Craig's Dual Touchdowns Seal TCU's 17-6 Victory Over Baylor

TCU Takes Control Early

Jaden Craig’s precision passing proved decisive on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as the visiting TCU Horned Frogs defeated the host Baylor Bears 17-6 at McLane Stadium in Waco. The decisive moment came in the opening drive of the game, where Craig found Ed Small for a 25-yard touchdown pass.

That early strike set the tone for a performance that ultimately limited Baylor to just six points across the entire contest. With 46,634 fans in attendance, the Horned Frogs established a lead that they never relinquished, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that kept the Bears’ defense at bay. The victory improves TCU’s season record to 3-3, while the Bears fall to 4-2.

Baylor’s Limited Scoring

Baylor struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum against the TCU defense. Their only points of the game came in the second quarter, courtesy of kicker Rhett Armstrong. Armstrong first drilled a 39-yard field goal to narrow the deficit to 7-3.

Later in the same quarter, he added a 32-yard field goal to make the score 7-6. Despite these efforts, the Bears failed to convert any additional drives into touchdowns or extra points. The second quarter scoring was the high point for the home team, as they were held scoreless in both the third and fourth quarters.

This lack of sustained offensive production allowed TCU to manage the clock and maintain their lead without significant pressure from the Bears' offense.

TCU Extends the Lead

The Horned Frogs reasserted their dominance in the third quarter, extending their advantage to a comfortable margin. Craig once again displayed his arm strength, finding Ka'Morreun Pimpton for an 8-yard touchdown pass. This play brought the score to 14-6.

To cap off the third period, Nate McCashland converted a 25-yard field goal, pushing the TCU lead to 17-6 heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter saw no further scoring, as both teams focused on limiting mistakes and preserving the result.

TCU’s ability to score in three of the four quarters, compared to Baylor’s single-quarter output, highlighted the difference in offensive consistency between the two programs on the day.

Key Statistic Highlights

Statistically, TCU’s passing attack outperformed Baylor’s. Craig completed 21 of 36 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns, though he did throw one interception. On the ground, Landon Walker chipped in 36 yards on six carries, while Jordan Dwyer was a threat in the passing game, catching six passes for 150 yards.

For Baylor, DJ Lagway completed 22 of 53 passes for 256 yards but also threw an interception. Caden Knighten rushed for 35 yards on 10 carries, and Gavin Freeman led the receiving corps with 76 yards on seven receptions. These lines illustrate a game where TCU’s efficiency in the red zone and third-quarter execution were the primary factors in their 17-6 victory.

Sources

ESPN