TCU Horned Frogs
Overall Rank: #24
#4 Big 12
TCU was ranked as high as fourth last season, before losing three games late in the season. With a great defense that Coach Gary Patterson always has, the Horned Frogs are always just an offense away from competing for a Big 12 title. And this year the offense certainly has that potential to do something special.
2017 Record: 11-3, 7-2
2017 Bowl: Alamo Bowl vs. Stanford (W 39-37)
Coach: Gary Patterson (160-57 at TCU, 160-57 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Sonny Cumbie, Curtis Luper
Defensive Coordinator: Chad Glasgow
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Darius Anderson, RB, 768 yards
Passing: Shawn Robinson, QB, 184 yards
Receiving: Jalen Reagor, WR, 576 yards
Tackles: Ridwan Issahaku, S, 66
Sacks: Ben Banogu, DE, 8.5
Interceptions: Jeff Gladney, CB, 2
Other Key Returnees: RB Sewo Olonilua, WR KaVontae Turpin, LB Ty Summers, S Nico Small
Key Losses: QB Kenny Hill, RB Kyle Hicks, WR John Diarse, WR Desmon White, OL Matt Pryor, OL Austin Schlottman, DL Mat Boesen, LB Travin Howard, S Nick Orr, CB Ranthony Texada
Offense:
Shawn Robinson will take over for Kenny Hill at quarterback. Robinson started one game last season, a 27-3 victory over Texas Tech. In that contest, he threw for just 85 yards and one touchdown, but also ran for 84 yards. Robinson will not have to do everything on his own though with a bevy of talent at the skill positions. Jalen Reagor was the top receiver last season, catching 33 passes for 576 yards and eight touchdowns. Behind him there is a lot of young talent that the program expects to be ready to contribute. Darius Anderson rushed for 768 yards and eight scores in 2017 and is capable of rushing for over 1,000 yards as a junior. There are big questions on the offensive line though. If the line cannot hold up, TCU’s offensive potential could vanish quickly.
Defense:
Defensive end Ben Banogu opted to return for his senior season after recording 8.5 sacks in 2017. He will anchor a front four that boasts talented sophomore tackles Ross Blacklock and Corey Bethley. Those two were a big reason why TCU ranked fifth in the nation in rush defense. Ty Summers will slide over to take over for Travin Howard, who recorded 108 tackles in 2017. Summers is an experienced senior who is ready to take on a larger role. With fellow seniors Arico Evans and Northern Illinois transfer Jawuan Johnson helping out, the linebacker corps is in very good shape. The secondary has plenty of talent too. Jeff Gladney will take over as the top cornerback and the three year starter will be the next great corner under Coach Patterson. Safeties Niko Small and Ridwan Issahaku are returning starters, but there are very high hopes for Innis Gaines as well.
The Bottom Line:
The defense will be among the best in the Big 12. If the offense can thrive with Robinson under center and the offensive line can find a couple new stars, the Horned Frogs will compete for a conference title. TCU will have a very interesting game prior to the start of Big 12 play when they face Ohio State in Arlington. With a good showing there, TCU could gain some serious momentum heading into conference play.
Projected Bowl: Texas Bowl
2017 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 174.1 (53rd in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 245.1 (52, 8)
Total Offense: 419.2 (45, 5)
Scoring Offense: 33.6 (29, 5)
Rushing Defense: 103.9 (5, 1)
Pass Defense: 227.5 (70, 1)
Total Defense: 331.4 (19, 1)
Scoring Defense: 19.0 (15, 1)
Turnover Margin: 0.21 (52, 7)
Sacks: 3.00 (11, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.29 (19, 1)
Madness 2018 Recruit Rankings:
#50 Justin Rogers
#222 Atanza Vongor
