TCU: Minnesota Preview And Prediction

It’s time for No. 2 ranked TCU Horned Frogs to launch one of the most highly anticipated football seasons for the program in school history.

Hallelujah, the time has come! College football season is upon us once more.

TCU looks to build on their strong 2014 season as they head up to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Last season left a bitter taste in the mouth of any Horned Frogs fan after being left out of the Inaugural College Football Playoff.

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However, a dominant performance against Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl and a plethora of returning starters has TCU ranked as the No. 2 team in the country in both the AP and Coaches’ poll according to ESPN.

Last season TCU displayed a high-powered offense that only promises more. Led by senior QB Trevone Boykin, the Horned Frogs averaged over 500 yards per game and scored 46.5 points per contest, good enough for 2nd in the nation. Boykin, who finished 4th in the Heisman voting last season is the projected Heisman winner in many polls going into 2015.

Boykin isn’t the only key player returning on the offensive side of the ball for TCU. Boykin will have a full receiver arsenal to throw to this year as all of the Horned Frogs starting wideouts are returning as well.

Despite TCU’s potent offense, the quality of the defensive side of the ball is still up in the air. Even though, statistically, the Horned Frogs defense was considered one of the best in the nation, only giving up about 19 points per game, they struggled at crucial moments in games, most notably the 61-58 loss to Baylor. In that game, the Bears overcame a 21-point deficit in the final 11 minutes and likely kept TCU out of the “Final Four”. In combination with the shakiness last year, the Frogs have lost a number of their best defensive players including linebacker Paul Dawson who led the team in total tackles and tackles for a loss.

If TCU hopes to accomplish what they didn’t last year, the key is going to be a strong start against a solid Big 10 opponent in Minnesota. In last year’s matchup, the Frogs beat Minnesota 30-7 in Fort Worth, but outside the stat line, Minnesota looked strong. They finished the year at a respectable 8-4 and 4th in the Big 10 behind Michigan State, Wisconsin and national champion Ohio State. The Golden Gophers, however, have 6 returning starters on offense, including quarterback Mitch Leidner, as well as 7 returning starters on defense and are looking to improve upon their surprising season last year.

Keys to the Game:

In order to solidify a hot start the season the Horned Frogs need to keep their offense on the field – more specifically, keep Trevone Boykin on the field. Boykin was hands down the MVP of the 2014 season for the Frogs and his success is crucial to the team.

On a lesser note, the Frogs will also need somebody to step on special teams due to the transfer of top return man Cameron Echols-Luper to Arkansas State.

Lastly, TCU will need somebody to show themselves to be a leader on defense. Last year we saw Paul Dawson emerge as the face of the Horned Frog defense, but with his departure I would look to senior free safety Chris Hackett or senior defensive tackle Davion Pierson to step up on that side of the ball.

Prediction:

I expect TCU to come out firing on all cylinders on the offensive side of the ball, to struggle defensively in the first half but still come away with a 42-17 victory with Boykin having a strong showing in his quest for the Heisman Trophy.

Next: TCU: Trevone Boykin Will Win Heisman Trophy

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