Second-ranked Baylor's pursuit of a playoff spot will go on without star quarterback Seth Russell, who needs season-ending neck surgery.
Russell saw a specialist Monday, two days after he fractured a bone during a win over Iowa State. The school said surgery was recommended to repair damage to his cervical vertebra, and that the typical recovery time is six months.
"Seth exemplifies the spirit and will of our football team, and through this our team will keep that spirit alive and well for him," coach Art Briles said in a statement released by the school.
The junior quarterback got hurt on a run late in Saturday's game, when the two-time defending Big 12 champion Bears improved to 7-0 with a 45-27 win.