The Longhorns are tired of losing to the Horned Frogs, but are they ready to do something about it? Texas hasn’t won in Fort Worth since 2013 and have an abysmal record against TCU head coach Gary Patterson. Casey Thompson is firing on all cylinders, but can he lead the Longhorns on the road to their third straight win? The HornSports staff gives their thoughts on the outcome of the Texas vs. TCU game in Fort Worth.
Jameson McCausland (3-1)
It’s hard to ignore what Gary Patterson has done to Texas the last 9 years. TCU is 7-2 against Texas, including a 3-1 record when the game is played in Fort Worth. Coaches and personnel have changed over the last decade, but the results have mostly stayed the same. The Horned Frogs lost last week to SMU, but I fully expect Patterson to have his team ready to play on Saturday.
If TCU is able to return 3 defensive starters who missed the SMU game due to injury, this game will get very interesting. The Mustangs ran for 350 yards and while Texas has a strong running game, it is a safe bet to assume that Patterson will have his run defense ready to go.
Another wildcard in this game is the weather. Conditions could be nasty in Fort Worth Saturday morning which could throw a wrench in the game plan for both teams. The weather combined with the early kickoff should limit any home field advantage TCU may have, which is good news for Texas.
Despite all the history pointing towards TCU winning this game, I believe Texas secures a huge road win.
Score Prediction: Texas 28, TCU 24
TFloss32 (3-1)
As far as predictions go, this one is a major case of heart vs. head. Although one could argue this is the first true test for the Casey Thompson-led offense, it’s still difficult to ignore the incredible efficiency we’ve witnessed in the last two weeks. However, there’s the giant Horny Toad sitting in the corner of the room with Texas losing seven of the last nine match-ups. This is THE game for Gary Patterson and his troops. He will do everything in his power to make Sark adjust on the fly by attempting to take away weapons like Xavier Worthy (three defensive starters will be back for TCU), while eating clock and patiently setting up Max Duggan to expose the big play tendencies of the Longhorn defense. I’m going to ride the Casey Thompson train until proven otherwise, but I think it will be a white-knuckled Saturday in Fort Worth. If the 70% chance of rain comes to fruition, your guess is as good as mine.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, TCU 27
Devon Messinger (3-1)
Coming off of a loss to SMU, the Horned Frogs, led by Longhorn killer Max Duggan, will look to bounce back with a win over Texas. Furthermore, last weekend, sophomore running back Zach Evans rushed for 113 yards and could present some challenges for Texas on defense.
Casey Thompson will be the X-Factor for the Longhorns in this game as he will need to take care of the ball against a TCU defense that is turnover-happy. Additionally, Thompson will have to be able to convert on third downs to put the Longhorns in a position of success. However, the Horned Frogs defense has been rather lackluster this year and Bijan Robinson should have plenty of opportunities to take control of the game early.
Score Prediction: Texas 34, TCU 20
Aaron Carrara (3-1)
I’ve been burned on this game so many times the easy prediction would be to take TCU. Patterson’s dominance over Texas is well-documented, but at some point the tables will inevitably turn. I think Saturday is that point. Steve Sarkisian has a firm handle on what the capacity of his team is and he will develop a game plan to match. Texas doesn’t get caught looking this year and the ‘Horns improve to 2-0 in Big 12 play with the Sooners looming.
Score Prediction: Texas 42, TCU 34
Tristan Larsen (3-1)
Texas is firing on all cylinders after decimating the Red Raiders last weekend. Bijan Robinson continues his ascend towards the best running back in football, while the chemistry between Casey Thompson, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Worthy is something coaches have to be pleased with thus far. TCU meanwhile, even outside of the SMU loss, has more than enough offensive firepower to match Texas drive for drive. Quarterback Max Duggan has looked good while former 5-star RB Zach Evans looks comparable to Robinson. This game will be an offensive showcase that will come down to which defense can make a stop first. Expect both teams to put up 30 plus points as this should be a close one till the end. TCU has owned this rivalry as of late winning seven of the last nine overall. I have faith that Steve Sarkisian and his staff will come more prepared than previous coaching staffs, leading Texas to a close and hard fought victory.
Score Prediction: Texas 36, TCU 31
Mitch Lovell (3-1)
Following two games in which Texas didn’t punt, TCU will have their hands full containing an explosive Texas offense. With the efficiency Casey Thompson has operated with since taking over at quarterback, it’s hard to bet against him. With that being said, TCU has certainly found ways to consistently win against Texas and Gary Patterson will have his team ready like always.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, TCU 28
