The TCU offense is so bad, one would think the formula is simple for Texas to beat the Horned Frogs and move to within one win of being bowl eligible. Unfortunately, Texas has Case McCoy at QB, a player from which you never know what to expect when he faces good defenses. TCU has a stellar defensive unit, so it’s going to take a strong effort from Texas to do the things necessary to bring home the win. Here are my keys to a Longhorns victory:
Case McCoy Can’t Play Stupid: TCU leads the Big 12 in both interceptions (13) and overall takeaways (19). The secondary is as solid a unit as McCoy has faced in his career, and CB Jason Verrett will make him pay dearly for any mistake. The “gunslinger†needs to keep it holstered, play within the offense, realize he can’t win the game on one throw, and take what the defense gives him.
Major Applewhite Has To Keep Calling On His Tanks: There will be a test of wills, as the Longhorns are best running the football while TCU is best at stopping the run, giving up just 115 yards per game. Texas has up to five running backs to throw at the Horned Frogs, and Applewhite must keep hammering away with what he has. If things work, he will find himself with the ball late and either have a chance to close it out or get the last score to win. The Horns have superior talent and depth at running back… use it. Oh, and Bergeron/Gray need to hold on to the football.
Something Special Needs To Happen: Points will be at a premium in this contest, and what better way to open up a badly needed gap than something huge on special teams. The kick return unit is in need of a big strike, and this is the perfect time for it.
No Stupid Penalties: Against TCU, a five yard loss is a major setback. The guys manning the left tackle spot for Texas have been especially penalty prone, and can’t start popping drive killers in this contest. Everyone needs to make the conscious effort to play smart football.
Film the Pilot Episode of Breaking Pachall: I’m assuming we will see Casey Pachall at some point in the game. The Longhorns defense needs to drop the hammer (cleanly) on Pachall at every opportunity. He has only played about six quarters of real football in the last year, and a reminder of how bad it can hurt is just what the Robinson ordered.
Tackling / Fundamentals: TCU ran wild last year in their upset win in Austin. Patterson is going to come with the rushing attack hard and heavy again to take the heat off his quarterbacks. The Longhorns don’t have to get a tackle for loss every play, but can’t make someone’s career highlight reel either.  Just do your jobs, wrap up, and make the play. If the Horns somehow shut down the TCU run I like our odds against the pass.
This will be one heck of game, but I think Texas pulls it out 24-20.
