Baylor in the 2011 Alamo Bowl: 5 Players You Need Know

The Baylor Bears, who surprised most of the college football world by winning nine games this season, are facing off against the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl this postseason. 

Led by a superstar QB in Robert Griffin III, Baylor defeated football powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas on their way to third place in the Big 12. RG3 even stole the Heisman Trophy away from big shots such as Andrew Luck and Trent Richardson. 

However, Griffin III didn't do this all alone. He had some help from some big-time playmakers on both offense and defense. As the Alamo Bowl creeps closer, some of those guys deserve some credit as well.

We take a look at the top five athletes on the Bears that you'll need to know once the 29th comes around.  

Terrance Ganaway

No. 24 has complemented his superstar QB quite well this season. A senior from De Kalb, TX, Ganaway has carried the ball 229 times this year for 1,347 yards and 16 TDs.

Also a dual threat as a receiver, he caught six passes for 52 yards and one TD. His experience and skill make him easily one of the best in the Big 12.

Ganaway has been more of a threat this season due to RG3. Defenses have focused on stopping him and forgotten about the older, extremely talented RB. A quick outlet pass, screen, or draw along with some good old-fashioned power running has kept Ganaway fresh. 

Watch for him to play a huge part in Baylor's offense in the Alamo Bowl. 

Nicolas Jean-Baptiste

Jean-Baptiste, along with having an awesome last name, is one big kid who is a powerful force in Baylor's front seven. A senior from Stafford, TX, this senior has anchored a tough defensive line all season.

Grabbing four solo sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 36 tackles on the year, Jean-Baptiste was easily one of the best nose tackles in the nation. Playing in his last college game this December, the senior should be moving on to the NFL. 

Kendall Wright

The senior WR out of Pittsburgh, Texas has really made a huge impact on this Baylor squad. Leading the team in not only receptions but also all-purpose yards, Wright is one of the biggest gears in this powerful Baylor offense.

With over 1,500 receiving and 13 TD catches, No. 1 is a playmaker that won't be shut down easily. His speed and quickness explain why he is RG3's favorite target on the season. Look for Wright to take on this Washington secondary and win, making some huge plays for the Bears along the way.

Sam Holl

The youngest player on this list, No. 25 Sam Holl, is a sophomore safety from Katy, TX. He led the team in tackles with 102 total and had the second most interceptions with three. Sure to be one of the best players for the Bears over the course of the next few seasons, Holl will be a huge impact in this year's Alamo Bowl.

Easily Baylor's best defensive back, watch out for Holl to either focus in on Washington's top receiver, Jermaine Kearse, or sit back and track the Huskies' QB Keith Price. Either way, this young DB will play a huge role in the Bears' defense this postseason.  

Robert Griffin III

This superstar junior QB passed for just under 4,000 yards, 36 TDs and had a 72.4 completion percentage. A huge 192.3 QB rating and only six interceptions, Griffin has been the man this season. His dual-threat ability allowed him to grab nine TDs on the ground, along with 644 yards on 161 carries. 

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 whether he decides to stay for his senior season or leave for the NFL.

No matter what happens, Griffin III will be the center of attention in this year's Alamo Bowl. Watch for him to, once again, take control and put up some huge numbers against the Huskies' defense.