Frogs still consistent winner
TCU enjoys strong run of success under Patterson
Gary Patterson has become synonymous with TCU football. Patterson is the secondlongest tenured coach in the country behind Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz. Entering his 20th season as the Horned Frogs’ head coach, Patterson is looking to once again reach the double-digit win mark while pushing for a Big 12 title.
Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 130 FBS teams in the country entering the 2019 season. The Sentinel staff will take a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 130 to our projected No. 1 team.
Today at No. 38: TCU
Coach: Gary Patterson (167-63, 20th season, 167-63 overall) entering
2018 record: 7-6, 4-5 Big 12, tied for fifth
Look back: The middle of the 2018 season was not kind for TCU.
After opening 2-0, the Horned Frogs lost four of their next five games, including a 52-27 drubbing by Oklahoma that kept TCU out of Big 12 contention.
Patterson was able to get things going at the end of the season, winning the final two conference games before a 10-7 overtime win over Cal in the Cheez-It Bowl.
Quarterback production was an issue. Shawn Robinson, Mike Collins and Grayson Muehlstein combined to throw for 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor emerged with 72 receptions for 1,061 yards and nine touchdowns.
TCU’s defense was the best in the Big 12 and ranked No. 24 nationally, allowing 338.2 yards per game.
Offensive starters returning: 7 Offensive starters lost: 4 Defensive starters returning: 4 Defensive starters lost: 7
Top returnees: QB Mike Collins, RB Darius Anderson, RB Sewo Olonilua, WR Taye Barber, WR Jalen Reagor, OL Lucas Niang, DL Corey Bethley, LB Garrett Wallow, DB Jeff Gladney, DB Julius Lewis
Key losses: QB Shawn Robinson, WR KaVontae Turpin, DL Ben Banogu, DL L.J. Collier, LB Arico Evans, LB Ty Summers, LB Jawaun Johnson, DB Ridwan Issahaku
Strengths: The Horned Frogs’ starting quarterback will have targets to throw to, with Reagor leading the way. Slot receiver and H-back Taye Barber had an impressive freshman season and should continue to improve.
Both of TCU’s top running backs return. Four offensive linemen also are back for a unit that allowed the fewest sacks per game in the Big 12 last season.
Cornerbacks Jeff Gladney and Lewis will lead the defense. Julius
Weaknesses: TCU’s quarterback situation is not set heading into the fall.
Robinson transferred to Missouri and Collins did not impress enough in his four starts last season to be entrenched as the starter heading into this season.
Patterson brought in former Ohio State quarterback Matthew Baldwin. In June, Baldwin was close to submitting a waiver to the NCAA to receive immediate eligibility, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The Horned Frogs also have to replace two key starters at defensive end and linebackers Ty Summers and Arico Evans.
Outlook: The middle of the schedule could once again determine whether TCU can compete for a Big 12 championship. Kansas is expected to improve under Les Miles. Consecutive road contests against Iowa State and Kansas State are no easy task and a home game against Texas will dictate how the Horned Frogs finish the campaign.