No. 17 Baylor wins Big 12 opener over Iowa State, 31-24

AMES, Iowa -- , A tough loss two weeks ago prepared No. 17 Baylor for Saturday’s Big 12 opener at Iowa State. After a double-overtime defeat at BYU, Bears quarterback Blake Shapen was ready for a rowdy Jack Trice Stadium crowd and was the catalyst for a 31-24 victory over the Cyclones. “We struggled a little bit at BYU, with the noise and things like that,” Shapen said after throwing for 238 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa State. “People look at that and don’t give it too much credit at times, but it’s always a big win when you go on the road in conference.” The loss snapped the Iowa State’s 11-game home winning streak against Big 12 rivals. “I know it’s a tough place to play,” Baylor coach Dave Aranda said. “It’s just a difficult place. They never beat themselves. You have to win it.” Shapen completed 19 of his 26 passes, connecting with 11 receivers.