Keys to the Game: What Baylor Must do to Defeat TCU

Baylor has proven the doubters wrong over the past two weeks and has an opportunity this week to finally overcome another obstacle that consistently derails them: TCU. The Horned Frogs have owned this rivalry over the past decade and have won four straight against the Bears.

Saturday will mark the 120th meeting between these two programs, with TCU holding the all-time series lead 59-53-7. Here are this week’s keys to the game Baylor must achieve to turn the tide against TCU.

1: Force Josh Hoover into Turnovers:

Sonny Dykes told us back at Big 12 Media Days that Josh Hoover (So.) was the most talented quarterback that he’s ever coached. Hoover has shown flashes this season of why Dykes would feel that way, but his one area of weakness is turnovers.

Hoover became a candidate for the Dave O’Brien National Quarterback Award after his three-touchdown performance in the Frogs’ win over Texas Tech last week. While the sophomore has thrown for 19 touchdowns this season, he’s also thrown eight interceptions and lost multiple fumbles in 2024.

If Baylor can apply pressure on Hoover and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, then their secondary should have an opportunity to capitalize on some forced throws.

2: Eliminate the Big Plays

TCU has struggled to run the ball all season, and most of its scoring comes on explosive plays. The Frogs' receiving core averages 20.1 receptions per game, and Eric McAlister (Jr.), the nation's leading receiver in yards per catch, averages 24.4 yards per reception.

Besides McAlister, TCU has Jack Bech (Sr.) and Savion Williams (Sr.), who can also give Baylor’s secondary some fits. Bech has 13 receptions of at least 20 yards this season, while Williams can be a nightmare in the red zone.

3: Don’t Hyperventilate 

There are a ton of outside distractions heading into this game for Baylor, given their recent success and this week's game, where the 2013 and 2014 Big 12 Championship teams will finally be honored. Baylor will also be attempting another blackout, but the Bears have had a tendency to choke in these moments.

If Baylor can keep the main focus on football and not the festivities, they should have a great chance to finally beat the Frogs and extend their winning streak to three games heading into the second bye week of the season.

Conclusion:

I think Baylor has the momentum and focus to get the job done, but I still wouldn’t be surprised if TCU crashed their party. The Bears seem to finally be locked in as a program, and I picked them to come away victorious this week during our staff picks.

The Bears (4-4, 2-3) and Frogs (5-3, 3-2) will kickoff at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 with Mike Couzens and Brock Osweiler on the call.