TCU Staves Off Baylor, Wins 42-36 in Lightning‑Delayed Thriller

Caden Levingston

When TCU Horned Frogs edged out the Baylor Bears 42‑36 on a storm‑swept Saturday, the win felt like a relief valve for a crowd that’d watched the clock tick past midnight.

The clash unfolded at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on October 18, 2025, part of the Big 12’s ongoing battle for conference positioning.

After a lightning delay that ate more than two hours of fourth‑quarter action, the Horned Frogs held on thanks to a late‑game interception by linebacker Namdi Obiazor, sealing a victory that extends TCU’s recent dominance in the rivalry.

Game Overview: A Weather‑Wrecked Thriller

From the kickoff at 2:00 PM CT, it was clear the weather would write its own script. Sky‑high clouds poured a steady drizzle that turned the turf slick, and three separate lightning alerts forced officials to pause play for a cumulative 2 hours 16 minutes.

Even with the delay, the teams produced a combined 780 yards of offense, making the contest one of the season’s most explosive showdowns.

Key Plays and Player Performances

Josh Hoover led TCU’s aerial attack, completing 18‑of‑27 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. His first score—a 24‑yard strike to Jordan Dwyer—set the tone early.

Behind the scenes, running back Kevorian Barnes shouldered the ground game, rushing for 106 yards and two scores, including the go‑ahead touchdown on the first snap after the lengthy lightning pause.

For Baylor, sophomore quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw for 287 yards and a late 35‑yard connection to wideout Kobe Wilson with just 30 seconds left on the clock.

But a fumble return by defensive back Keaton Thomas sparked a final surge, and the Bears recovered an on‑side kick before the interception that sealed the game.

Coaches' Reactions

After the final whistle, Sonny Dykes, TCU’s head coach, summed up the night: “Over the last three and a half years, we’re the winningest team in the Big 12. These guys know how to win.”

On the other sideline, Dave Aranda of Baylor admitted the loss hurt: “Disappointed with the outcome. Disappointed with the execution coming off the bye week.”

Hoover, still buzzing, praised his top target: “Jordan was working those corners all day. They tried different guys on him but he kept them guessing.”

Impact on the Big 12 Race

TCU improved to 5‑2 overall and 2‑2 in conference play, keeping them in the thick of the Big 12 race for a possible championship berth. Baylor slipped to 4‑3 overall, also 2‑2 in the league, putting extra pressure on the Bears as they head into the next stretch.

The win also pushed TCU’s all‑time series record against Baylor to 48‑36‑3, a margin that’s now eight wins in the last ten meetings.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The matchup, officially dubbed the “Bluebonnet Battle,” dates back to 1899 when TCU was still known as Add‑Ran Male & Female College. Over the past century, the two Texas schools have traded momentum, but the Horned Frogs have held a clear edge since the turn of the millennium.

In fact, this marks Baylor’s ninth loss to TCU in the last 11 years, and the fifth defeat in six seasons under Aranda.

Looking Ahead

TCU’s next test arrives on October 26 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia, where the Horned Frogs will travel to face the Mountaineers.

Baylor, meanwhile, prepares for its next Big 12 showdown against Texas Tech, hoping to rebound before the season’s final stretch.

Key Facts

• Final score: TCU 42, Baylor 36
• Game date: 2025‑10‑18
• Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
• Lightning delays: 2 hrs 16 min
• TCU QB Josh Hoover: 3 TD passes, 231 yards