Oct. 23, 2006
WACO, Texas -- Baylor senior quarterback Shawn Bell was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday. Missouri strong safety David Overstreet earned defensive honors, while Texas place kicker Ryan Bailey was honored on special teams. Bell also was named Big 12 offensive player of the week by the San Antonio Express-News.
A product of China Spring [Texas] High School, Bell established Baylor single-game records for completions (33), yards (394) and touchdown passes (5) in the Bears' remarkable 36-35 victory over Kansas last Saturday. Baylor rallied from an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit, tying the largest fourth-quarter in school history.
Bell was 13-of-17 for 222 yards and three touchdowns in the game's final 10 minutes, including a 10-yard scoring strike to Dominique Zeigler with 68 seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winner. It marked the fifth time in Bell's career and second time this season that Baylor trailed or was tied in the fourth quarter and Bell led the Bears to victory. Bell also became the first player in school history with consecutive 300-yard passing games.
It was a career day for Bell, who also established Baylor single-season records for yards (2,322) and touchdown passes (18) during the Kansas game. Bell's first touchdown pass of the game was the 33rd of his career, breaking the Baylor all-time record previously held by Cody Carlson.
On the season, Bell is 227-of-363 for 2,322 yards and 18 touchdowns. His career completion percentage of 60.96 ranks fifth nationally among active Division I-A quarterbacks with at least 800 attempts.
Baylor returns to action Saturday, hosting 22nd-ranked Texas A&M for the 103rd rendition of the Battle of the Brazos. Kickoff between the Bears and the Aggies is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CDT at Floyd Casey Stadium.
