Staff Predictions: Baylor Slated To Face Rival TCU in Waco

The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (4-4, 2-3) rivalry matchup versus TCU (5-3, 3-2). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 2, at McLane Stadium, and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

Colt Barber (6-2) — Baylor 38, TCU 31 

There aren't many times I'm willing to equate momentum to a pick, but I feel like this is one I can. This team is gaining confidence and I think Baylor is the better overall team than TCU.

Brian Ethridge (3-5) — TCU 34, Baylor 21

The TCU train keeps rolling after a come-from-behind victory over Tech. It's a blackout game for Baylor, and Kendal Briles will be on the opposite sideline. 

Ashley Hodge (6-2) — Baylor 42, TCU 40

This will be a stressful game. I would love for it to turn out like the SMU vs. TCU game, but I don't think we will get the five-turnover gift that TCU gave SMU or the 14 penalties for 138 yards. But I am hopeful the Bears will make enough plays to secure the win, and Baylor fans will be happy for the second week in a row leaving McLane. 

David Smoak (7-1) — Baylor 37, TCU 33

I’ve seen TCU beat Baylor with more talented teams, injury-riddled teams and teams who weren’t as good. These two have been vulnerable, sometimes teetering on the brink, and they meet again. I also remember the last blackout with TCU in town and, in my opinion, one of the most miserable nights in Baylor history, so why not erase the demons with championship history converging inside a stadium that has witnessed some classics?  

Paul Catalina (6-2) — Baylor 39, TCU 31

I have gone back and forth. TCU’s inability to play defense is the key here. I don’t love the new wrinkle of Savion Williams running out of the Wildcat for Baylor’s defense to stop, but it’s on film now. The Bears end the TCU curse. 

Craig Smoak (6-2) — Baylor 35, TCU 31

The festive home backdrop supercharges and propels the Bears to a marquee victory in a battle of two evenly matched teams. 

Grayson Grundhoefer (6-2) — Baylor 41, TCU 30

The Horned Frogs have played a very weak schedule so far this season, aside from SMU, which crushed them in Dallas. Baylor has been tested, and those tests are going to lead to a complete performance by the Bears this weekend. TCU turns it over a couple of times and allows Baylor to pull away for a two-score win in front of an electric home crowd.

Travis Roeder (7-1) — TCU 42, Baylor 38

Barn-burner of a game. Big plays are everywhere for both teams. But TCU's WRs win out and can make one more big play than Baylor. TCU's biggest wart is turning the ball over, but Baylor doesn't force many turnovers. 

Sam Bradshaw (7-1) — Baylor 33, TCU 31

Baylor wins the turnovers and field position and limits the run. The winning streak continues, and much like 2014, the Frogs drive back north with a loss.

Kendall Kaut (6-2) — Baylor 38, TCU 31

Blackout games have not gone well. TCU has dominated Baylor lately. But trends exist until they don’t — and the Frogs learn what Mark Twain told the world: This story is about Sawyer.

Garrett Ross (6-2) — Baylor 42, TCU 37

This is literally a toss-up game, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see TCU spoil Baylor’s party, but if the Bears can’t beat the Frogs now, then when? 

Levi Caraway (4-4) — Baylor 34, TCU 31

I’m supposed to remain unbiased, but I throw my morals out the window when Baylor plays TCU. I can’t pick the Horned Frogs in good faith. The blackout crowd and the celebration of the 2013 and 2014 teams give the Bears enough juice to exercise some demons on Saturday night.