After a fast start, No. 2 Baylor looked lackluster in its win over Iowa State. The Bears, though, may have bigger concerns than sleepwalking through the last three quarters of a double-digit win.
With just under six minutes remaining in the 45-27 win, Seth Russell sustained a neck injury and didn’t return to the game. In fact, even if the Cyclones had made the game closer, Russell, per Art Briles, wouldn’t have been available because of the injury.
Further evaluation led to a diagnosis that could have a significant impact on not only the Big 12 picture but the College Football Playoff as well. From Baylor’s press release on the development:
There’s no word yet on how much time, if any, the quarterback will miss as the school wrote the “timetable for [a] return is unknown.” The good news for the player and the team is that the Bears are off next weekend and don’t play again until a Thursday night matchup with Kansas State Nov. 5.
Statistically, Russell is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country and has been making headway in the Heisman race.
If Russell is sidelined for any length of time, he would be replaced by Jarrett Stidham. The true freshman has competed 23-of-27 passes this season for 319 yards and five touchdowns in mop-up duty.