Blake Shapen, Mississippi State Football News: Draft Scout Player News

09/03/22 - QB Blake Shapen, rSr/2025, Mississippi State

Blake Shapen had known since the end of spring practice that he would be the starting quarterback for 10th-ranked Baylor. He spent that time really getting to know his teammates, and they were certainly on the same page to start the season. Shapen completed 17 of 20 passes for 214 yards with two long touchdowns and had a nifty dive into the end zone for another score on the final play of the first half as the Bears beat FCS team Albany 69-10 in their season opener Saturday night. "I think tonight was just a glimpse of what you'll see in the future," Shapen said. "I think it was good for some of our guys, and especially me, to get out there and be able to touch the ground again and be able to play again." Gavin Holmes, the sixth-year Bears wideout who missed all of last season because of a foot injury, returned a punt 72 yards for a score. Monaray Baldwin had two touchdowns, on a 47-yard catch for Baylor's first score before adding a 50-yard reverse run after halftime.

The reigning Big 12 champion Bears have a six-game winning streak, matching fourth-ranked Clemson for the longest active among FBS teams. The Tigers open their season Monday night against Georgia Tech. Shapen's 1-yard TD run gave Baylor a 35-7 halftime lead. Shapen swept to the right sideline and dived toward the end zone. He switched the ball from his right to left hand and was able to reach it out to hit the pylon before falling down out of bounds. "One of the things that I appreciate about Blake is that he is very understated, and not a lot of drama with him," coach Dave Aranda said. "Probably the most drama is what's on his head with his mohawk and all that. Outside of that, you know, there's not a whole lot happening, which is very just Joe Cool with all of it." - Baylor/AP College Football

rSr/2025