Way-Too-Early Staff Predictions: TCU vs. Baylor
Two games stopped Baylor from defying the odds and finishing with a perfect record in 2021. The first came against then-No. 19 Oklahoma State in Stillwater to kick off October.
In a way, that was expected. The one to TCU a month later wasn’t.
Things were going south for the Horned Frogs fast entering November. Longtime coach Gary Patterson elected to part ways with the program after starting the year off 3-5. TCU was also missing its starting quarterback Max Duggan for a crucial game with interim coach Jerry Kill at the helm.
It didn’t matter. Backup Chandler Morris threw for a career-best 461 yards and two touchdowns. Former Bears starting quarterback Gerry Bohanon tossed a pair of interceptions, ultimately factoring into the 30-28 upset at Amon G. Cater.
Should Baylor have won in Fort Worth, rumblings of a College Football Playoff berth would have been in the works. The Bears would’ve finished 11-1 on season and were crowned Big 12 champions in the rematch against Oklahoma State.
Finishing 12-2 was fine, but Baylor is looking to make the College Football Playoff in 2022. Would the Horned Frogs stand in its way once more at McLane Stadium in mid-November?
Make sure to follow along at InsideTheBears.com as we preview every matchup for Texas Tech during the 2022 season. We've already done a general preview of the Horned Frogs as well as their offensive and defensive players to watch.
Here are our way-too-early predictions for the game:
Matt Galatzan - Editor in Chief
Baylor and TCU is always an interesting matchup, and while I think Sonny Dykes is a tremendous coach, the first year in a program is always unpredictable. Either way, I think Baylor is the better team and should win this one pretty convincingly.
Baylor 31, TCU 17
Cole Thompson - Reporter/Columnist
As September approaches, Sonny Dykes is still trying to figure out his quarterback position. The Horned Frogs also return eight starters from last season, but new defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie is changing the scheme from a 4-2-5 to a 3-3-5 look.
Baylor is replacing three of its key defenders, but TCU lost two staples in defensive end Ouchan Mathis and running back Zach Evans to the transfer portal. Add in the fact Dykes is simply laying the groundwork down in Year 1, the Bears take care of business.
Baylor 34, TCU 20
Connor Zimmerlee - Staff Writer
Last season Baylor traveled to Fort Worth and left with an upset loss, which was just their second loss of the season. The Bears' defense was absolutely shredded by TCU's offense, allowing 562 yards of total offense, 468 of which came through the air.
If the Horned Frogs come into Waco and move the ball with ease like last year, this could be another upset in the making. However, look for Baylor's defense to play a better game this time around. The Bears get the win at home
Baylor 38, TCU 28
Matthew Postins - Staff Writer
I don't think it going to be like last year. That was a unique set of circumstances. TCU was propelled by the dismissal of Gary Patterson, and the visit of one of their rivals allowed the Horned Frogs to, in hindsight, basically end Baylor's hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The Horned Frogs won't have those circumstances to lean on this time around. By this point, I anticipate the Bears being in the hunt for the Big 12 Championship game and playing loose.
Baylor 35, TCU 24
Cameron Stuart - Staff Writer
Not taking anything away from TCU’s 30-28 shock victory over the Bears last year, but it had more than a hint of fluke to it with Chandler Morris scrambling all day.
While Aranda and the Bears will certainly be ready for that, this has never been an easy matchup for them. It’s in the middle of a tough stretch for the Bears so I expect them to win but win ugly.
Baylor 25, TCU 19
Timm Hamm - Staff Writer
At this point, this feels like two teams headed in different directions. By this time on the calendar, Baylor will most likely be thinking about a Big 12 championship while TCU is still trying to figure things out on the field.
This one won't be as close as some think.
Baylor 41, TCU 14
Zach Dimmitt - Staff Writer
Baylor coach Dave Aranda should be fired up for this one.
TCU gave the Bears their second of only two losses last season in a game that ended with a Gerry Bohanon interception as Baylor was getting ready to set up for a go-ahead field goal.
The Horned Frogs tore apart the Baylor secondary with big plays and 461 total passing yards. This time in Waco, it’s hard to see that being replicated.
Baylor 37, TCU 27
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