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Football:
Breaking down TCU vs. Jackson State | Houston Chronicle
This one shouldn’t be close.
Who has the edge:
Offense – TCU. Returning QB Kenny Hill threw for 3,208 yards and 17 TDs in 2016, but he also tossed 13 interceptions, so he spent time in the offseason working on sharpening his throws. The Horned Frogs also return four starting offensive linemen and Hicks, who last season was the first running back to lead the team in rushing (203-1,042 yards, 12 TDs) and receptions (47-417, 2 TDs) since 1993.
Defense – TCU. The versatile Howard led the Big 12 with 130 tackles, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks last season. He also recorded one interception and one forced fumble. The Frogs also return FS Niko Small, second-leading tackler LB Ty Summers (121) and DE Mat Boesen, who registered six sacks as a junior.
Special teams – TCU. Kicking woes cost the Horned Frogs at least a couple wins last season. Punter Adam Nunez averaged 39.6 yards per punt last season, and Desmon White returned 13 punts for 102 yards.
4 Things to Expect from TCU’s Home Opener | Fort Worth Magazine
We cannot talk enough about the impact Chris Thomsen has had on the offensive line.
2. A more mature offensive line.
New offensive line coach and former TCU football player Chris Thomsen is loaded with four returning starters in his first season coaching at TCU. And with a year of playing together under their belts, Hill feels confident playing behind a solid front with seniors Austin Schlottmann, Joseph Noteboom, Patrick Morris and Matt Pryor.
“I think he’s done amazing,” Hill said of Thomsen. “I’m ready to see them in a game because I know they are ready to go.”
The Frogs need to make a statement tomorrow night.
Expect some creativity from JSU's ground attack as the Tigers don't throw the ball very well. Even if they did, the Tigers would know better than to test TCU's secondary, which basically outclasses them in every way. The talent just isn't there.
If the Frogs can contain JSU running back Robert Johnson, this game is over. Even with him, it's already over. It's over right now, and we're two days away.
QB Brent Lyles is talented, but is still only six games into his college career. He isn't prepared for a TCU defense looking to prove it should be feared again.
Look: TCU unveils uniform combination for opening matchup with Jackson State | Die Hards
I don’t care what Hunter says, I like the Frog Skins.
I’m still not sold on the Frog Skin pattern. It looks a lot like a very awkward camouflage based uniform, and it doesn’t look good. I’m all for out there uniforms, chrome helmets, strange colors, but I have my limits, and I think I’m drawing it at Frog Skin patterns.
Fortunately for TCU, the players inhabiting those uniforms should be a lot better at the game than their strange jerseys are at being easy on the eyes. KaVontae Turpin is back, and Kenny Hill, as mercurial as he is, might have a solid year. The Horned Frogs were especially plagued by drops last year, and they’ll need those receivers to step up if they’re going to score points.