TCU Shakes Off Season-Long Hiccups in 17-6 Rivalry Win Over Baylor

For the first time this season, TCU beat an opponent within the Power 4 ranks and more importantly it got to humble a longtime rival in the process.

The Horned Frogs rolled into Waco as the underdogs but left McLane Stadium as the victors in a 17-6 triumph over Baylor.

READ MORE: TCU Remains Unranked Despite Dominating Baylor In Revivalry Win

While it was not a flashy showcase for TCU, it was the first sign that a shift may be taking place within the program.

All of three of its previous losses this season have come by eight points or less and each time there was a moment that could have changed the outcome that slipped out of the hands of the Horned Frogs.

However, clinging to only a one-point lead to start the second half, TCU seized opportunity by rattling off a quick touchdown drive to cushion its advantage.

After grabbing that golden opportunity, the Horned Frogs will not let go the rest of the night.

The highly touted TCU defense shutout the Bears in the second half and squashed out any hope of a comeback after being reinvigorating by that touchdown and a field goal in the third quarter.

While the Horned Frogs are not suddenly one of the best teams in the nation simply beating Baylor, the victory helped them erase key hang-ups that have been consistently tripping them up this year.

That touchdown from quarterback Jaden Craig to tight end Ka'Morreun Pimpton? It was the first second half touchdown scored by the Horned Frogs against a Power 4 opponent this season.

It was also the first time TCU has reached the end zone more than a single time since taking down Grambling State and Arkansas State.

With just 17 points on the board, there is obviously still room to improve for TCU, especially for an offensive unit still yet to truly break out against a comparable opponent.

But its ability to finally step in a clutch scenario can cement a new foundation that is centered on thriving in these situations instead of crumbling, like in the first half of the schedule.

It is not a stretch to claim TCU has one of the stoutest defensive units in the nation, look no further than its performance of holding No. 2 BYU to 17 points two weeks before the Cougars hung 28 on then-No. 2 Notre Dame.

READ MORE: TCU Defense Smothers Baylor In 17-6 Revivalry Victory

If the offense can continue to find its rhythm and identity under first-year starter Jaden Craig, who has more than enough talent needed to command the Horned Frogs, those three losses from TCU could start to look more like the exception rather than the expectation.

TCU hosts West Virginia inside Amon G. Carter Stadium at 11 a.m. next Saturday, as the Horned Frogs will try to get back even in the Big 12 standings with a win over the Mountaineers.