TCU Season 1: Big XII Conference at Baylor

Game Report: #25 TCU Defeats Baylor in Big XII Rivalry, 27-22

On November 2, 2024, the TCU Horned Frogs secured a narrow 27-22 victory over the Baylor Bears in a heated Big XII rivalry game, marking their first appearance in the national rankings at #25. With this win, TCU has now won four straight games and improved to 7-2 on the season, currently leading the Big XII conference with a 5-1 record.

Key Performances:

Josh Hoover Shines Despite Interceptions: TCU quarterback Josh Hoover put on a mixed performance with a QB rating of 190.1, throwing for 453 yards and four touchdowns, but also gave up three interceptions. His deep-ball accuracy proved pivotal, allowing TCU to capitalize on big plays despite turnovers.

Receiving Dominance by Eric McAlister: TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister had a standout game, catching three passes for a massive 228 yards and three touchdowns, torching the Baylor secondary with his speed and elusiveness.

Struggles in the Rushing Game: TCU's rushing attack continued to struggle, managing only 52 yards on nine carries. The lack of a ground game remains a concern as the Horned Frogs head into the latter part of their season.

Defensive Efforts: TCU’s defense recorded two sacks, contributing to a strong effort to keep Baylor's offense in check during critical moments of the game.

Baylor Bears' Standouts:

Dequan Finn's Solid Outing: Baylor's senior quarterback Dequan Finn threw for 213 yards and one touchdown, showing composure under pressure but unable to lead a game-winning drive.

Dominic Richardson's Ground Game: Running back Dominic Richardson was a bright spot for Baylor, rushing for 199 yards on 32 carries, consistently finding gaps in TCU's defensive line.

Defensive Woes for Baylor: Despite Baylor's defense managing three interceptions and a sack, they struggled against the deep passing attack of TCU, leading to rumors about the potential firing of the Bears' defensive coordinator.

Looking Ahead:

With this win, TCU solidifies its place atop the Big XII standings and looks forward to continuing their momentum at home against Oklahoma State in their next game on November 9. Meanwhile, Baylor will need to regroup and address defensive issues as they face their own challenges in the coming weeks.