TCU
5-2 , 2-2
Baylor
4-3 , 2-2
TCU Holds off Baylor in Lightning-Filled Game
10/18/2025 6:08:00 PM | Football
Frogs defeat rival despite three separate delays
The Horned Frogs seized control of the game in the second quarter, and then held off Baylor despite three lightning delays in the fourth quarter.
TCU's defense was spectacular, holding the nation's best passing offense to below a 50-percent completion rate.
Josh Hoover played a clean game, going 22 for 31 for 231 yards and three scores. His top target was Jordan Dwyer, who eclipsed 100 yards.
For the first time since his injury, Kevorian Barnes showed his talents by rushing for 106 yards and a score.
Using a couple of timely conversions, including a TCU pass interference call on fourth down, Baylor was able to take an early lead 7-0. The Horned Frogs would not sit idly by, marching down the field to score.
Then the rain started. During and after a downpour at The Carter reminiscent of the 2015 TCU-Baylor game, a flip switched for TCU and they outscored BU 14-3 the remainder of the half to take a 21-10 lead into the intermission.
The rain subsided for a short period of time, and TCU continued its momentum early in the second half by marching right down the field on its first possession.
As is typical in a rivalry game, Baylor would not go away quietly, promptly scoring a touchdown and field goal to give the Horned Frogs some game pressure in the fourth quarter. Just as it did in home wins over SMU and Colorado, TCU responded, this time by breaking off a long touchdown run just three plays into the drive to regain a two-score lead.
The fourth quarter saw three different rain delays, halting any momentum either team could gain. Within a minute returning to play, Barnes ripped off a touchdown run to give the Frogs a 21-point lead.
Trailing by 21 late in the fourth, Baylor – winners of eight of their last nine Big 12 games – rallied to score off a TCU fumble and their quick strike offense made it a one-score game with time winding down.
As improbable as the game had been, Baylor recovered the ensuing onside kick but their comeback attempt was halted as linebacker Namdi Obiazor intercepted Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson to close out the contest.
NOTING THE FROGS
TCU scored on its first offensive possession of the second half for the third time this season and first since the Abilene Christian game … Josh Hoover had third consecutive game with three of more touchdowns and fifth game this season … Eric McAlister now has 12 20+ yard receptions this season, the second-most in the nation behind SJSU's Scudero (15) … Kaleb Elarms-Orr is the first Horned Frog to have 15+ tackles in a game since Garret Wallow against Oklahoma in 2019.
UP NEXT
TCU goes back on the road to face West Virginia in Morgantown. The game is set for a 5 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPN+.
Team Stats
BAY 7, TCU 0
BAY - Washington,Bryson 1 yd run (Hawkins,Connor kick), 13 plays, 92 yards, TOP 06:22
BAY 7, TCU 7
TCU - Rogers,DJ 8 yd pass from Hoover,Josh (McCashland,Nate kick) 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:54
BAY 7, TCU 14
TCU - Barnes,Kevorian 5 yd run (McCashland,Nate kick), 2 plays, 17 yards, TOP 00:29
BAY 10, TCU 14
BAY - Hawkins,Connor 42 yd field goal 11 plays, 47 yards, TOP 03:58
BAY 10, TCU 21
TCU - Dwyer,Jordan 6 yd pass from Hoover,Josh (McCashland,Nate kick) 10 plays, 77 yards, TOP 01:47
BAY 10, TCU 28
TCU - Pimpton,Ka'Morreun 3 yd pass from Hoover,Josh (McCashland,Nate kick) 7 plays, 74 yards, TOP 03:13
BAY 18, TCU 28
BAY - Porter,Jadon 18 yd pass from Robertson,Sawyer (Cameron,Josh pass) 13 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:59
BAY 21, TCU 28
BAY - Hawkins,Connor 41 yd field goal 12 plays, 58 yards, TOP 05:14
BAY 21, TCU 35
TCU - Battle,Trent 65 yd run (McCashland,Nate kick), 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:09
BAY 21, TCU 42
TCU - Barnes,Kevorian 14 yd run (McCashland,Nate kick), 4 plays, 33 yards, TOP 02:12
BAY 29, TCU 42
BAY - Thomas,Keaton 24 yd fumble recovery (Robertson,Sawyer rush)
BAY 36, TCU 42
BAY - Wilson,Kole 35 yd pass from Robertson,Sawyer (Hawkins,Connor kick) 10 plays, 95 yards, TOP 01:19
