Gary Patterson has a habit of bouncing back in a big way after down years. His win totals the year following disappointments: 10, 11, 11, 11, and 12. That means we should expect big things from the TCU Horned Frogs after their 7-6 season in 2018.
Prestige Ranking: 4*
Last year might not have turned out the way they wanted, but the Frogs are still just four years removed from winning the Big 12 and barely missing out on the College Football Playoff. They’ve also only missed a bowl twice in Gary Patterson’s nearly twenty years as head coach.
Last Year’s Record: 7-6
TCU seriously struggled on offense and it resulted in disappointing losses to teams like Texas Tech and Kansas. They also had some understandable losses to Ohio State, Texas and Oklahoma that could’ve been different if they had been able to muster just an above average offense. They hit rock bottom with a blowout loss to West Virginia in November. However, they rebounded with three straight wins against rival Baylor, Oklahoma State and Cal in the greatest Cheez-it Bowl of all time.
Key Losses:
The biggest losses for the Frogs come in the front six. Ben Banogu and LJ Collier were a great pairing on either side of the line last season, combining for 29.5 TFLs and 14.5 sacks. Now they’re off to the Colts and Seahawks, leaving TCU to try and replace two of their best players. They also lost senior linebacker Ty Summers, who was responsible for over 300(!) tackles and played in 47 games over his career.
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 6
- RB Darius Anderson
- RB Sewa Olonilua
- WR Jalen Reagor
- LT Anthony McKinney
- RG Austin Myers
- RT Lucas Niang
If you want to talk yourself into the TCU Horned Frogs being a top-25 level offense again, they certainly have the pieces. Running backs Anderson and Olonilua split time last year and both averaged close to five yards a carry. There’s also Reagor, who will be one of the best receivers in the Big 12, especially with improved quarterback play. They also have a really solid mix of talent and depth upfront with Niang coming back and several experienced upperclassmen in the rotation.
Defense: 6
- DT Corey Bethley
- LB Garret Wallow
- CB Jeff Gladney
- CB Julius Lewis
- DB Vernon Scott
- S Innis Gaines
TCU lost more production on defense than offense, but they still have some great players-especially some talented seniors-coming back. Gladney led the team with 12 pass breakups and will still be a shutdown corner this year. They also have Innis Gaines back at safety after an injury in October derailed his excellent season. The linebacker pairing of Wallow and redshirt Senior Montrel Wilson will be crucial, but both are experienced in Patterson’s 4-2-5.
Special Teams: 2
- K Jonathon Song
- R Jalen Reagor
Song will have to beat senior Cole Bunce to keep the starting job, which he should do if he is able to stay healthy this season. Update: Bunce is out for the year after injuring his foot in a scooter accident, meaning Song will surely be the full time starter.Meanwhile, Reagor is an explosive playmaker who averaged 30 yards per kick return. There is also freshman Australian punter Jordy Sandy to be excited about as he was a top 5 recruit at his position in 2019.
Key Newcomer on Offense: Justin Rogers (assuming he becomes the starter)
Redshirt freshman Justin Rogers is one of four players who could potentially start at quarterback for TCU this fall. While Rogers is probably the most naturally talented, there certainly isn’t a shortage of options: last year’s backup Mike Collins, Kansas State transfer Alex Delton, Ohio State transfer Matthew Baldwin and true freshman Max Duggan could all potentially see time. However, in the latest depth chart, Rogers, Collins and Delton were all listed together for the starting job:
Rogers was a high 4-star recruit and one of the top three quarterbacks of 2018. A knee injury kept him off the field last season, otherwise he likely would’ve seen time and probably been an improvement at the position.
Key Newcomer on Defense: DE Ochaun Mathis
The redshirt freshman will be at least partially responsible for replacing the holes filled by Banogu and Collier. Mathis was only a 3-star recruit a year ago, but with two offseasons under Patterson, he could be primed for a breakout year.
Wins the Big XII if:
There isn’t a clear favorite to meet Oklahoma in the conference championship game. TCU, Texas, Oklahoma State and maybe even Iowa State all have a chance to do it, but also all have some questions to answer. If the Horned Frogs’ offense can return to their pre-2018 levels, they have a great chance to be in Arlington on December 7th.
Circle this Game: Texas – Saturday, October 26th
If TCU is going to get back to the Big 12 championship game, this will be a pivotal moment. They get Texas in Fort Worth and a win would likely put them at 4-0 in conference play before the more difficult part of the schedule. The Frogs are also 5-2 against the Longhorns since arriving in the Big 12 and would love to see that continue, especially as the rivalry gets pettier:
2019 Outlook:
The biggest question for the TCU Horned Frogs is if they can find a quarterback. If Justin Rogers(or any of the other potential options) steps up, they could be in for a big rebound. However, without a solution at QB, the offense will probably continue to struggle the same as last year. With a solid offense this team could compete for a Big 12 championship, but with another offensive disaster they might struggle to reach a bowl.
