TCU Football: Tori’s Thoughts - Going Slightly "Off Script" Is OK
TCU dropped its home-opener for the first time since 2020 and will look for a bounce-back win against Nicholls State on Saturday at 7 p.m. Here are a few thoughts on Game One and things to remember as the Horned Frogs take the field again.
Game One Went “Off Script” …
Colorado’s 45-42 win over then No. 17 TCU shocked the college football world.
Coach Deion Sanders’ unconventional, house-cleaning approach sounded strange, but, right now, it is working. Keep in mind there was absolutely zero film on this Buffaloes team. Preparing blindly is hard.
And, yes, TCU had its fair share of issues.
Quarterback Chandler Morris looked inexperienced in his first full game as starter since November 2021. He threw behind open receivers and stared down targets. On plays that took too long to develop, Morris did not take advantage of massive running lanes.
Morris completed some impressive throws, but a 57 percent completion rate is not ideal. There were some questionable throws and two costly interceptions. Now, the second interception came on an incredibly athletic play by Travis Hunter, a two-way player whose athleticism is a rare even at the Power Five level. Still, better decision-making will be a key to success moving forward.
Committing ten penalties, including several false starts, is excessive for a team playing at home.
On defense, allowing Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders to complete 81% of his passes for 510 yards (numbers that could’ve been higher if not for a couple of dropped passes) is just bad. Missed tackles, missed assignments, and moments of confusion in an experienced secondary raised several questions. That group was supposed to be the strength of a defense entering its second year under defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie. Any excuses about newness are gone.
The Horned Frogs do have several positives to build on.
The defense recorded seven tackles for loss, including four sacks, and two quarterback hurries, which is not a bad stat line. Of course, more pressure is always better, but Sanders is clearly an elite playmaker. Can’t hold that against the defensive line.
Running back Emani Bailey averaged nearly 12 yards per carry on 14 attempts for a career-high 164 yards. Trey Sanders emerged as the bruiser, short-yardage back. Tight end Jared Wiley and wide receivers JP Richardson, Dylan Wright, and Jack Bech showed the receiving group has depth. As these roles continue developing, the offense should get better.
… But There is Plenty of Season Left …
Week Two brings an FCS team, which is the weakest opponent on TCU’s schedule.
Nicholls State went 3-8 in 2022 and opened this season with a 38-24 loss versus Sacramento State on August 31.
Usually, these Power Five-FCS games are a lopsided mismatch in favor of a team like TCU. The Horned Frogs have size, speed, and overall athletic advantages at nearly every position. Overconfidence or mistakes, like turnovers, allow FCS teams to stick around and pull off upsets.
After a disappointing loss, this is a good gut check for TCU.
The offense needs to move the ball up and down the field, scoring on most – if not all – possessions. Morris must hit open receivers and be more willing to run off-script. If the run game proves dominant again, don’t shy away from that advantage.
Defense should get turnovers, sacks, quarterback hurries, and generally make it hard for Nicholls State to move the ball. Those missed tackles and assignments can’t be there.
The Horned Frogs can prove a lot in a game that, on the surface, seems very routine.
… So, Relax.
Almost any coach would tell you that a football season is a marathon, not a sprint. That mantra rings even truer after a loss.
Losing the season opener hurts, especially against a team almost everyone expected you to beat. But one loss, let alone one game, does not define a season.
Good teams learn, adjust, and improve. TCU has 11 more chances to do that, including the entire Big 12 Conference slate. The Horned Frogs can still qualify for a bowl game and beat the 7.5-over/under projected win total.
It is not fair to compare this team with the 2022 squad. There are several returning pieces, but this team is different.
Given time, the Horned Frogs will find their identity - warts and all.
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