TCU News: Frogs feel refreshed after bye week

Football

TCU feeling refreshed after bye week | Fort Worth Star Telegram

Patterson commented that the defense wasn’t thinking as much, which is a good sign that instincts are starting to take over.

“It was a good rest for us,” Patterson said. “I think guys have come on. The last two weeks, we’ve picked more balls against the scouts than we’ve picked since we started in two-a-days. Guys are moving around, guys are not thinking as much.”

Gary Patterson on TCU: ‘I don’t think I’ve pushed enough buttons’ | Fort Worth Star Telegram

The biggest pieces of news out of this article are that KaVontae Turpin and Austin Schlottman could be back for the game this weekend.

Patterson said receiver KaVontae Turpin, center Austin Schlottman and offensive tackle Trey Elliott are possible for the West Virginia game, which could rejuvenate an offense that Patterson said “lost a little swagger” when Turpin went out. Cornerback Julius Lewis is being prepared to play in hopes he can shore up the pass defense.

5 takeaways from TCU’s weekly presser | Dallas Morning News

Schlottman and Turpin are both game time decisions, according to Patterson.

Wide receiver/returner KaVontae Turpin and center Austin Schlottmann were two of the main cogs in the machine for TCU, and their injuries left the team looking for some answers on offense. Patterson said both have a chance to return this weekend against West Virginia. "You may get Austin Schlottmann and Turpin back," Patterson said. "They'll be game-time decisions -- it's just Tuesday." Still, either one returning would be a major plus for the Frogs.

TCU players, coaches wary of Howard’s improved play | Fort Worth Star Telegram

Skyler Howard has been incredibly solid as West Virginia’s quarterback this season, and the way he’s playing has TCU a little leery of what he might be able to do against the Frogs.

“He looks a lot different. He’s been throwing the ball really well and he’s using his feet more than he did against us last year,” TCU defensive end Josh Carraway said at Tuesday’s news conference. “He’s really taken control of the offense. He’s got a great offensive line in front of him that gives him time to stand back there and put the ball wherever he wants. Plus, you’ve got to be ready if he pulls it down and runs.”

Men’s Basketball

TCU basketball to throw tip-off party in Sundance Square | Fort Worth Star Telegram

This is a good chance to get out and feel the hype/momentum surrounding the basketball program. Should be a fun event.

TCU will hold a tip-off party Thursday night in Sundance Square for its men’s and women’s basketball teams. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers fans a chance to hear from players and coaches while taking part in interactive games and other activities.

A live DJ and an appearance by the TCU band will be part of the two-hour festivities. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in parking garages at Sundance Square.

TCU basketball looks for new life under Jamie Dixon | The Sports Bank

There’s no doubt this will be one of the deepest teams talent-wise that TCU has had in recent history.

The TCU roster is pretty much intact from last season as the team returns seven of their nine rotation players including four starters. The Horned Frogs also add some impact newcomers in top 100 point guard Jaylen Fisher, Texas A&M transfer, Alex Robinson, and JUCO small forward Kenrich Williams who missed all of last season due to a knee injury. Dixon must maximize the depth on his roster for TCU to get out of the Big 12’s basement.

Big 12 Expansion/Divisions

TCU’s Patterson not sweating 2017 divisional alignments | Fort Worth Star Telegram

I still don’t understand divisions, other than to help clarify the contestants for the repeat matchup in the conference championship.

“I’m going to leave it to them,” Patterson said during Tuesday’s news conference. “It’s a hard league to play in because you play everybody. I think it’s going to be round-robin (scheduling) and your division’s going to be whoever you play. It’ll be interesting to see how they set it up.”

After Big 12 vote, TCU needs to keep winning | Fort Worth Star Telegram

Good words from Gil Lebreton.

Can TCU survive? Maybe, but it will have to remain attractive enough to a new suitor when and if the Sooners and Longhorns run off into the night.

Attractiveness, in this case, will be defined as winning nine or 10 football games each season and remaining nationally relevant.