The only thing that slowed Baylor on Friday night was the weather.
A 45-minute lightning delay pushed back the rolling Red Raiders' onslaught, but it certainly could not prevent it.
Baylor used an overwhelming first quarter on its way to a 55-7 win over visiting Howard to improve to 4-0. Howard dropped to 0-4.
"What we talked about was starting fast, and we did that," Baylor coach Phil Massey said. "Then we were able to get a lot of kids in the game.
"We talk about perfection, and to get there you have to make progress."
The opening 12 minutes - in which Baylor averaged almost three points a minute on the way to a 45-0 lead at the end of the first quarter - were as close to perfect as possible.
The Red Raiders, who grabbed an impressive road win at Ensworth last week, built on the momentum. Massey's goal of a quick start was obvious, and it was across all phases.
There was an an aerial display from quarterback Wil Austin, who threw scoring strikes to Tate Prater and Gunnar Ricketts. There was a blocked punt by do-it-all senior Ryan Parker that set up a score, and Adrian Harris had a 49-yard punt return for a touchdown. There was the pair of interception returns for scores by Calvin Watson that helped stake the Red Raiders to the insurmountable lead.
"We want to build on this," said Watson, who had American flag decals on his cheeks instead of eye black in honor of 9/11. "We want to keep building. We kind of had a chip on our shoulder, and the way our coaches push us, we're always going to play hard."
It was an avalanche of effectiveness that allowed at least three Baylor quarterbacks to take snaps and two kickers to make field goals. In fact, everyone in red shirts this side of the folks at the Signal Mountain Bi-Lo got in the game.
Massey praised the team's leadership for starting the season strong despite being picked fifth in the ever-tough Division II-AA.
"I think some people doubted us a little bit," said offensive lineman Cooper Reiniche, who a state champion wrestler at heavyweight last winter. "But that's fine. As long as we keep playing with heart and keep getting better, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks."
Thoughts about an upset Friday were erased quickly, and the outcome was cast early. The only drama that was left after the first 12 minutes was how impressive would the Howard band be at halftime.
The answer of course was awesome - in terms of Baylor's start and the marching Hustlin' Tigers at the intermission.
"That's one of the best teams in the state of Tennessee," Howard coach Mark Teague said. "But we have to be resilient and be ready to go back to work next week.
"Our kids know the name across their chest is what matters, because we are playing for our school, our community and our families."
Baylor's Mike Benning added a late touchdown run and Howard quarterback Vincent Bowling found Jamani Thomas for a TD pass to complete the scoring, with an Oxman Ruiz extra-point kick.
Baylor hosts Division II heavyweight Brentwood Academy next week.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343. Follow him on Twitter @jgreesontfp.