Crossing the Goal Line: Predicting the TCU vs Baylor Football Game

Nathan Cross gives his prediction for the game, and whether or whether not the frogs cover the spread.

Editors Note: "Crossing the Goal Line" is a weekly column by Nathan Cross in which he predicts the upcoming TCU game. He looks at the point spread, the over/under, and makes a prediction. This is his opinion and should not be taken as betting advice.

TCU is favored to win by 12.5 points with an over/under of 58.5. To be completely honest, I have gotten almost every prediction wrong. However, I have seen the Frogs improve slightly, and Baylor is one of the worst teams. So, let's look at why TCU will cover the spread and why I am taking the over for the game against Baylor. Here are a few reasons to back up my opinion. 

JP Richardson leaps over a Texas defender

Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Why TCU Will Beat The Spread Over Baylor

TCU has the better offense

TCU has a more potent offense than Baylor and has performed better against mutual opponents. Josh Hoover finally found a rhythm in which we saw this against Texas. Yes, he did make mistakes, but he is young, and he will eliminate those over time. Emani Bailey has also continued to be a solid back for the Frogs and picks up a lot of good yards. Savion Williams has also found himself again and become the biggest weapon for this Horned Frog offense. If TCU plays like they did in the 4th quarter against Texas, Baylor will stand no chance.

TCU WR Savion Williams goes high for the reception

Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Josh Hoover is better than Blake Shapen

You can't change my mind on this. Josh Hoover has a better arm than Blake Shapen and only trails him by less than 500 yards with two fewer games played this season. Shapen is more experienced. However, Hoover has looked fairly comfortable out there for the Frogs. If Josh Hoover can repeat what he did against Texas, TCU will have no problem winning.

TCU can still make a bowl game

TCU still has a chance to make a bowl game this season. It is no doubt going to be tough and may seem impossible. However, assuming they beat Baylor, the final step is to knock off the Oklahoma Sooners. It will be challenging, but the Sooners have been up and down this season and have had some close wins that could have gone either way. The Frogs will be motivated by this and beat Baylor to set up the must-win game the next week. 

It's the final home game for the Frogs

It is always nice to play in front of your home crowd at your own stadium. This season, TCU has played some pretty close games at home, three of which they have only lost by three points. Winning those games would have created a whole different outcome for the season. However, things didn't pan out that way. I will always support my Horned Frogs. Being at home for this Baylor game on Senior Day will be huge for the Frogs because they will come in ready to show that they aren't done yet.

The 4th quarter against Texas was one of TCU's best offensive performances

Against Texas, TCU played one of the best 4th quarters I have ever seen. They scored twenty points in a game that seemed like it was already over. The Frogs fell just shy of winning, but it was an electric performance that gave me hope for the future. If Josh Hoover and the offense can repeat what they did, Baylor won't even be close. 

I think TCU wins this game 48-21 with all the factors mentioned. I have been wrong, but I have faith they can put it to this not-very-great Baylor team. I think Josh Hoover is our future quarterback. He has what it takes to be elite. Again, this is just my opinion; anything could happen. 

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