The TCU Horned Frogs are coming off a season like they haven’t seen since 1938, which was the last time they won the national championship. In Sonny Dikes’ first season as head coach of TCU, he led them to their first national title appearance in 85 years. What’s in store for year two of the Sonny Dikes’ era? Here is the preview for the 2023 TCU Horned Frogs.
Offense
This offense has a lot to replace as they are looking for a new quarterback. Chandler Morris is stepping in for Max Duggan, who was fantastic for this Horned Frogs offense. Morris was the starter coming into the season last year before getting hurt in the opening game. He doesn’t have a ton of game experience under his belt so it’ll take some time for him to get comfortable as the starting quarterback. Sonny Dykes had to replace their top two rushers, top three receivers, and some key lineman offensively. That is a lot of turnover for the Horned Frogs offense, but there is some talent that is coming in for the Horned Frogs.
TCU brought in a big name at running back, as former five star recruit Trey Sanders came over after transferring from Alabama. With the void of losing their top two rushers, Sanders comes in with two other capable running backs to make an impact in Emani Bailey and Trent Battle. TCU also brings in two talented receivers in JoJo Earle (Alabama) and JP Richardson (Oklahoma State). Those two are going to be big for Sonny Dykes’ offense and they have another wideout with some serious promise in my opinion in Savion Williams. At 6’5, Williams can be the next Quentin Johnston for this Horned Frogs offense. TCU returns three offensive lineman from last season and have moved right guard John Lanz to center for this upcoming season. The Horned Frogs brought in Willis Patrick from Jackson State to come in and fill that void at right guard. TCU’s offensive line should be key for their offenses’ success again in 2023.
Defense
TCU’s defense wasn’t the greatest thing on the field in 2022, but they did have some serious playmakers that they have to replace in 2023. In the front six, the Horned Frogs need to replace guys like Dylan Horton and Dee Winters, who were responsible for more than half of the team’s sacks last year. They need guys like freshman All-American nose tackle Damonic Williams and defensive end Paul Oyewale to step up on the defensive line. The linebacker position is the strong point of this TCU defense. They are going to be led by tackling machine Johnny Hodges. Hodges was the leading tackler for the Horned Frogs last year and he had nine tackles for a loss. TCU also has their third leading tackler returning in Jamoi Hodge at the middle linebacker position. These two will be the leaders of a front six group that should be good for the Horned Frogs defense.
In the secondary, they need to get a couple guys to step up. They have three returning starters including their second leading tackler safety Mark Perry. TCU also has their leader in interceptions, nickelback Bud Clark, returning for the Horned Frogs. This group has potential to be very good again in 2023. With the loss of Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU needed another cornerback so they brought in Avery Helm (Florida) via the transfer portal. Replacing Hodges-Tomlinson on the field is going to be tough, however this group will be able to compete and shut down these opposing offenses in the Big 12 when they choose to.
Win Total Bet
The win total is set at 7.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at -144 and the under is set at +118. Coming off a season like last year is going to be hard for this team. With all the expectations, will they be able to live up to the hype? I think they for sure go over this win total, but with the odds at -144 I just can’t put my units on that. The odds are too high, but I think TCU takes a step back from last season. They still get to 9 wins, but they struggle to get over the hump to make it back to not only the College Football Playoff, but the Big 12 title game as well.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Colorado (1-0)
Blowout Win vs Nicholls State (2-0)
Win at Houston (3-0)
Win vs SMU (4-0)
Convincing Win vs West Virginia (5-0)
Win at Iowa State (6-0)
Win vs BYU (7-0)
Loss at Kansas State (7-1)
Loss at Texas Tech (7-2)
Win vs Texas (8-2)
Win vs Baylor (9-2)
Loss at Oklahoma (9-3)