SicEm365 Staff Predictions for Baylor's Matchup against Rival TCU

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (3-7, 2-5) road matchup against the rival TCU Horned Frogs (4-6, 2-5). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Colt Barber (6-4) — TCU 42, Baylor 35

This feels like a game that stays close because of no particular reason. TCU shot its shot against Texas last week, and Baylor has nothing to lose. As long as there isn’t complete apathy from the Bears, this is a fourth-quarter game with TCU winning late. 

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365

According to ESPNBet, Baylor is a  13-point underdog against TCU, and the over/under is 58.5.

Brian Ethridge (4-6) — Baylor 38, TCU 35

Either Baylor is as dead as the new name for the series, or they fight like they want to keep “The Revivalry.” The offense put up points against KSU, and they slowed a similar offense last year against OU. If no fight is shown, disregard my prediction.

Ashley Hodge (5-4) — TCU 31, Baylor 17

Two struggling teams collide in a rivalry game, but one of those teams is better than the other. 

David Smoak (8-2) — TCU 30, Baylor 16

Baylor rarely beats TCU even when they’re better, with the Frogs winning 11 of the last 15 and seven of the last eight. And from those four Bears wins, I remember Stork’s 37-yard FG and the Mike Hicks game-sealing interception in 2011, Terrell Burt’s pick of Casey Paschal in the end zone in 2013, 61-58 $&^%##&^%^$&#@! There’s Charlie Brewer and Denzel Mims and the 3-OT thriller in 2019. Two of those three were in Fort Worth, but I also remember “Way To Go Big 12”, Trevon Boykin, the humiliating “Blackout” in ’16, Jalen Reagor, Chandler Morris and last year’s gut-wrenching FG.

Paul Catalina (6-4) — TCU 31, Baylor 17

TCU is not anything special. But Baylor has had a whale of a time beating them when the Bears have been much better – I just can’t see a win here. 

Craig Smoak (6-4) — TCU 37, Baylor 24

The Frogs are reeling but are at home and in desperate need of a win for bowl hopes. Plus, they have owned this series over the last decade, regardless of circumstances or motivations. I think Baylor will be competitive and play hard, but we'll see more of the same in the end. 

Travis Roeder (5-5) — TCU 56, Baylor 21

It's a very difficult game to predict as the motivation and effort level for both teams are up in the air. But I think there's an uncomfortable X factor this week: Kendal Briles is on the hot seat and presumably desires to embarrass Baylor. Dykes also smells blood and wants to use this game to cement themselves above Baylor in the new Big 12 pecking order. I have to imagine Kendal might've had some input on his game plan this week. Expect no mercy. 

Sam Bradshaw (5-3) — TCU 40, Baylor 23

TCU runs better, stops the run better, and has something to play for in terms of bowl eligibility.  I'm happy to be wrong (like 2014), but I don’t think I am.  BU wins the turnover battle but loses the yardage and red zone battles.

Kendall Kaut (6-4) — TCU 38, Baylor 20

A part of me thinks Dave has one last rabbit in the hat. But I fear there are no hats left. TCU proves too much offensively, and Baylor’s out of trick plays.

Grayson Grundhoefer (5-5) — TCU 30, Baylor 24

This is a game between two bad teams who are searching for something positive to end rough seasons. This feels like the game that Baylor is going to keep close and then do what bad teams do: find a way to lose. The Bears force some turnovers and move the football but fall short in the red zone and on 3rd down.

@Scott Sewell

The Dave Aranda-led Bears will finish with a losing record for the third time in four seasons.

Jack Mackenzie (6-4) — Baylor 27, TCU 24

It’s a rivalry game. Crazy, unexpected stuff happens in rivalry games. Walk-off field goal revenge for last year.

Garrett Ross (6-4) — TCU 34, Baylor 20

It’s simply about pride for Baylor at this point. The Frogs aren’t anything special this season, but I think Kendal Briles will have something special up his sleeve for this one.

Emory Winter (6-4) — TCU 35, Baylor 10

Oh boy, this should be fun. I read on Wikipedia bluebonnets resemble the bonnets worn by the pioneer women to shield them from the sun. After this weekend, I will edit it to say, “worn by Emory to shield him from watching a stagnant offense.” TCU has Baylor’s number, and BU doesn’t threaten them in any aspect of the game. Recipe for disaster. The Bluebonnet Battle is a terrible name, but I can't lie; it does roll off the tongue. 

Levi Caraway (8-2) — TCU 45, Baylor 24

Dave Aranda mentioned that TCU is the fastest team Baylor has played this season. That sounds like a recipe for disaster for the struggling Bears’ defense.