TCU Horned Frogs Dominates Baylor in Bluebonnet Battle, Wins 42-17 in Home Finale

In a thrilling conclusion to their home season, the TCU Horned Frogs secured a resounding victory over the Baylor Bears, triumphing 42-17. The matchup marked the latest chapter in the storied rivalry between the two teams, with TCU Horned Frogs emerging victorious in their final home game of the season. A standout performance by tight end Jared Wiley and quarterback Josh Hoover propelled the Frogs to an impressive win, setting the stage for an exciting season finale against the Oklahoma Sooners.

TCU Horned Frog: The Early Battle

The game kicked off with Baylor taking an early lead, as Blake Shapen connected with Dominic Richardson for a 10-yard touchdown, putting the Bears ahead 7-0. TCU swiftly responded in the second quarter when Emani Bailey orchestrated a 27-yard touchdown run, showcasing his prowess on the field with a total of 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The back-and-forth nature of the game set the tone for an intense showdown.

Wiley and Hoover’s Connection:

A defining moment in the game came with an 81-yard connection between quarterback Josh Hoover and tight end Jared Wiley. The duo’s chemistry on the field was evident as they executed a spectacular play, marking TCU’s longest pass play since the 2017 Alamo Bowl. In his final home game, Wiley not only contributed to the team’s success but also etched his name in the TCU Horned Frog record books, amassing 178 receiving yards on seven catches and scoring two touchdowns, setting career highs in all categories.

Hoover’s Career Day:

Quarterback Josh Hoover played a pivotal role in TCU’s victory, finishing the game with an impressive 24 completions on 29 attempts, 412 yards, and three total touchdowns. Hoover’s standout performance joined elite company, as he became only the fourth TCU Horned Frog quarterback, alongside Matt Vogler, Trevone Boykin, and Kenny Hill, to throw for over 400 yards in multiple games within the same season.

Coach Dykes’ Perspective:

Head coach Sonny Dykes lauded the team’s offensive explosion, emphasizing that the performance against Baylor showcased how their efforts were meant to look. Under Dykes’ leadership, TCU has proven to be a formidable force when leading at halftime, boasting a 15-1 record in such situations. The team’s second-half surge, outscoring Baylor 28-7, underscored their resilience and determination.

Looking Ahead:

Despite a challenging season, marked by narrow losses in several one-possession games, TCU’s victory over Baylor keeps their bowl hopes alive as they move to a 5-6 record. The Horned Frogs will now gear up for their final regular-season game against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman on Friday at 11 a.m. The win over Baylor serves as a testament to TCU‘s ability to overcome adversity and sets the stage for an exciting finale to the 2023 season.