FORT WORTH -- Here are five quick thoughts from No. 7 Baylor's 28-21 loss to No. 19 TCU on Friday night.
1. Slip and slide. The conditions were absolutely horrendous as rain fell for virtually the game. Both teams rely on rhythm and speed to create offense, so the field conditions were disastrous. Amon Carter Stadium is one of three in the Big 12 with grass fields, and the mud came into play. Both teams are reliant on pace and explosion to score, but neither was able to do it effectively in this condition. This game dragged into overtime simply because both teams had no ability to score. Think about it: this is the top two offenses in college football and neither could score.
2. Turnovers galore. Because of the torrential downpour, both teams struggled mightily with turnovers. Baylor was especially bad, turning the ball over five times and fumbling four different times. The Bears gave up one of those on a punt return and gave the Horned Frogs tremendous field position. Another by Chris Johnson led to a scoop and score, one of only two touchdowns the Horned Frogs scored in regulation. Baylor shot itself in the foot.
3. Poor QB play. Both teams could not get anything going on offense with the rain and the quarterbacks were plenty to blame. TCU QB Trevone Boykin lacked the spark and athleticism that made him a Heisman Trophy contender, and finished with only 148 yards. Baylor QB Chris Johnson had only 62 passing yards and turned the ball over twice, once an interception and once a fumble. Both players' inabilities to find their respective receivers made for one of the ugliest games Baylor has played since Art Briles arrived in Waco. It was especially hard to swallow considering the high-quality quarterback play both of these teams are used to having.
4. Rushing battle. In the second half, Baylor finally started to realize that it could only win on the strength of its balanced running game. The Bears ran for 273 yards on the day, the bulk of which came in the hands of backup Devin Chafin. The junior from Burkburnett ran for 119 yards and both Baylor touchdowns and added a score through the air. Baylor could not throw the ball at all, so having Chafin with the ability to run was huge, even in a loss.
5. Playoff scenarios are over. Baylor football had a chance to re-enter the playoff discussion with a win over No. 19 TCU, but failed to do it in a rainy day in Waco. The Bears will now go back to the drawing board and try to earn a spot in a quality bowl game with a win over Texas. At this point, New Year's Six is probably out of the question. It would appear Baylor's most likely scenario would be in the Alamo Bowl. This has to be a disappointment, considering all the potential this team had coming into the season.