5 takeaways from Baylor’s loss to No. 4 TCU: Bears fall in heartbreaking fashion

Baylor was stunned by No. 4 TCU 29-28 Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco.

Here are five takeaways from Baylor’s wild loss to TCU:

Heartbreak in Waco

Baylor won’t get its first win over TCU at home since 2014 just yet.

The Bears had every shot to win this one, but a late field goal sent Bears fans home disappointed. They did it with a running clock and in incredible fashion and all the fans could do was look on and watch as the celebration unfolded.

The Revivalry remains strong between the oldest foes in Texas, and these two put on a show in front of the Big Noon Kickoff show.

Coming out party for Kelsey Johnson

On senior day when Ben Sims, arguably Baylor’s best tight end in program history, was playing his last game at McLane Stadium, freshman Kelsey Johnson exploded for a career day.

Before Saturday’s game, Johnson had three catches for nine yards in his first collegiate season and had not recorded a rush. Against TCU, the true freshman caught three passes for 30 yards, a touchdown and rushed for a two-yard score on a jet sweep.

Earlier in the year, Sims gave high praise to Kelsey and said he’s a freak athlete, but Johnson was third on the depth chart behind Sims and Drake Dabney. With Dabney out for the year, Johnson has emerged into more of an on-field role and he really broke out Saturday morning.

If all goes as planned, Baylor has its tight end of the future with Johnson.

Shapen finally rolled out left

Quarterback Blake Shapen has rolled right all year long. If the play isn’t a designed throw from the pocket or run, he will always roll right. It makes sense since he’s a righty, and obviously offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes isn’t comfortable with him on a bootleg to the left side of the line of scrimmage.

But that changed Saturday. Shapen actually rolled out left by design late in the first quarter and connected with wide receiver Josh Cameron for a 42-yard completion. The ball was a little underthrown, but it made it from point A to point B and looked impressive.

It’s only a wonder how much more diverse this offense could be if Shapen could scamper both ways consistently. This is a minor thing to look at on the surface level, but when an opposing team only has to scheme against one direction of a rollout, that doesn’t bode well for offensive success.

Richard Reese cements legacy

Coming into Saturday’s game, running back Richard Reese only needed 30 yards to break Shock Linwood’s freshman rushing record. Reese only needed two rushes to get 35 yards, as he now holds the program record.

It’s been a historic year for the true freshman, who also ranked second among NCAA freshmen in rushing TDs (13) and yards (852) on the year. Tailback Craig “Sqwirl” Williams’ head injury definitely allowed Reese to get more opportunities, but the youngster has still been impressive all year long.

He’s definitely slowed up as of late, especially with Williams’ return, but the future is bright for Baylor with Reese in the backfield.

Egregious pass interference call

On a critical 3rd-and-3 on the Baylor six-yard line, TCU quarterback Max Duggan lofted a pass toward wide receiver Quentin Johnston near the left part of the end zone. Duggan’s throw was clearly out of bounds and uncatchable, but Bears’ cornerback Mark Milton was called for pass interference on the coverage.

That call gave the Frogs a first down and allowed running back Kendre Miller to score from two yards out. This game could have looked a little different had TCU been forced to take a field goal there near the end zone.

This alone was the difference in the game.

Twitter: @MichaelHaag_

It’s good! TCU celebrates Griffin Kell’s game-winning FG vs. Baylor

[34/34] TCU head coach Sonny Dyke takes the field with his team before an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [1/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (facing, center) is mobbed by teammates after kicking a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [2/34] TCU head coach Sonny Dyke hugs quarterback Max Duggan (15) after the Horned Frogs 29-28 victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [3/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (39) celebrates with teammates Jordy Sandy (31), Carter Ware (47) and Alex Honig (82) after kicking a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [4/34] TCU cornerback Jaionte McMillan (27) and cornerback Josh Newton (24) celebrate with fans after the Horned Frogs 29-28 victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [5/34] Baylor defensive lineman Siaki Ika covers his face with a towel as he leaves the field after a 29-28 loss to TCU in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [6/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates as he leaves the field after the Horned Frogs 29-28 victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [7/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) puts his arm around running back Emari Demercado (3) as they leave the field after the Horned Frogs 29-28 victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [8/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (39) kicks a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [9/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (39) celebrates with teammates Jordy Sandy (31), Carter Ware (47) and Alex Honig (82) after kicking a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [10/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (39) celebrates with teammates Jordy Sandy (31), Carter Ware (47) and Alex Honig (82) after kicking a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [11/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) scrambles away from Baylor linebacker Bryson Jackson (7) on drive to set up a game-winning field goal during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [12/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) reacts after a failed two-point conversion attempt during the second half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [13/34] Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (80) races past TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) on a 74-yard pass play during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [14/34] Baylor tight end Kelsey Johnson (87) scores on a 12-yard touchdown pass as TCU safety Bud Clark (26) defends during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [15/34] TCU head coach Sonny Dyke reacts after a Baylor score during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [16/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) scrambles away from the Baylor pass rush during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [17/34] Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (80) is upended by TCU safety Deshawn McCuin (17) on a kick return during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [18/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) throws a pass under pressure from Baylor linebacker Matt Jones (2) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [19/34] Baylor safety Devin Neal (14) intercepts a pass intended for TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) as Baylor cornerback Mark Milton (3) covers on the play during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [20/34] Baylor safety Devin Neal (14) intercepts a pass intended for TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) as Baylor cornerback Mark Milton (3) covers on the play during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [21/34] Baylor safety Devin Neal (14) intercepts a pass intended for TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) as Baylor cornerback Mark Milton (3) covers on the play during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [22/34] TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) hobbles off the field after being injured during the second half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [23/34] Baylor head coach Dave Aranda celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against TCU on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [24/34] TCU wide receiver Taye Barber (4) is pulled down by Baylor linebacker Josh White (44) on a punt return during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [25/34] TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) tries to get past Baylor safety Devin Lemear (20) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [26/34] TCU safety Bud Clark (26) intercepts a pass intended for Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (80) in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [27/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates after a Horned Frogs touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [28/34] Baylor running back Craig Williams (0) is brought down by TCU linebacker Dee Winters (13) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [29/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates with wide receiver Gunnar Henderson (27) after they connected on a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [30/34] Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (80) is brought down by TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [31/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [32/34] TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) celebrates with offensive lineman Alan Ali (56) after running for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [33/34] Baylor fans cheer their team during the first half of an NCAA football game against TCU on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [34/34] TCU head coach Sonny Dyke takes the field with his team before an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer) [1/34] TCU kicker Griffin Kell (facing, center) is mobbed by teammates after kicking a game-winning 40-yard field goal on the final play of a victory over Baylor in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waco.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

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