It hasn’t been an easy year for TCU, which has lost three games this year by three points or less -- games that would have factored into their bowl eligibility. They haven’t even gotten a positive touchdown to interception ratio from any quarterback this season, whether it’s been Trevone Boykin or Casey Pachall, and that will have to change if the Horned Frogs are hoping to end the year on a high note.
How to watch Baylor vs. TCU 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Big 12 is still in play, but the Bears do not control their own destiny.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Baylor is banged up, and despite all their talent, that lack of depth began to show against Oklahoma State, eventually proving too much for them to overcome. If they are not careful, a similar story could occur against TCU, as well.
The numbers
Rankings and records: After last week’s tumble against the Cowboys, Baylor fell to the 9th spot of the BCS rankings. TCU leads the series, but just barely -- the Horned Frogs have a 51-50-7 advantage, thanks to last year’s 49-21 victory.
Vegas: The line differs, with Baylor anywhere from 12 to 13.5-point favorites.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of rain.
Three names to know
Jason Verrett (TCU cornerback) - Affectionately referred to as Predator by TCU fans, Verrett is a top tier talent for this year’s NFL draft. If you’re tuning into this one, spend a few plays watching him work. He might even add a few more passes defensed to his total of 14 this year.
Shock Linwood (Baylor running back) - With Glasco Martin and Lache Seastrunk still injured, Linwood should be getting a heavy dose of the touches on Saturday. Last week against Oklahoma State, he was bottled up for 29 yards on 14 carries, but before that, he had run for over 180 against both Oklahoma and Texas Tech, respectively.
Bryce Petty (Baylor quarterback) - Petty played okay against Oklahoma State, but his efficiency is markedly down from earlier in the year -- he has not completed over 60% of his passes for several weeks now, right as the competition has gotten more difficult in the Big 12.
Two things at stake
Baylor can still win the Big 12 if Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State this weekend and the Bears win out, so there is still plenty of incentive for them to come out firing. They are still in position for a potential BCS at-large bid, as well.
TCU has already been eliminated from bowl contention, but seeing as this is their final home game of the year, they’ll be looking to send their seniors out on a happy note.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m ET, ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN.com. XFINITY subscribers can stream here.
Further reading
Our Daily Bears has more on Baylor and the loss to Oklahoma State, both by GIF and by thought. Here’s their first look at TCU.
For more on TCU, pay a visit to Frogs O War.
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