TCU Horned Frogs
Overall Rank: #23
#5 Big 12
TCU Team Page
The days of undefeated conference seasons are over for TCU as they make the move from the Mountain West to the Big 12. But Coach Gary Patterson has built up this program over the last 11 years and they are more than capable of competing in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs return a potent offense that is even impressive by Big 12 standards. The key for this team will be overall depth and bringing it week in and week out in a much tougher conference.
2011 Record: (11-2, 7-0)
2011 Bowl: Poinsettia Bowl vs. Louisiana Tech (W 31-24)
Coach: Gary Patterson (109-30 at TCU, 109-30 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Jarrett Anderson and Rusty Burns
Defensive Coordinator: Dick Bumpas
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Waymon James, RB, 875 yards
Passing: Casey Pachall, QB, 2,921 yards
Receiving: Josh Boyce, WR, 998 yards
Tackles: Kenny Cain, LB, 72
Sacks: Stansly Maponga, DE, 9.0
Interceptions: Jonathan Anderson, S, 1; Kenny Cain, LB, 1; Jason Verrett, CB, 1
Other Key Returnees: WR Skye Dawson, G Blaize Foltz, DE Ross Forrest, C James Fry, DT David Johnson, S Devin Johnson, RB Matthew Tucker
Key Losses: TE Logan Brock, LB Tank Carder, S Tekerrein Cuba, OT Robert Deck, G Kyle Dooley, K Ross Evans, S Johnny Fobbs, WR Antoine Hicks, S Devin Johnson, CB Greg McCoy, OT Jeff Olson, RB Ed Wesley, DT D.J. Yendrey
Strengths:
The skill players at TCU are full of potential and it starts with junior quarterback Casey Pachall. He stepped into a starting role last year and threw for 2,921 yards, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Pachall completed a very impressive 66.5 percent of his passes, which set a school record and he should be even better with a year of experience under his belt. That percentage may dip some since it will be tough to keep up that pace, but TCU has a very good and athletic quarterback that will look like he belongs in the Big 12 from day one. With the return of receiver Josh Boyce, Pachall has his favorite target. Boyce, a 6-0 junior, caught 61 passes for 998 yards and nine scores last season. Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter also return after tallying 45 and 23 catches in 2011, respectively. Redshirt freshman LaDarius Brown made headlines in the offseason with his ability to make things happen after the catch. The running back situation is in good shape even after Ed Wesley opted to enter the NFL supplemental draft in July. Matthew Tucker is a great goal line option and has proven that he can be an every down back in the past. Junior Waymon James was a surprise last year, leading the team with 875 rushing yards and will team up with Tucker to provide a solid one-two punch in the backfield.
Weaknesses:
However, the entire offense could struggle if replacements are not found on the offensive line. Three starters are gone, but TCU does have some options. BYU transfer Tayo Fabuluje is a great addition and James Dunbar was expected to start last year, but ended up playing a reserve role in just five games instead. TCU will need him to pick up his game and live up to his potential. The Horned Frogs have made a name for themselves with their stellar defense, but there are holes all over the place from a unit that was not as dominating as usual. The front four returns three starters. End Stansly Maponga is a menace to opposing quarterbacks and Ross Forrest is solid on the other end. Chuck Hunter and Jon Lewis will look to join David Johnson in the middle of the line. Linebackers Tank Carder and Tanner Brock will be missed. Carder was a leader on the field for four years. Kenny Cain is back after leading the team in tackles and there are high hopes for sophomore Deryck Gildon. The secondary will be very inexperienced with corner Jason Verrett the only upperclassman who will likely start.
The Bottom Line:
The TCU offense should be in good shape even as the competition gets tougher. The offensive line may need some time to pull things together, but there is talent there. It is helpful that Pachall is a mobile quarterback who can avoid sacks and Tucker is a back that can create his own holes. The bigger test will be for the defense. Even in the Mountain West this group would need some time to find quality replacements for the departed talent. In the Big 12, that adjustment period could last all year long.
Projected Bowl: Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 208.62 (19th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 231.62 (63, 3)
Total Offense: 440.23 (28, 3)
Scoring Offense: 40.85 (9, 2)
Rushing Defense: 123.77 (25, 2)
Pass Defense: 223.62 (60, 6)
Total Defense: 347.38 (32, 2)
Scoring Defense: 21.46 (28, 2)
Turnover Margin: .15 (44, 5)
Sacks: 1.92 (59, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 1.00 (15, 5)
Madness 2012 Football Recruit Rankings:
#116 Devonte Fields
#218 Tyler Matthews
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