The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (4-2, 2-1) rivalry matchup against TCU (4-2, 1-2). Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

Colt Barber (4-2) — Baylor 40, TCU 37

As conference opponents, Baylor has traveled to TCU in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. In those six trips to Fort Worth, Baylor is 2-4 with the results by season being W-L-L-W-L-L. See the pattern? Seeing how little this series actually makes sense for Baylor, that looks to me as if the Bears are due for a win. In the last 14 matchups between Baylor and TCU, eight have been decided by three points or less or have gone to overtime. In those eight games, Baylor is 5-3. Baylor moves to 6-3 in such games on Saturday.

Ashley Hodge (3-3) — Baylor 38, TCU 35

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but what the heck! Death, taxes and Dave Aranda after bye weeks. Win this for Fat Daddy! Baylor is plus-two in turnover margin, and that’s the difference.  

Grayson Grundhoefer (4-2) — Baylor 37, TCU 33

This is going to be an absolute battle. This should be super high-scoring, but because it’s a rivalry, things can always go sideways and not as expected. Ultimately, Baylor getting the bye week and having an opportunity to get right while TCU plays its fifth straight game gives the Bears a slight edge and is the difference in this one.

Jack Mackenzie (5-1) — Baylor 37, TCU 35

I’m sitting at Baylor Soccer’s 3-0 loss at TCU as I write this, telling myself that I won’t drive back to Waco disappointed twice in three days. Robertson will outplay Hoover. The defense will do just enough, and Hawkins will hit a game-winner as time expires.

Levi Caraway (5-1) — Baylor 41, TCU 34

Following the bye week, the pieces finally come together for Baylor, and the Bears get out to a fast start, win the turnover battle and get some big-time third-down sacks, en route to a road win over a rival.

Sam Bradshaw (5-1) — TCU 38, Baylor 35

If Baylor can play sharper defensively, I would expect a win; however, I have not seen any consistency. Baylor loses a close shootout until I see the defense play better. TCU isn’t good, but schematically, they are more disruptive, and that breaks serve one more time since Baylor’s coverage busts give up similar big play risk.