Staff Predictions: TCU

Mike Roach:

The Horns have faced a lot of adversity, and if this were a movie they would come together in their toughest hour and win an upset against the better team. Unfortunately for Texas fans, life isn’t fair, nor is it a movie. While there are a lot of scenarios where Texas could come out on top, I’m not sure I can bet on them to do it until they show the ability to eliminate mistakes and finish games. Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson are going to be incredibly difficult to stop, while the Horned Frog running game has the ability to make big plays. I think this game is close for a while, but the dreaded 3rd quarter will get to Texas and lose them the game.

Score Prediction: TCU 50 Texas 37

Jon Nemec:

Man, what another gut wrenching loss. I really feel like Texas was the better team on the field last week, with some “timely” calls by the refs for Oklahoma State, they were able to come away with a win in Austin for. Now on to TCU. TCU is an enigma. I feel like we won’t know what TCU is all about for awhile right now. Their schedule does not pick up for a little bit. However, we know their defense has struggled this season. Which has been a calling card for Patterson at TCU. In order for Texas to win the offensive line has to keep making holes for the running backs, and Heard cannot play hero ball, and hold onto the ball taking bad sacks. Look for the play to be made don’t worry about the home run play every time you touch the ball.

The young freshman DB triumvirate of Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, and Davante Davis are going to have to show up big to slow down Doctson of TCU. However the savvy senior will probably have the better showing. I hate picking against Texas, but this team is just too young right now to overcome some of these seniors. If Texas is victorious come Saturday afternoon. You won’t finder a happier camper than me.

Score Prediction: TCU: 41 Texas: 35

Aaron Carrara:

Can Jerrod Heard and the Texas wide receivers match the offensive production of Trevon Boykin and Josh Doctson? That’s what it might take for Texas to win this football game. Doctson alone had 267 yards receiving and three TD’s last week against Texas Tech. The key to a Texas win (other than a

successful game from Heard) is for Texas to win the turnover battle. The Longhorns rank 8th nationally in turnover margin and average +1.5 turnovers

per game. If they can stretch that to 3 tomorrow against TCU I think the Longhorns are in this game until the end. Problematic for Texas is the lack

of pass rush and a less-than desirable pass defense. Against a TCU offense that is nothing short of a machine, those aren’t areas you can afford to be

lax in.

TCU’s rushing defense allows 170 yards/game which means good things for Texas RB Johnathan Gray. Look for the senior to eclipse the 100 yard mark

tomorrow – something he hasn’t done since the West Virginia game last season. In the end the TCU offense prevails and the Horned Frogs win their

second straight against the Longhorns and keep their Top-10 ranking intact.

Score Prediction: TCU – 48, Texas – 35

Ryan Bridges:

I thought Texas would beat Cal. Then I doubled down and thought Texas would slaughter Oklahoma State. Both were games Texas probably should have won, but I’m not falling for that again. Instead, I’m listening to the pessimistic voice in my head, and it’s telling me that the defensive line will return to its “contain first” approach to rushing the passer, and Trevone Boykin is now experienced enough to punish defenses for that. It’s telling me the jig is up with the Jay Norvell offense, and although Norvell has done wonders with the unit, there are too many weak links to expect to score 40+ points per game. It’s telling me Kent Perkins won’t play and (a thankfully stomach bug-free) Jerrod Heard will spend Saturday running for his life. And it’s telling me that although Holton Hill is athletic enough to contain Josh Doctson, he’s not experienced enough to do it, and the resources Texas will have to dedicate to quieting him will open things up on the ground for Aaron Green. I’m keeping my expectations low and taking TCU.

Score Prediction: TCU wins 45-30.

Chris Flanagan:

With the game being at 11am, it should make for a sloppy first half. However, TCU knows it looked bad against Texas Tech. They claim to be doing something different against Jerrod Heard. I doubt the differences are going to make or break the game for the Horned Frogs. The zone read game will be crucial for the Longhorns to have success. Jerrod Heard will need to commit to a play and even if it gets 3 yards, take it. The Longhorns need this win, but I don’t think they get it. But it will be close.

Score Prediction: TCU wins 55-45.