Big 12 Football - 2021 TCU Horned Frogs Preview
Our TCU Horned Frogs preview 2021 observes that the most questionable unit on offense for this team is the all-important line. Three starters return, but both tight ends are gone, leaving the edge susceptible to rushers. On defense, linebacking is no better than average. Still, the Horned Frogs, who last season finished fifth in the Big 12 with a 5-4 record and an overall mark of 6-4, look ready to move up. In 2020, TCU did not get a bowl bid; this year, we expect that they will.
TCU Offense
In 2020, TCU had the number one rush attack in the Big 12. QB Max Duggan led the effort with 116 carries, 526 yards, and 10 TDs. Duggan also threw for 1,795 yards and 10 scores while tossing four picks. He’s good in the pocket and exceptional on the ground. In the air, Duggan will be aiming to connect with seniors Taye Barber and Derius Davis. In 2020, Barber led the Horned Frogs with 31 catches. He caught two for TDs.
The number two and number three rushers are back. Last season, running back Darwin Barlow averaged 5.9 YPA and scored four times while Zach Evans was good for 7.7 YPA and four TDs. Three starters are back on the O-line, including junior center Steve Avila. The major challenge for this unit will be ensuring they put forth a coordinated effort.
TCU Horned Frogs Preview 2021 - Defense
All four starters on the D-line are back, including defensive end Ochaun Mathis who led TCU with nine sacks. The Frogs got as break this season when tackle Corey Bethley decided to forgo the 2021 NFL Draft. This unit was slow off the start in 2020, as they recorded just four sacks in five games. But after that, they turned it on, posting 22 QB bringdowns in the final six contests.
The linebacking group will look to junior Dee Winters for leadership. Winters is the team’s top returning tackler with 65. Memphis transfer T.J. Carter, who grabbed seven picks at his former school, gets the nod at WS. Corner Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson can bring game. His 13 PD led the Big 12 and ranked second nationally.
Specialists
Our TCU Horned Frogs preview 2021 finds that the special teams look solid. Derius Davis, who has three career returns for TDs, averaged 14.5 YPR last season, which ranked fifth in the country. Placekicker Griffin Bell hit some big attempts down the stretch last season. He’s back for his third year. On punts, Jordy Sandy averaged 41.0 YPP last year. That’s the best average for a TCU punter over the last nine years. In the past two seasons, he’s nailed 49 footballs inside the 20.
TCU Horned Frogs Preview 2021 - Projection
We find that the Frogs are capable of moving up in the conference and on to a bowl game. Our TCU Horned Frogs preview 2021 expects the team to put up winning numbers. They finish the regular season with a major test, as they meet Iowa State on the road on November 27. Last year, they played the Cyclones in the first week and lost by three, 34-37. Might this year’s matchup end differently? Duggan, a verified dual-threat, can win games in many ways. But, in the end, for this team to be successful the Horned Frogs’ O-line must come through. This team has a lot of promise.
Big 12 Football - TCU Horned Frogs 2021 - Predictions:
Third Place - Big 12
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