The Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs have established themselves as one of the most dynamic and resilient teams in college football over the past few seasons. With a blend of offensive firepower and gritty defense, they have continuously challenged powerhouse programs across the nation. A potential rematch with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looms large, and TCU is looking to use its impressive wins over Baylor as a springboard to enhance its chances in a high-stakes showdown against Notre Dame.
While the Horned Frogs’ wins over Baylor earlier in the season may not have immediately seemed like a direct preparation for a future contest against Notre Dame, the lessons learned, and strategies implemented in those games will play a significant role in how TCU approaches the rematch. In this analysis, we’ll break down how TCU’s victories over Baylor have not only reinforced the team’s strengths but also provided critical insights into areas that could be leveraged in the rematch with Notre Dame.
1. TCU’s Offensive Firepower: Exploiting Weaknesses
One of the defining characteristics of the TCU offense in recent years has been its explosive nature. Under head coach Sonny Dykes, TCU has embraced an uptempo, high-scoring offense that relies heavily on the passing game to stretch defenses. The offensive unit, led by quarterback Chandler Morris, has flourished in multiple contests, including wins over Baylor. In these games, the Horned Frogs showed that they could adjust their game plans to exploit the weaknesses of various defenses, particularly in the secondary.
When looking ahead to a potential rematch with Notre Dame, TCU can draw on its success in attacking the secondary of Baylor. In the two matchups with Baylor, TCU frequently tested the Bears’ defensive backs, capitalizing on mismatches and exploiting soft spots in their zone coverage. Baylor struggled to contain TCU’s wide receivers, notably Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis, who possess the speed and skill to break open deep routes and make big plays. The ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays down the sideline could be vital in a rematch with Notre Dame, a team that, while talented, has shown moments of vulnerability in its secondary.
Notre Dame’s defensive backs—while solid—have occasionally been caught out of position, particularly when facing fast, skilled wide receivers who can make sharp cuts and separate in open field. TCU could look to replicate the success it had against Baylor’s secondary by utilizing its deep passing game and getting Morris in rhythm early. The Horned Frogs will need to focus on creating mismatches in man-to-man coverage, forcing Notre Dame’s corners to play tight and potentially leading to breakdowns that could result in explosive plays.
2. Offensive Line Play: Building on Baylor’s Pressure
While TCU’s offense has been known for its aerial attack, the effectiveness of its offensive line cannot be overlooked. In the Baylor games, TCU’s offensive line did an admirable job of protecting Morris in the pocket, allowing him time to survey the field and find open receivers. However, the games also exposed some vulnerabilities—specifically in pass protection against a strong Baylor pass rush.
In the rematch with Notre Dame, a team known for its strong defensive front and relentless pass rush, TCU will need to build upon the lessons learned from dealing with Baylor’s pressure. The offensive line will need to take a page from their performance against Baylor, where they had moments of dominating in the run game, to keep Morris upright and give him time to operate.
Baylor’s front seven, while solid, does not compare to the talent and depth of Notre Dame’s defensive line. With players like Isaiah Foskey, one of the top defensive ends in college football, and a defensive front that consistently generates pressure, the Horned Frogs will need to adjust their blocking schemes to ensure that the pocket remains clean. The experience gained against Baylor’s pass rushers will give TCU the opportunity to fine-tune its protections, and the key to that will be quick releases from the quarterback, well-executed play-action fakes, and a commitment to keeping the defense off balance.
In short, TCU can use its experience with Baylor’s defensive line to develop a more balanced and well-protected offense when facing Notre Dame. If the Horned Frogs can neutralize the Fighting Irish pass rush, they could open up opportunities to exploit other areas of the defense.
3. Running Game: Making Key Adjustments
While TCU’s passing game has been the focal point of their offensive success, their ability to run the football effectively has proven to be crucial in the Baylor wins. In those games, running back Kendre Miller and quarterback Chandler Morris combined for several key runs that both controlled the clock and set up favorable down-and-distance situations. The run game, while not as explosive as the passing game, served as a complement to TCU’s aerial attack by ensuring balance and keeping the defense on its toes.
Against Baylor, TCU’s offensive line was able to open up holes for Miller to create substantial gains. The Frogs averaged over four yards per carry in both matchups, and the ability to grind out yards on the ground allowed them to maintain possession and wear down the Bears’ defense.
In a rematch with Notre Dame, TCU will need to replicate this success, especially when the game slows down, and the passing game becomes harder to execute. Notre Dame’s defense is known for its stout run defense, led by talented players such as linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive tackle Howard Cross III, who consistently clog up running lanes and limit big gains. However, if TCU can establish a strong ground game early, it will not only help control the clock but also open up play-action opportunities for Morris.
By using the wins over Baylor as a model for exploiting the opposing defense’s run-stopping ability, TCU can develop a more diverse offensive attack against Notre Dame. Whether it’s utilizing a mix of inside zone runs or perimeter runs with Morris or Miller, TCU can aim to create enough balance to prevent Notre Dame’s defense from focusing too heavily on the pass.
4. Defensive Improvements: Stopping the Run and Creating Turnovers
One area in which TCU made significant strides during its victories over Baylor was in the defensive department. While the offense garnered much of the attention, the Horned Frogs’ defense stepped up in a big way, particularly in stopping the run. Baylor’s running back duo, composed of Richard Reese and Taye McWilliams, was largely held in check across both games, and TCU’s defensive line and linebackers consistently stuffed running lanes, forcing Baylor to become one-dimensional.
Against Notre Dame, TCU will face an offense with a different identity but similar strengths. Running back Audric Estimé has proven to be a powerful force for Notre Dame, and his ability to churn out tough yards will be key for the Fighting Irish. However, TCU’s success in shutting down Baylor’s rushing attack gives them a blueprint for stopping Estimé. By stacking the box and using aggressive run-stopping techniques, TCU can limit Notre Dame’s ground game and force quarterback Sam Hartman into long third downs, where the pressure on him to make plays will increase.
Furthermore, TCU’s defense has shown the ability to create turnovers in key moments. In both games against Baylor, the Frogs were able to turn the momentum in their favor with timely interceptions and fumble recoveries. If TCU can replicate this success in the rematch with Notre Dame, it could be the key to flipping the field position and creating scoring opportunities for the offense. Notre Dame’s offense, while potent, has been prone to turnovers in the past, and TCU’s defensive backs, such as Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and Josh Newton, will look to capitalize on any mistakes.
5. Confidence and Momentum: Carrying the Momentum Forward
Perhaps the most intangible benefit of TCU’s wins over Baylor lies in the confidence and momentum that these victories have provided. Baylor, despite being an in-state rival, was not one of the top-tier teams in the country, but beating them in back-to-back games provided TCU with the belief that they could compete with anyone. This confidence will be crucial when facing a team like Notre Dame, which has a proud tradition of success and a deep, talented roster.
As the Horned Frogs prepare for the rematch with Notre Dame, they can carry the lessons learned from their victories over Baylor and apply them to a much more high-profile game. The sense of belief instilled by their strong performances against Baylor—especially in areas like pass protection, run defense, and creating turnovers—has equipped TCU with a solid foundation to compete at a high level.
A Crucial Rematch Looms
TCU’s victories over Baylor are more than just wins in the win-loss column; they are a blueprint for success in their rematch with Notre Dame. From their offensive firepower to their defensive adjustments, TCU has grown throughout the season and will look to leverage those lessons in a highly anticipated showdown. By building on the key elements of their wins over Baylor, such as exploiting secondary weaknesses, establishing the run, and creating turnovers, TCU has the potential to challenge Notre Dame at every level of the game.
As both teams head into this rematch with everything on the line, it’s clear that TCU’s victories over Baylor could be the secret weapon that helps them pull off a huge win. By using the momentum and strategies developed in those games, the Horned Frogs will be ready to take on the Fighting Irish with everything they’ve learned.