2019 Baylor Football Opponent Quick-Hitter: TCU

Opponent: Texas Christian University

Nickname: The Horned Frogs

Kickoff: November 9th

Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium

Conference: Big XII

Head coach: Gary Patterson

Last year’s record: 7-6

Notable outcomes: Beat Baylor 16-9; Lost to Kansas 27-26; Beat Cal 10-7

Key losses: Cole Bunce, K (out for season from car accident injury), Ty Summers, LB, Ben Banogu, DE

Strength: Cornerbacks. The Horned Frogs always have an elite defense in the offensive-minded Big 12. While they lose significant portions of their defensive line and linebackers, the Frogs are particularly strong at cornerback with the return of Jeff Gladney, the statistically top cornerback in the Big 12 last season.

Weakness: Quarterback. New season, same story. The Horned Frogs haven’t been able to find consistent quarterback play since Trevone Boykin back in 2015. The battle for starter will come down to Kansas State transfer Alex Delton, 4 star recruits Max Duggan and Justin Rogers, and Michael Collins. The problem is Delton never really separate himself at Kansas State, the recruits are unproven, and Michael Collins is an exceptionally average backup. The quarterback position has been the difference between alright seasons and great seasons for the Frogs and this looks like another alright season.

Prediction: TCU has had Baylor’s number for the last few years. The Bears get that monkey off their back this year. Baylor outclasses TCU handily at the quarterback position with returning star Charlie Brewer. While TCU’s defense could still cause problems, the offense should be improved just enough to get over the hump. That plus the potential third year bump in the Snow defense should give the Bears the edge over a statistically weaker TCU, even if it is a road game. Plus, with the season ending injury to TCU’s kicker, Bunce (what a terrible situation), that could very well make a difference of 3 or so points.

20-17 Baylor