Baylor Football: Run game impressive in blowout of Stephen F. Austin

Baylor football dominated Stephen F. Austin in the season opener in Waco and it was due, in large part, to the play in the backfield.

A year ago, Baylor ranked fourth in the Big 12 and 65th in the nation in terms of rushing yards per game and if the opening game is any indication of what’s to come, that number will surely improve in 2019.

In fact, Baylor finished the 56-17 win against Stephen F. Austin on Saturday evening with 268 yards on the ground, led by junior back John Lovett who had 108 and a touchdown on only eight carries. He’s looking for his first 1,000-yard season after rushing for over 400 yards as a freshman and over 500 as a sophomore. Could this be his breakout year? It sure looks that way.

While Lovett was the star of the show, guys like backup quarterback Gerry Bohanon and Trestan Ebner also showed off. The No. 2 quarterback showed his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 84 yards on six carries and he was also 5-for-6 through the air with 51 yards and a score. He looked like a great replacement option for Charlie Brewer when he departs.

As for Ebner, he had just two carries for 32 yards, but he scored on each touch. That’s one heck of a way to start your junior season with a 100 percent touchdown per touch mark.

And we can’t forget about Brewer who quietly had a good day with 199 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-31 completions. He will remain one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12 this season on a day when a few top names struggled.

Baylor got off to the start it needed and the offense looked great. If the defense can catch up — though it wasn’t bad, allowing just under 300 yards — this team will be a threat.