TCU football looks to add a fifth consecutive win against Baylor in the Bluebonnet Battle rivalry game.
The name was coined prior to their matchup last season.
Both teams have had a slow start to the season but enter the game on a two-game winning streak. TCU sits at 5-3 (conf. 3-2). A win against Baylor (4-4, conf. 2-3) will make them bowl-game eligible. Following TCU’s championship run in 2022, they missed out on a bowl game with a 5-7 record.
Baylor’s dual-threat QB advantage
TCU will face another dual-threat quarterback: Sawyer Robertson.
Robertson transferred to Baylor from Mississippi State prior to the 2023-24 season. He had a slow start in the Big 12, completing only 66 of 117 passes for 864 yards in 2023. He had two touchdowns and four interceptions.
This season, Robertson looks like a brand-new player. He’s earned a pivotal role on Baylor’s offense, starting over Toledo transfer DeQuan Finn who’s only played in three games this season.
Robertson’s completion rate is 60.1% with 1541 passing yards. He has 17 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His talent through the air is complemented with his rushing ability. He has 229 rushing yards on 39 attempts.
His dual-threat capabilities make him a threat to TCU’s defense who’s had trouble stopping the run all season.
TCU WR room outweighs Baylor’s
TCU football carries offensive talent that Baylor lacks; the Frogs’ wide receiver room has been stellar all season.
WR Savion Williams has entered a dual-position role in the last two games. He’s had top numbers in rushing and receiving. He accounted for TCU’s first rushing and receiving touchdowns against Texas Tech.
This season, he has 39 receptions for 436 receiving yards and 156 rushing yards on 21 attempts.
QB Josh Hoover‘s main target this season is Jack Bech. His size and speed make him difficult to tackle as it’s taken two or more defenders to take him down. He leads TCU’s receiving core with 825 receiving yards on 46 receptions. Bech averages 17.9 yards-per-catch.
Tight end Drake Dabney will return to McLane Stadium but playing for the Frogs. Dabney transferred to TCU from Baylor and has been more involved in TCU’s offense over the past two games.
Prediction
Baylor has not beat TCU since 2019 in a triple overtime thriller. TCU’s run game has significantly improved with running back Trent Battle back in action and the WRs have no intention of slowing down. TCU’s defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ defense has improved in limiting the run. This Horned Frog team is poised to beat the Baylor Bears.
TCU football will face Baylor in Waco on Saturday, Nov. 2, at McLane Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CDT and will be available for streaming on ESPN2.
