Expectations for the TCU game

[Matt Cotcher]

Besides having too much to eat and drink, what is gonna happen on Thanksgiving Day?

 

[Davharjac]

Texas makes this a defensive battle, they play keep away from that TCU offense, and they end Boykin's Heisman campaign in the same way that Bama ended Dak's. I started to say Texas wins by 13, but it's the Big 12, so I am sure TCU gets a meaningless TD to make it look closer..

 

[Worster1]

Besides having too much to eat and drink, what is gonna happen on Thanksgiving Day?

I am much more confident and optimistic than I was 2-3 weeks ago that we have a chance in this game. The Horns are playing better.  TCU has shown some weakness and has had to scramble late to win several games.  However a few of the teams that had them on the ropes could not finish them off.  THAT is the knock on UT - sustaining momentum in the 3rd quarter and finishing the game or playing a complete game versus a very good opponent.

With the DKR home crowd, extra time to prepare I think Coach Vance cooks up a great D to slow down the high flying frogs and maybe get some pressure on Boykin.  If Shipley is back 100%, the good Swoopes shows up, the good special teams shows up, etc. the Horns can win a close one.  I am not ready to predict a score.

Hook 'Em!!

 

[Chitownhorn]

After what I've seen in the last three weeks Texas wins a close one. The only problem is that means it comes down to the kicking game and that makes me very uneasy but somehow they find a way to get it done.

 

[streettopeschel]

the guys should be confident and without the pressure of having to win to become bowl eligible, they should also be loose. tcu on the other hand has all the pressure on them.

i like our chances.

 

[bcherry168]

I am much more confident and optimistic than I was 2-3 weeks ago that we have a chance in this game. The Horns are playing better.  TCU has shown some weakness and has had to scramble late to win several games.  However a few of the teams that had them on the ropes could not finish them off.  THAT is the knock on UT - sustaining momentum in the 3rd quarter and finishing the game or playing a complete game versus a very good opponent.

With the DKR home crowd, extra time to prepare I think Coach Vance cooks up a great D to slow down the high flying frogs and maybe get some pressure on Boykin.  If Shipley is back 100%, the good Swoopes shows up, the good special teams good shows up, etc. the Horns can win a close one.  I am not ready to predict a score.

Hook 'Em!!

Exactly my thoughts. We can do it, but it all has to come together.

 

[monarch]

DKR shall be rocking!​

win or lose.. we win anyway...​

thanksgiving rocks!​

 

[streettopeschel]

DKR shall be rocking!

win or lose.. we win anyway...

thanksgiving rocks!

unless you're a deer in east texas.

 

[monarch]

unless you're a deer in east texas.

please do not bring up those poor deer.  how completely tragic!

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Only 1 out of 12 is predicting a loss.

 

[Lukus Alderman]

I voted that Texas would lose a close one, but I haven't really started much of my research on TCU. One thing on Texas' side is the fact that TCU ranks 99th defending the pass, which bodes well for Swoopes. If Swoopes plays well, I expect the whole team to do so as well.

 

[Worster1]

Lukus brings up a good point - yes TCU is vulnerable to the pass and that is how most teams have had success against their D.  We need the running game to be clicking if the passing game will give this O a chance.  If they do and the OL gives Swoopes time to throw we have a chance to win this game.

Hook 'Em!

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Still only 27% picking TCU (and 0% in a blowout):

1. How far, we've come as fans in 3 weeks.

2. I'm interested to see if the confidence holds as the game approaches.

3. Attendance at DKR has been pathetic this year. Maybe a more confident fanbase, plus a highly ranked opponent will change that?

 

[primal defense]

The way TCU struggled against Kansas tells me that they are beatable with the way UT has played for the last couple of games.

 

[Shevis Irons]

Well put Matt. I'm a shining example of your point. Three weeks ago I was unsure which UT team would trot outta the locker room. It dang near impossible to predict what would happen on the field of play.

Now, I'm fairly certain our defense will frustrate, impede and confuse the TCU offense. Will they shut them down? Probably not but I DO expect them to slow them down enough for our offense to outs core them. The wild card here is Special Teams. If they can be but a small positive, we win going away. If they are a big negative we could well lose a game we otherwise should win. I expect us to lead in most statistical categories. I just pray that we don't give up scores and significant field position due to Special Teams failures.

 

[streettopeschel]

Still only 27% picking TCU (and 0% in a blowout):

1. How far, we've come as fans in 3 weeks.

2. I'm interested to see if the confidence holds as the game approaches.

3. Attendance at DKR has been pathetic this year. Maybe a more confident fanbase, plus a highly ranked opponent will change that?

attendance is 'not our standard', but i think it is about what you'd expect all things considered. this is year 5 of mediocrity and the byu game and subsequent 2-4 start were all buzzkills. at some point, 100k tickets sold was going to become 90K tickets sold and 80-something in the stands. i'll be there next week....just wish it was on Friday or Saturday afternoon.

 

[GBT]

Stopping Boykin is the key. TCU has a running game and passing game along with a mobile QB who can make plays with his feet. Can Bedford come up with a plan to stop him, and make adjustments at the half to stop him in the 3rd and 4th qtr ? If so, Texas wins if Swoopes has a good night. If Kansas can score on TCU, then anyone should be able to. The problem is stopping that offense.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Stopping Boykin is the key. TCU has a running game and passing game along with a mobile QB who can make plays with his feet. Can Bedford come up with a plan to stop him, and make adjustments at the half to stop him in the 3rd and 4th qtr ? If so, Texas wins if Swoopes has a good night. If Kansas can score on TCU, then anyone should be able to. The problem is stopping that offense.

Good post. It will be interesting to see if Bedford & Strong choose to focus on limiting Aaron Green instead of Boykin. With the Horned Frogs' array of talent on offense, Texas needs to focus on making TCU predictable (by limiting them in one facet). 

Which one, is the question.

 

[JimR]

there is no such thing as "barely" winning. you win or you lose.