilience in overtime? I’m ready to relive every jaw‑dropping second with you.
