Baylor vs. Washington: What You Need to Know About the 2011 Alamo Bowl

The Alamo Bowl is possibly the most desirable bowl to reach to conclude your season. Well, at least that is true for the fans. Warm San Antonio down in south Texas plays host to this big-time matchup.

A 9-3 Baylor squad takes on a 7-5 Washington team in a Big 12 versus Pac-12 clash. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III leads the Bears while the Huskies face off with a dangerous QB of their own in Keith Price.

Don't make any plans for December 29th, 2011, when these two top-notch squads fight it out for ownership of the Alamo City. It's not a matchup you want to miss.

The following is everything you need to know about the 2011 Alamo Bowl.

Details of the 2011 Alamo Bowl

First created back in 1993, this matchup has featured the Southwest Conference against the Big Ten as well as now moving on to the Pac-12 facing off against the Big 12. A classic late December game, it's one of the most popular to watch in bowl season every year.

Date and Time

December 29, 2011 @ 9:00 p.m. EST

TV Network

ESPN

Stadium/Location

The Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

Inaugural Game 

December 31, 1993

Performance Against Ranked Teams

Baylor's Record Against Ranked Teams: 

3-2

Ranked Teams Faced

Win vs. No. 14 TCU (50-48)

Loss @ No. 21 Texas A&M (55-28)

Loss @ No. 3 Oklahoma State (59-24)

Win vs. No. 5 Oklahoma (45-38)

Win vs. No. 22 Texas (48-24)

Washington's Record Against Ranked Teams:

0-3

Ranked Teams Faced

Loss @ No. 11 Nebraska (51-38)

Loss @ No. 8 Stanford (65-21)

Loss vs. No 8 Oregon (34-17)

Explosive Running Backs

No. 1 Chris Polk (JR), Washington Huskies

2011 Stats: Rushing - 263 carries for 1,341 yards and 11 TDs

Receiving - 29 receptions for 324 yards and four TDs

Career Stats: Rushing - 769 carries for 3,902 yards and 25 TDs 

Receiving - 77 receptions for 675 yards and four TDs

No. 24 Terrance Ganaway (SR), Baylor Bears

2011 Stats: Rushing - 229 Carries for 1,347 yards and 16 TDs  

Receiving - Six receptions for 52 yards and one TD

Career Stats: Rushing - 343 carries for 1,857 yards and 23 TDs 

Receiving - 12 receptions for 133 yards and one TD

EDGE: Baylor  

Accuracy of Kickers

No. 17 Erik Folk (SR), Washington Huskies

2011 Stats: 11-of-15 FGM-FGA (73.3 PCT); 48-of-48 XPM-XPA; 81 total points

No. 43 Aaron Jones (SO), Baylor Bears 

2011 Stats: 9-of-16 FGM-FGA (56.3 PCT); 67-of-70 XPM-XPA; 94 total points

A kicker's leg could be the deciding factor between going home the victor or leaving as the loser. The Huskies' legman has a lot more experience and is much more accurate. If it comes down to a late prayer for the lead, Washington is in business.

EDGE: Washington

The Quarterback Duel

No. 17 Keith Price (SO), Washington Huskies

2011 Stats: 219-of-325, 2,625 yards, 29 TDs, 11 INTs, 67.4 CMP% and a 157.9 QB rating

This young sophomore out of California really turned on the star power this season. His impressive stats may make him the next Terrelle Pryor, as the Huskies were able to secure a solid spot in the new and improved Pac-12. The North division was a meat grinder this year, but as Price returns for his junior season, expect Washington to become one of those threats no one sees coming. 

No. 10 Robert Griffin III (JR), Baylor Bears

2011 Stats: 267-of-369, 3,998 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs, 72.4 CMP% and a 192.3 QB Rating

Rushing - 161 carries for 644 yards and 9 TDs

RG3 has put Baylor on the map. With a fantastic season concluded by winning the Heisman Trophy, Griffin III has done anything and everything to help his team succeed. Stealing third place in a tough Big 12 was huge and his career is looking extremely bright. 

EDGE: Baylor 

Coaching Battle

Baylor Head Coach Art Briles

Overall Head Coaching Record: 58-53

Four Seasons with the Bears: 24-25 

Bowl Record: 0-4

Washington Head Coach Steve Sarkisian

Overall Head Coaching Record: 19-18

Third Season with the Huskies: 19-18

Bowl Record: 1-0

Overall Performance in 2011

Washington Huskies

2011 Record: 7-5 (5-4 Pac-12 North)

Key Wins: 31-23 vs. Cal, 31-14 @ Utah 

The Huskies had a tough season facing off against a very difficult Pac-12 North. Falling to both Stanford and Oregon midseason hurt, but strong wins over Cal and Utah early helped Washington power through and secure an above .500 year. With a ton of young talent and a QB yearning to make his mark, the Huskies will be a threat next season for sure.

Washington easily put up over 30 points per game, making the offense their main weapon to take over games.

Baylor Bears

2011 Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big 12)

Key Wins: 45-38 vs. No. 5 Oklahoma, 48-24 vs. No. 22 Texas

Baylor had a magical season under superstar QB Robert Griffin III. Three tough losses to Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Kansas State maim this amazing year for the Bears, but huge wins over OU and Texas are what made this season special. RG3 was able to secure the nation's highest individual award by winning the Heisman Trophy, poising the young QB for future success. 

Ranked seventh in the country in scoring, Baylor put up over 43 points per game. Their powerful passing offense led the way to those points, ranking fifth nationwide and owning over 350 yards per game.