The Baylor Bears will be searching for their third-straight win against TCU on Saturday, Oct. 18, after defeating Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Meanwhile, TCU comes into the Big 12 showdown looking to bounce back from a 41-28 loss to the KSU Wildcats.
Saturday’s matchup will kick off at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, as the Horned Frogs enter as 3-point favorites with the over/under set at 65.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Michael Trigg (TE, Baylor)
Baylor tight end Michael Trigg showed off his open-field ability against Kansas State, hauling in eight catches for 155 yards. He’s developed strong chemistry with quarterback Sawyer Robertson and currently ranks second on the team in receiving. If the connection continues to grow, Trigg could become a focal point in Baylor’s passing attack down the stretch.
Eric McAlister (WR, TCU)
Despite falling short against Kansas State, Eric McAlister turned in a standout performance with four catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his rise as one of the Big 12’s top receivers. In TCU’s pass-heavy offense led by quarterback Josh Hoover, McAlister is well-positioned for another big outing this week. His big-play ability makes him a constant threat to flip the field every time he touches the ball.
Two Key Storylines
High-Level Quarterback Play
Quarterback play will be a focal point when Baylor and TCU square off, with Robertson and Hoover each leading pass-heavy offenses. Robertson has shown flashes of confidence and chemistry with key targets, such as Trigg, but consistency has been an issue at times for the Bears. On the other side, Hoover has settled in as a high-volume passer for the Horned Frogs (18 passing touchdowns this season), showing poise in the pocket and a strong command of TCU’s offense. Both quarterbacks possess the tools to take over a game, but their ability to protect the football and finish drives will likely determine who emerges victorious.
Can TCU’s defense stop the run game?
After allowing Kansas State’s running back to surpass 100 yards last week, TCU will need to make key adjustments to contain a balanced and capable Baylor offense. The Bears have found rhythm behind a growing passing attack, but their ability to establish the run could be the difference on Saturday. If TCU can tighten up its front seven and limit explosive plays, it’ll put more pressure on Sawyer Robertson to win the game through the air.
Prediction: TCU 35, Baylor 28
This one feels like it will be an offensive showdown and come down to who has the ball last. McAlister gives TCU a legitimate WR1 who can stretch defenses, and that could be the edge in a game likely to be competitive in the second half. Baylor’s offense has shown improvement, especially in the passing game, with Robertson, Trigg, and wide receiver Josh Cameron connecting well. But defensively, the Bears have struggled to generate stops when needed, and that’s a concern against an uptempo TCU attack. Expect some back-and-forth throughout the game, but TCU should pull away late behind Hoover’s arm and a few key defensive stops.
