Late TD Powers Baylor to Wild Shootout Win vs. Vanderbilt in 2018 Texas Bowl

Baylor ended its year with a winning record thanks to a 45-38 victory over Vanderbilt in the 2018 Texas Bowl.

Charlie Brewer threw for 384 yards and rushed for 109 more in Thursday's win while being responsible for three touchdowns. His 52-yard touchdown pass to Marques Jones in the final minutes helped secure the victory as the Bears completed their massive turnaround after finishing 1-11 last season.

It was also the first career bowl win for head coach Matt Rhule after two seasons with Baylor and four with Temple.

Ke'Shawn Vaughn totaled 243 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to help Vanderbilt (6-7) avoid its fifth straight losing season.

Both teams have struggled offensively at times this season, each entering the game ranked outside the top 70 in the nation in points scored per game. 

This wasn't a problem in the Texas Bowl as both sides were able to get into the end zone early and often. The teams combined for 1,241 yards from scrimmage and only three punts.

Overtime looked like a possibility when the Commodores tied the score at 38, but Jones came through for Baylor with the big touchdown with under two minutes remaining. The Bears defense made a stop on the ensuing possession to seal the win.

Vanderbilt had relied on big plays to get onto the scoreboard early in the game, with Khari Blasingame and Vaughn combining for three first-half scores from more than 60 yards out:

Vaughn had 140 rushing yards on his first four attempts and 150 yards by halftime.

This helped the Commodores hold a 21-17 halftime lead despite only nine minutes and three seconds of possession.

Both teams came through with big plays in the second half, with the Commodores scoring two touchdowns on three-play drives.

Baylor also moved the ball with ease, scoring touchdowns with regularity as Brewer made plays with his arm and his legs. A 75-yard touchdown pass to Trestan Ebner was especially impressive to gain the lead in the fourth quarter.

The team also stayed aggressive, going 5-of-5 on fourth downs during the game.

The biggest setbacks came when they were simply unlucky, like this wild interception in the end zone:

Brewer stayed focused and responded with long touchdowns on his next two drives to give the Texas team a win in its home state.

Baylor will return much of its talent on both sides of the ball, giving the team a good opportunity to continue rebuilding the program and potentially contend for a Big 12 title in 2019.

Vanderbilt will have to replace Kyle Shurmur at quarterback but has what it takes to return to a bowl game next season.