TCU at Baylor
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco
Records: TCU (1-3 overall, 1-3 Big 12); Baylor (1-2 overall, 1-2 Big 12)
Last meeting: Baylor defeated TCU 29-23 in 3OT on Nov. 9, 2019, in Fort Worth
TV: ESPN2
What’s at stake?
With just one win under its belt as October comes to an end, TCU is in desperate need of a win to boost the spirits of those on the team. Losing isn’t fun, especially when the Horned Frogs are giving up so much this season. Head coach Gary Patterson said his players have no social interaction with others to follow the guidelines set forth, attend online classes and avoid being on campus.
Both of these teams are coming off losses last weekend and need to bounce back. Patterson said the team is looking to get back on the horse and hopes to start that this weekend.
When TCU has the ball
One area where the Frogs have been looking to improve is the offensive line. When TCU has the ball, the offensive line is going to have to play better than it has in previous games.
TCU is ninth in the Big 12 in sacks allowed. The Frogs' offensive line has allowed opponents to get to the quarterback 13 times for a total of 91 yards -- better only than Kansas, which has allowed 24 through five games.
Quarterback Max Duggan is a difference-maker when he’s on but has taken some big hits the past few games. Duggan normally utilizes his running ability when under pressure by defenses the offensive line can’t handle. Against Texas, he ran the ball 17 times for 79 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, but against Oklahoma last weekend, Duggan ran just nine times for 18 yards.
The Frogs' running backs were also in a slump against Oklahoma. TCU totaled just 166 rushing yards against the Sooners compared to 227 yards against Texas.
The Bears are becoming a defensive-minded team under new head coach Dave Aranda. He helped lead LSU to a national championship last season and is looking to turn the Bears' defense around.
The Frogs are going to have to be mindful of Aranda’s defensive scheme to protect Duggan and move the ball forward.
When Baylor has the ball
The Bears are led by senior quarterback Charlie Brewer. He has proven to be a consistent player and is not a bad guy to have in the shotgun.
Brewer is averaging a 63.38% completion rate and has six passing touchdowns on the season.
Other dynamic players for the Bears include John Lovett and Trestan Ebner, two senior running backs. These guys are playmakers and help take pressure off of Brewer.
TCU’s defense is setting in and starting to work together. Trevon Moehrig, Ar’Darius Washington, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and La’Kendrick Van Zandt are just a few of the Frogs who make up this strong defense.
TCU’s offense is going to have to do its best to keep the defense off the field as much as possible. In the past few games, TCU has had a lot of three-and-outs and the defense is getting worn out. Through four games, the Frogs have allowed a total of 65 opponent first downs, second to Baylor in the Big 12. If the offense can hold the ball longer, the defense will have more energy to stop the big plays.
Prediction
The Frogs are due for a win, and they may just get it this weekend against their rival.
TCU will come out on top if the struggling offensive line comes together and plays like a cohesive unit. Once that happens, Duggan will get back to being himself running the ball on the close plays and taking his time in the pocket when given the opportunity.
This matchup between two defensive-minded coaches will be interesting and is something we haven’t seen this season. TCU is favored by just 2.5 points, so this game is sure to be a close one.
Score: TCU 20, Baylor 17
