Music to listen to: Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson
Last Season: The Horned Frogs are in the midst of their best run of football success in decades. Last season’s 13-0 record, including a victory in the Rose Bowl over Wisconsin, culminated a three year period where TCU has gone 36-3, including only one conference loss over that time frame. The Horned Frogs finished second in both major polls last season and had an outside argument to be considered for at least a share of the national title.
Offense: The loss of Andy Dalton would be significant for any program, especially a smaller one like TCU. He was a four year starter who holds every passing record in the program’s history.
The first person to get a shot at replacing Dalton is Casey Pachall. He’ll have the benefit of throwing to a talented group of receivers, including Josh Boyce, Antoine Hicks and Skye Dawson. The rushing attack should be fine as well.
The biggest concern on this side of the ball for the Horned Frogs is the offensive line, which returns only one starter.
Defense: Even with the exploits of Dalton, TCU is still grounded as perennially fielding one of the best defensive units in the country. The defensive line should be strong with the emergence of Stansly Maponga and Braylon Broughton.
The key to the defense is the linebacking group, which includes All-America Tank Carder and Tanner Brock. The secondary only returns one starter so that may be of concern.
Coaching: Gary Patterson has amassed a record of 98-26 in ten full seasons at TCU. He’s made a legitimate case for being the pound-for-pound best coach in college football.
Schedule:
9/2 at Baylor
9/10 at Air Force
9/17 vs. Louisiana-Monroe
9/24 vs. Portland State
10/1 vs. SMU
10/8 at San Diego State
10/22 vs. New Mexico
10/28 vs. BYU
11/5 at Wyoming
11/12 at Boise State
11/19 vs. Colorado State
12/3 vs. UNLV
The schedule has always been the biggest knock against TCU in previous years when analysis of the success of the program is done. The Horned Frogs haven’t lost a conference game in two seasons and outside of the contest at Boise State, this record may stay intact. The game against the Broncos is the toughest one on the slate but I also see the contest at Baylor being a tricky event as well.
Best Case: The Horned Frogs continue their path, win the contest at Boise State, who may be a top-ten team itself in that game, and they return to a BCS bowl for the third consecutive year.
Worst Case: The transition at quarterback and replacement offensive linemen is too much to overcome, causing the program’s 13-game winning streak to end at Baylor. Another loss comes at Boise State and to make matters worse, BYU springs an upset as well over the Horned Frogs.
Uniform grade:
I like purple and black but not together in a uniform scheme. I’m not a fan of the purple jersey, black pants combination or that pattern in reverse. Its too dark. If the purple was lighter I would like it more. Furthermore, I don’t like the grey helmets with the snake skin pattern. The grey pants are nice though. Grade: C+
Favorite Football Alum:
I guess you have to go with LaDanian Tomlinson, who I will never, ever refer to as LT. There’s only one LT and he was the greatest linebacker to ever play in the NFL and wore #56 for the New York Giants. Know your role Tomlinson…know your role.
Alumna Crush:
Texas doesn’t lack in talent and I’m taking someone outside of the box for my TCU choice. The winner was Kristin Holt, the underrated American Idol finalist from years ago and TV personality. She was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, which should get you votes right there.
Also, much love to Kelly Clarkson, who didn’t attend TCU but is from Fort Worth, Texas. She’s been given crap over the years about her looks but I’ve always been a fan of her talent in all of its various forms.
Alumus Crush for the ladies and non-traditional sports fan:
Enjoy come Chris Klein
Final thoughts: The expectations have increased so much at TCU that anything less than an undefeated season would be a disappointment despite the losses of several talented players from last season.
The schedule is tougher this year, especially the trip to Boise State. However, if TCU wins that contest and produces another undefeated regular season, they may have done too much to deny a spot in the BCS Championship game.
Prediction: 10-2
The Sports Inquirer 
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