WACO, Texas — The LIU football team showed no fear in the heart of Big 12 country.

In his first collegiate start, freshman quarterback Chris Howell ran for a 10-yard touchdown with 40 seconds remaining in the second quarter to pull the Sharks within nine points at halftime.

Then, after a more than two-hour break at halftime due to severe weather, LIU ultimately fell to Baylor, 30-7.

"We played tough. The guys didn't give up," coach Ron Cooper said. "There's no doubt they're better than us. But, at the same time, our guys fought. … I was excited about things at halftime. Then you had the break. That was different for our guys."

Howell started in place of injured incumbent quarterback Luca Stanzani.

A freshman from Queens, Howell completed 4 of 10 passes for 41 yards and also ran eight times, including for the TD.

Ethan Greenwood also saw action at quarterback, completing 2 of 4 passes and also running nine times.

Antwan Spencer had a team-leading 10 tackles (seven solo). Leisaan Hibbert added nine tackles (seven solo). 

The Sharks now take a week off before entering conference play at home on Sept. 30 at noon against Duquesne.