FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Even without standout defensive end
Tommy Blake on the field, TCU's dominating defense pitched a
season-opening shutout.
The Number 22 Horned Frogs gave up some yards before halftime,
but not any points in a 27-0 victory over Baylor.
Andy Dalton threw for 205 yards and a touchdown in his first
college start, and Justin Watts and Ryan Christian ran for scores
as the Frogs won their ninth straight game. Chris Manfredini kicked
two field goals after missing wide right on a 29-yard attempt the
opening drive.
Blake was held after two extended absences from the team. The
two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection and top NFL
prospect was away on a medical leave with an undisclosed illness
last week before rejoining the Frogs for their walkthrough
yesterday.
He has practiced only three times since leaving campus and going
home for a week for personal reasons in mid-August.
Blake was seen in the first half watching from a patio outside
coach Gary Patterson's office above the south end zone. His status
for next Saturday's game at Number Four Texas is uncertain.