What better time to take on the Baylor Bears than coming off a lackluster loss to the Kansas State Wildcats? The TCU Horned Frogs are entering make-or-break territory at 4–2 overall and 1–2 in conference play. What began as a potential Big 12 Championship-caliber season has devolved into a “let’s hope for the best” campaign.
Are the Horned Frogs capable of reaching a quality bowl game? Can they still be considered a formidable Big 12 team? Is six or seven wins more likely? While we don’t have all
the answers, Saturday’s matchup against Baylor will go a long way toward providing some much-needed clarity.
Baylor is in a similar boat at 4–2 overall and 2–1 in the Big 12. The Bears narrowly defeated the Wildcats but fell heartbreakingly to the Sun Devils. Both teams feature strong passing attacks, though their defenses have struggled. At the end of the day, the rivals aren’t all that different. “The Revivalry” will surely provide a jolt of much-needed confidence for one of the two fan bases eager for a marquee win.
Ahead of the pivotal clash, we caught up with Trent Knoop of Baylor Bears on SI to discuss Baylor’s season so far, Sawyer Robertson and the Bears’ NCAA-best passing attack, and what to expect Saturday.
Frogs O’ War: How would you evaluate Baylor’s season so far? Have the Bears exceeded expectations, met them, or fallen short?
Baylor Bears on SI: Entering the season, Baylor was expected to compete for a Big 12 title with QB Sawyer Robertson returning, along with Dave Aranda getting some big portal players. But the Bears have already suffered two losses, and Baylor’s defense is among the worst in the conference. With Aranda being a ‘defensive-minded’ coach, and with two losses, I would have to say the Bears have fallen short—as of now.
Frogs O’ War: Where do you rank Sawyer Robertson among Big 12 quarterbacks and nationally? What would you say are his biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Baylor Bears on SI: The Big 12 has a lot of good collegiate QBs, and it’s hard to say Sawyer Robertson is the best—but I tend to rank him No. 1. Baylor would not be in the position it’s in without him. The Bears would likely have at least two more losses on their plate without Robertson’s heroics.
Robertson, being a veteran, has seen it all and is good under pressure. But occasionally he wants to lock onto a player and force things downfield that’s not there. That’s when the Baylor offense could get hampered.
Frogs O’ War: Baylor has the 12th-ranked rushing attack in the Big 12, despite featuring a talented runner in Bryson Washington. Do you think their relatively low rushing totals are a product of game script or the focus on their prolific passing attack? And how confident are you in the Bears’ ground game moving forward?
Baylor Bears on SI: I think Baylor’s rushing attack is fine. Bryson Washington is averaging nearly 100 yards per game, but let’s be honest—if you have a player averaging the most yards through the air in college football, you’re going to keep using him. Washington has also been banged up for most of the season, and the depth behind him is two true freshmen. But when Washington is healthy, he’s a force. However, with Robertson, Baylor is going to be a pass-first team.
Frogs O’ War: Baylor’s defense has been gashed all season, especially on the ground, while TCU has the conference’s worst rushing attack. Do you expect Baylor to perform better once they can tee off on TCU’s passing game, or is the rushing defense still worrisome even against a conference-worst unit?
Baylor Bears on SI: I’m going to be honest when I tell you I have no idea. I haven’t seen this inconsistent of a defense in a long time. It seems like when Baylor gets its rushing defense to an OK spot, then the Bears allow a ton of yards through the air, and vice versa. I think Baylor has a lot of issues against elite passers, and I think Josh Hoover has a real chance to pick apart this defense.
Frogs O’ War: Who should TCU be most concerned about in Baylor’s receiving corps? Robertson spreads the ball well—does the team even have a true No. 1 target?
Baylor Bears on SI: This is a really good question and it depends on the game. I do think Baylor has a No. 1 target but it’s not a WR. TE Michael Trigg is statistically the best receiving TE in the country. He is a TE in a WR body and can go high point the ball with anyone. Outside of Trigg, veteran Josh Cameron is the most consistent pass catcher on the team. Cameron and Robertson have a good connection and that would be player TCU needs to watch out for.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction for Baylor vs. TCU? Who wins? What’s the final score?
Baylor Bears on SI: Baylor has been in plenty of close games this season, and with Sawyer Robertson, I would guess it will be another. I think it’s going to be high-scoring, and both teams will have issues stopping one another. In college football, I typically lean with the home team when they are evenly matched. Give me TCU, 34-31.
A special thanks to Trent for providing insight into the Baylor Bears ahead of “The Revivalry.” For all things Bears, be sure to check out Baylor Bears on SI.
