#17 BAYLOR BEARS (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)
Won 31-24 at Iowa State
Baylor’s first Big 12 showing was impressive, handling Iowa State from wire to wire in a 31-24 victory – their first on the road in Ames since 2016. The Bears played sharp, turnover-free football in the win, jumping out to a 17-7 lead in the early going and never allowing Iowa State to come closer than within a field goal. Blake Shapen passed for three touchdowns, and running back Richard Reese added 78 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. Baylor’s defense wreaked havoc on Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers, intercepting him twice and making his life difficult all afternoon. The road win for Baylor showcased the progress they’ve made since their trip to Provo, especially in terms of discipline – the Bears committed 14 penalties at BYU, but only 3 in today’s victory. Don’t let the final score fool you; Baylor was in control of this one for most of the afternoon. They won the time of possession battle by more than nine minutes and led by as many as 17 early in the fourth quarter. Baylor’s schedule doesn’t soften at all from here, as they’ll welcome #9 Oklahoma State to Waco next for their conference home opener.
Next week: vs #9 Oklahoma State
TCU HORNED FROGS (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Won 42-34 at SMU
TCU’s trip across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area for a battle with the SMU Mustangs was much anticipated by both fanbases. It produced a sellout and some of the highest secondary market ticket prices we’ve seen this college football season. Much of the hype was surrounding former SMU coach Sonny Dykes’ return to Dallas, where he’d coached the Mustangs from 2017-2021 to a 30-18 record with no bowl wins. Led by senior quarterback Max Duggan, TCU’s offense would make an early statement to quiet the crowd and never look back. The Horned Frogs led by as many as 21 points in the second quarter, giving them enough breathing room to stave off 20 second-half points by the Mustangs en route to a 42-34 win. Max Duggan would finish the afternoon with three passing touchdowns and no interceptions, and running back Kendre Miller would punish the Mustangs’ defense all afternoon to the tune of 142 yards and a touchdown. SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai would pass for close to 400 yards on the afternoon, but his two interceptions would prove costly for the Mustangs.
Next Week: vs #6 Oklahoma
OTHER ACTION AROUND THE REGION
FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION:
UTEP 27, Boise State 10
Memphis 44, North Texas 34
Houston 34, Rice 27
Texas State 34, Houston Baptist 0
FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION
Northwestern State 35, Lamar 27
Tarleton State 43, North Alabama 28
Stephen F Austin 98, Warner 0 (Yes, Ninety Eight)
Texas A&M Commerce 63, North American University 3
Abilene Christian 34, Western New Mexico 7