TCU vs. Baylor: Rebound Win Proves Horned Frogs Can Still Hang in Big 12

TCU bounced back from a loss with a convincing 49-21 victory over the Baylor Bears. The Horned Frogs’ win capped a turbulent week for Gary Patterson’s squad both on and off the field.

The team suffered an upset loss to Iowa State, its first in Big 12 history. There were doubts about TCU’s ability to hang with the rest of the Big 12 this season after the upset at home.

They left no doubt after Saturday’s performance.

The Horned Frogs led by a touchdown going into the fourth quarter, but they saved the best for last in this contest. TCU rattled off 28 unanswered points to close the game, led by backup quarterback Trevon Boykin’s dual-threat abilities.

Its defense ensured that this game would be remembered as a all-around performance. The Horned Frogs defense forced Baylor QB Nick Florence to throw four interceptions.

Pressures and hurries were the norm. Remember, this was a Baylor offense that put up 63 points on West Virginia. TCU proved to be no slouch against this vaunted offense.

On-field problems can always be fixed in practice. Off the field, though, there would be more consequences after the loss to the Cyclones. TCU QB Casey Pachall announced that he would be leaving the team to recover from drug and alcohol abuse.

Pachall’s absence was though to be a significant blow, but Boykin filled the void, for at least a week.

In his first collegiate start, Boykin was masterful. He threw for four touchdowns and ran in another, while completing 73 percent of his passes.

Does it get any better than that? Boykin will enjoy a week's worth of being the BMOC.

TCU can surely hang with the rest of the Big 12, but major tests await. Its schedule is backloaded with Top 25 matchups, so it’ll have opportunities to get back into the mix.

For one week, the Horned Frogs will feel relieved to be back on track with their new signal-caller.