How can TCU build on its run game against Baylor? Can the Horned Frogs avoid turning the ball over on the road? Is the team still in the hunt for a Big 12 championship game bid? We’ll answer those questions
from our Facebook followers as the Horned Frogs (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) gear up for a conference game at West Virginia.
“What did we learn from running the dang ball?” — John David Perkins
While the fans in the stands may not have been grateful for the poor weather conditions, I wonder whether or not these conditions factored into TCU running the football more. Nevertheless, we learned how much better this offense can function when there’s a true balance between run and pass. In their last two Big 12 home games, the Horned Frogs have 70 rushing attempts and 64 passing attempts, whereas on the road, TCU has thrown it 80 times to just 46 runs in conference play. While some of that can be attributed to falling behind, it’s clear TCU’s offense functions better when the run game is working and all of the pressure isn’t on Josh Hoover’s shoulders. TCU failed to capitalize against a poor Kansas State run defense and was unable to control the game running the ball against Arizona State, blowing a 17-0 lead. Kevorian Barnes needs at least 20 touches a game going forward.
“What’s our chances to make big 12 championship at this point?” — Ethan Prance
Beating Baylor is massive for the Horned Frogs, who may need to run the table from this point on to earn a spot in the Big 12 title game. There are six teams in the conference with 2-2 records including Kansas State, who TCU recently lost too. Moreover, Iowa State is 2-2 and the remainder of TCU’s opponents (BYU, Cincinnati, Houston) are 4-0 or 3-1 in conference play, which means every opportunity moving forward is an opportunity for TCU to climb the Big 12 ladder. Looking beyond the West Virginia game, TCU’s four-game slate of Iowa State, Houston, BYU and Cincinnati will ultimately decide the team’s fate and prove how good the Horned Frogs truly are.
“Going into another hostile environment on the road. What is the plan to get Hoover off to a good start? As the team goes as good as he does. West Virginia has been a very difficult place to play for us in the past.” — Mary Allain
Piggybacking off the first response above, I think TCU needs to control the game and that starts with running the football. Eliminate the quick passes or throws to the flat as an “extension of the run game”. Pound the ball with Barnes, Trent Battle and Jeremy Payne and use that success to create big plays in the passing game. West Virginia is one of the worst run defenses in the conference, ranking 12th with an average of nearly 170 rushing yards allowed per game. As an offense, TCU should always look to exploit the biggest weaknesses of the opposing defense. The Mountaineers don’t stop the run, so the Horned Frogs should attack that flaw early and often.
