Staff Predictions: Can Baylor Snap TCU's Recent Dominance in the Revivalry?
WACO, Texas – The SicEm365 staff offers predictions for Baylor’s (4-1, 2-0) rivalry matchup against TCU (2-3, 0-2). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Oct. 17, at McLane Stadium.
- Spread: Baylor (-6)
- O/U: 48.5
- Moneyline: Baylor (-218), TCU (+180)
- ESPN Matchup Predictor: Baylor (68.9%)
Colt Barber (4-1) — Baylor 23, TCU 17
I’ve been waffling on this prediction all week. It seems most obvious that Baylor’s defense has the biggest advantage of any unit going into the game, but not far behind would be TCU’s defense over Baylor’s offense. This game will stay close if Baylor’s offense goes stagnant, but a stagnant offense doesn’t mean they can’t win. On a good offensive day, I could see Baylor winning this by two scores. But Baylor never beats TCU by two scores, so I believe it’s close.
Ashley Hodge (4-1) — Baylor 24, TCU 20
I expect a Baylor win, especially in this environment, which should be an unbelievable atmosphere. TCU is tougher than the record might indicate. They have athletes and a legit defense. Turnovers and penalties will be key. Baylor has to win in those two areas.
Grayson Grundhoefer (4-1) — Baylor 27, TCU 16
This game feels very similar to the Colorado game for a lot of reasons, except I think DJ Lagway is healthier now than he was then. For that reason, I think the Bears offense will be better than it was that day. I expect TCU to have some success throwing the ball off the bye week, but Baylor’s defense will overwhelm them in stretches and force Jaden Craig into mistakes. Give me the Bears to cover and take care of business at home.
Levi Caraway (4-1) — Baylor 31, TCU 20
As Saturday inches closer, I’ve gotten increasingly nervous about this game, given the recent history between these two programs. That said, this is Baylor’s best chance in a while to beat the rival Horned Frogs convincingly. Hopefully, the Bears can pick up where they left off against Arizona State and send the Horned Frogs back to Fort Worth on Saturday miserable and searching for answers that don’t exist.
Jack Mackenzie (4-1) — Baylor 27, TCU 17
At first I thought that Baylor would have me sweating through all four quarters before pulling this one out. Now I think they break it open in the third and have a relatively stress-free finish. I expect a lot of fight out of TCU. I just don’t think that the Frogs’ offense has shown anywhere near the ability that the Bears’ offense has.
Sam Bradshaw (4-1) — Baylor 27, TCU 17
TCU’s offense has been a problem for them, and their defense has been a problem for opponents so far. Baylor is coming off an impressive win against a team that defended well against teams beforehand and had a struggling offense. The script sets up pretty similarly. In a defensive struggle, one or two plays can swing a game, and you can ask Texas about that after OU. While TCU has talent on defense, I think Jake Spavital has a better game plan than Sammis, and while this won’t be a blowout, BU gets an uglier win and gets the monkey off its back in the rivalry.
