#13 TCU Horned Frogs

Let’s just be clear. We will no longer refer to this team as a “BCS Buster” or a “Non-BCS Conference team”. The TCU Horned Frogs have played at a level that is on par with all of its Texas brethren (except 1 of course). If a poll was done as to who the best teams in Texas are, the Horned Frogs would undoubtedly find themselves at a solid #2, ahead of the likes of Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Baylor (Big 12 members).

That being said, this year, this squad will not be able to just fly under the radar. A high-profile game against one of the Pac-10 favorites (Oregon State) starts their season and might derail this BCS Contender before they even get on the track.

Head Coach Gary Patterson has made a living out of recruiting “athletes”. Sounds simple right? Not so fast, let me explain. Most teams recruit by position. So if I am a coach and I need 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs… then I will recruit 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs. Patterson, however, simply recruits the BEST athlete and then plugs them in where his team needs help. There is no greater example of this, than witnessed by 2010 First Round Draft choice (Jerry Hughes). Hughes arrived at TCU as a star RB...he left as one of the best Defensive Lineman in the country. So, the one thing that you KNOW that you’re going to get from the Horned Frogs is speed, strength, and quickness at every position on the field.

This year is no exception. 9 starters return on offense, led by All-Conference selections QB Andy Dalton and WR Jeremy Kerley. Dalton passed for 2800 yards and 23 TDs last season, while Kerley led the WRs with 44 receptions. Kerley was also a potent kick returner and looks to hold onto that position this season. Sophomore Ed Wesley is poised to take over at RB and while he wasn’t a starter in 2009, he managed to earn significant playing time to the tune of 638 yards and 4 TDs. Adding to his confidence will be the knowledge that he is running behind a veteran offensive line that returns 4 starters from last year.

Defensively, 7 starters are back. DE Wayne Daniels should be a prime NFL Draft candidate in 2011 and in the mean time will wreak havoc on opposing QBs. Look for Junior MLB Tank Carder (2009 All-Conference selection) to anchor a strong 2nd level for the Frogs. Both starting safeties return which should help with the departure of both starting CBs. Seniors Colin Jones (SS) and Tejay Johnson (FS) will have to help ease new starters Jason Teague (CB) and Greg McCoy (CB) into the all-important defensive backfield.

As we previously alluded to, the Horned Frogs will play their toughest opening game in decades when facing the Beavers of Oregon State. But 2 things about this are good. If TCU can grab a win in this early season tilt, it will place them firmly on the radar of all the voters (both Coach and AP), where as in the past, they didn’t enter the conversation until about midseason. Another advantage is that this will be the hardest game they play all year. After a week 2 tune-up against Tennessee Tech, they will host Baylor and then from that point forward, only late season matchups against BYU and Utah would have the potential of slowing them down and preventing them from playing in a 2nd consecutive BCS game.

Key Returning Players:
QB Andy Dalton
WR Jeremy Kerley
DE Wayne Daniels
LB Tank Carder
SS Colin Jones
FS Tejay Johnson
K Ross Evans

Key Games:
Sept 4 - Oregon State (in Arlington)
Sept 18 - Baylor
Oct 16 - BYU
Oct 23 - Air Force
Nov 6 - @ Utah