TCU Wins First Bluebonnet Battle 42-17 Over Baylor

In their final home game of the season, the Frogs routed the Bears fueled by a career day from Jared Wiley.

Last year in Waco was one of the most memorable games in the storied rivalry between Baylor and TCU ending in a thrilling field goal by Griffin Kell to keep the Horned Frogs' playoff hopes alive. This year, circumstances are much different but the desire to win just as important. Both teams have struggled mightily this season, but it was the Frogs who routed the Bears 42-17.

Baylor pounced first with a 10-yard touchdown from Blake Shapen to Dominic Richardson to make it 7-0. TCU would respond early in the second with a 27-yard touchdown run from Emani Bailey. Bailey ran for 53 yards and two touchdowns. His second came in the fourth.

Josh Hoover had a great connection with tight end Jared Wiley. The two were on target for an 81-yard scamper to make it 14-7. That was TCU's longest pass play since the 2017 Alamo Bowl. In his final home game, Wiley set a TCU tight end record with 178 receiving yards on seven catches and two touchdowns, all career highs. 

popped off here @Jaredwiley23 #GoFrogs | #AllSteakNoSizzle | @ESPNCFB pic.twitter.com/RiepYAFKi2

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 18, 2023

Wiley said he couldn't thank Hoover, Kendal Briles, and his teammates enough for his career day. It was also a great game for Hoover who was 24/29 with 412 yards and three total touchdowns. Hoover joins C.J. Stroud since 2019 to pass for 400 or more yards in two of his first five starts. Sonny Dykes on the offense exploding for 42 points, "This is how it's supposed to look.

Hoover joins Matt Vogler, Trevone Boykin,  and Kenny Hill as the only TCU quarterbacks to throw for more than 400 yards multiple times in the same season. 

The Frogs have run into troubles offensively in the first half the last several games but today it looked better and having the lead was critical. Under coach Dykes, TCU is 15-1 when they lead at the half. They exploded in the second half outscoring Baylor 28-7.

This has certainly been a far-from-ideal season for TCU. One possession losses have been critical but today, they had the Bears' number. In fact, TCU has won eight of the last nine matchups. They now move to 5-6 and keep their bowl hopes alive. The final regular season game will be in Norman against the Sooners on Friday at 11 a.m.

TCU Football vs. Baylor: Staff Predictions And Game Previews

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