The final week of the Texas regular season will feature a matchup with TCU in Austin in front of a nationally televised Thanksgiving audience. This game sets up as a rematch from two seasons ago when the Horned Frogs physically handled Texas on their home field. Since Gary Patterson took over at Texas Christian University, the Horned Frogs have enjoyed a run of unparalleled success often cast in the role of BCS buster. Most of that success was gained in the Mountain West Conference, while TCU has struggled since their move to the Big 12 two seasons ago.
Last season saw TCU stumble to a 4-8 record marking their first losing season since 2004. Patterson now looks to regain the momentum that led to eight double digit win seasons including a Rose Bowl victory and perfect record. Recently, TCU has been known more for their off the field troubles than success on the field including the dismissal of several players following the discovery of a drug ring being run in the locker room. As a tough disciplinarian, Patterson is fighting desperately to regain control of his program and find success in a major conference.
Offense:
The Horned Frog offense will feature a new look this season as Patterson tabbed Sonny Cumbie as his Offensive Coordinator in an attempt to open up scoring. Cumbie will undoubtedly install a more pass-friendly offense after both playing and coaching in Texas Tech’s air raid offense. The key for Cumbie will be to find a capable trigger man to run his offense.
Trevone Boykin returns (for his third season in Fort Worth) to try and take a firm hold on the starting quarterback position. His main competition will be incoming senior transfer Matt Joeckel who joined the Horned Frogs after playing mostly a reserve roll at Texas A&M. If that name sounds familiar, it is because Matt is the brother of 2013 first round pick Luke Joeckel. Joeckel and Boykin present two different types of skillsets as Boykin excels as a dual threat player while Joeckel is a more traditional pocket passer.
Leading rusher B.J. Catalon will shoulder the load for the Horned Frogs’ rushing attack, while Aaron Green will provide the game breaking ability. TCU has always relied on a steady rushing attack and good offensive line play for their ball control offense, so those two will play a pivotal role in the success or failure of the offense. Redshirt freshman Kyle Hicks was a highly rated recruit out of high school, and could figure into the role of an all-purpose back.
On the offensive line the Horned Frogs will look to replace starters James Dunbar and Eric Tausch. Newcomer Joseph Noteboom could see some time, but the line is made up of returning upperclassmen such as Vatai Halapoulivaati and Aviante Collins.
The dismissal of Brandon Carter will be felt in the receiving corps as Josh Doctson looks to pick up the slack as a big play threat. TCU will need contributions from receivers Ja’Juan Story and David Porter to aid Doctson.
Key Losses: Casey Pachall, Eric Tausch, James Dunbar
Newcomers: Matt Joeckel, Joseph Noteboom, Kyle Hicks
Defense:
While the defensive line is the strength of the team, TCU received some bad news when star pass rusher Devonte Fields was released from the team for yet another run in with the law. Chucky Hunter is an anchor in the middle of the defensive line and one of the top at his position in the conference. Terrell Lathan and James McFarland will need to provide the pass rush in the absence of Fields.
At linebacker, the Frogs are set with returning seniors Marcus Mallet, Jonathan Anderson, and Paul Dawson. Freshman Paul Whitmill will also compete for playing time in the middle of their 4-2-5 defense.
TCU will feel the effects of turnover in the secondary after the loss of first round pick Jason Verrett and Safety Elisha Olabode. Verrett’s man coverage ability was a big weapon against opposing offenses and will not be easy to replace. Senior Kevin White is a lock to start on one side, but freshmen Ranthony Texada and Cyd Calvin will battle for the other corner.
Chris Hackett will reprise his role as the “rover†or weak side safety in the 4-2-5. Hackett’s 71 tackles and three interceptions led the team last season and he should be a steady hand in the defensive backfield. TCU will also need contributions from Derrick Kindred, Sam Carter, George Baltimore, and Kenny Iloka at the safety position to provide depth in a pass happy conference.
Key Losses: Devonte Fields, Jason Verrett, Elisha Olabode
Newcomers: Ranthony Texada, Cyd Calvin, George Baltimore
TCU will beat Texas if…
With this being the last game of the regular season, a lot will depend on what both teams accomplish in prior games – at this late juncture, the book on both teams will be mostly written. Gary Patterson has never had trouble fielding a competitive defense, so the key will be to find a quarterback and hope the new offensive scheme comes together. Historically TCU has relied on ball control offense to eat the clock and a defense that grinds out opponents. In a high tempo offense, there’s always the chance that your defense will spend more time on the field. On paper this TCU team isn’t impressive from a talent standpoint, but Gary Patterson has made a living exceeding expectations. If the Frogs can answer those questions in the early part of the season and stay healthy, there is no reason they can’t beat Texas.
TCU will have a successful season if…
Again, the key here is the offense. Lost in the shuffle of last year, TCU actually fielded a defense that finished 24th in the country. If Sonny Cumbie installs his offense successfully, the Horned Frogs have the chance to make a little noise in the conference. Unfortunately for TCU, they are lacking a true answer at quarterback and some explosiveness in the skill positions. The ceiling for this team on paper isn’t a conference championship, but If they can find some answers to those questions they should be able to grind their way to eight or nine wins.
