WACO, Texas (AP) – Seth Russell threw four touchdown passes in less than a half and No. 23 Baylor beat FCS team Northwestern State 55-7 on Friday night in its first game since the sudden dismissal of coach Art Briles.
Russell was the top-rated FBS passer when he suffered a season-ending neck injury in the seventh game last season. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 163 yards with TDs to four receivers, including two tight ends. The Bears led 41-0 when he threw his last pass, a 10-yard TD pass to Pooh Stricklin with 5 minutes left in the first half.
Baylor’s offense looked very similar to what it has in recent years under two-time Big 12 Conference champion coach Art Briles, who lost his job in the wake of a May report from an external investigation into allegations the university mishandled complaints of sexual assault, including some against football players.
Acting head coach Jim Grobe retained the rest of the coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, the former coach’s son.
Baylor had 498 total yards, 275 rushing and 223 passing.