A Definitive Home Loss
The Baylor Bears’ hopes for a second-half surge were extinguished on Saturday at McLane Stadium as the visiting TCU Horned Frogs secured a 17-6 victory. Despite entering the final period with momentum, Baylor could not overcome an early deficit and a defensive stand that kept the Horned Frogs atop the scoreboard.
The loss drops the Bears to 4-2 on the season, while TCU improves to 3-3.
Early Lead and Field Goal Surge
TCU established control in the opening period when Jaden Craig connected with Ed Small on a 25-yard pass for a touchdown. Nate McCashland’s extra point pushed the score to 7-0, giving the visitors an early foothold in Waco. Baylor responded with precision from the kicking tee in the second quarter.
Rhett Armstrong drilled a 39-yard field goal to bring the home crowd within four points, making it 7-3. Moments later, Armstrong added another successful kick from 32 yards out, narrowing the gap to 7-6 at halftime.
Third Quarter Breakdown
The game’s decisive moment arrived in the third quarter when Craig found Ka’Morreun Pimpton on an 8-yard pass for a touchdown. McCashland converted the extra point, extending TCU’s lead to 14-6. The Horned Frogs added insurance late in the period with a 25-yard field goal by McCashland, pushing the final margin to 17-6.
Baylor’s offense managed no further points after the second quarter, unable to penetrate TCU’s defense when it mattered most.
Statistical Overview
Jaden Craig was the standout performer for TCU, completing 21 of 36 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns, though he threw one interception. Jordan Dwyer led the receiving corps with six catches for 150 yards. On the ground, Landon Walker contributed 36 yards on six carries.
For Baylor, DJ Lagway attempted 53 passes, completing 22 for 256 yards and one interception. Gavin Freeman was the primary target with seven receptions for 76 yards. Caden Knighten led the rushing attack with 35 yards on ten attempts. The game, attended by 46,634 spectators, concluded with TCU holding a comfortable margin despite Baylor’s early field goal success.
Sources
ESPN
