No. 2 Baylor announced Monday that quarterback Seth Russell will have neck surgery and miss the rest of the season for the undefeated Bears.
Russell needs surgery to repair damage to his cervical vertebra. That was the recommendation after he saw a specialist Monday, two days after the junior quarterback fractured a bone in his neck late in a 45-27 victory over Iowa State. 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.
Russell is the top-rated passer in the Bowl Subdivision, completing 119 of 200 passes for 2,104 yards with 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for six scores in his first season starting for the NCAA's top offense (686 total yards, 61 points a game).
Freshman Jarrett Stidham will take over as the starter. He has played in every game so far, and has some extra time to prepare for his first start since the Bears (7-0) next play Nov. 5 at Kansas State.
Stidham has completed 24 of 28 passes for 331 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions.
"We certainly have tons of confidence in Jarrett. ... Maturity-wise, he doesn't seem like a freshman, act like a freshman or perform like a freshman," Briles said
Sophomore Chris Johnson has moved from receiver back to quarterback as Stidham's backup.
