Picks to Click: TCU vs SMU

The Iron Skillet is up for grabs when the Frogs and Ponies tangle in Fort Worth Saturday afternoon, and it won’t be just the sun bringing the heat at The Carter. Let’s take a look at Saturday’s stars.

KaVontae Turpin:

Remember him? Turp has had a quiet start to 2017; after missing the spring getting his off the field ish together, he was hampered by some soreness through the first two games, and only has 69 total yards on the season (nice) on six total touches.

Well, it’s time, Turpintime.

With Big 12 play just around the corner, it’s time to make sure Turp is fully in game shape, and SMU doesn’t have a player on defense that can contain the spry superstar. I am thinking KT goes off for 150+ all purpose yards against the Mustangs, and reminds people just how special a talent he is.

Kyle Hicks:

Speaking of getting back in game shape, Hicks looked a little off in limited duty in his first action of the season, rushing 12 times for just 45 yards against the Razorbacks. But Hicks is still a valuable weapon, and while he wasn’t really needed against Arkansas with Darius Anderson putting on a show, it could be Hicks’ time to shine in his final go-round against the Ponies. Kyle could have a big game on the ground and through the air, and while I imagine GP will continue to be careful with him, he should start looking like weapon he is Saturday afternoon.

Kenny Hill:

Hill has done what he’s been asked to do through the first two games, not needing to sling it all around the yard or pile up gaudy stats. But, I think that changes tomorrow. It’s time for Hill to show out a bit, and while I think TCU still leans heavily on the run game, I anticipate the play book opening up a bit as Cumbie and Luper try some new things out with a couple high powered offenses looming.

Ranthony Texada:

I think Texada has had the next two weeks circled on his calendar, and has been thinking about them all off-season. The opportunity to match up with Courtland Sutton and James Washington in back-to-back weeks is the stuff uber competitive corners dream of, and Texada is certainly that. The 4-2-5 leaves the corners on an island, and now - finally healthy - Ranthony is ready to remind people how good he is with two big tests coming. Sutton has some size on Texada, but when Ranthony has been matched up with him, he has more than held his own. Saturday should be fun on the outside.

Ross Blacklock:

The big guy has done a great job of filling space and creating openings for his teammates to pile up the sexy stats and big plays. But I think that Saturday is the day we hear Ross’ name called - more than once. Blacklock has just a single solo tackle on the season, but it’s not for lack of trying. I am see a strip sack and a couple TFLs against a questionable SMU offensive line, introducing himself to the world ahead of the big matchup with Oklahoma State.

Travin Howard:

The theme of ‘dudes we have kind of forgotten about’ continues with Travin Howard; TCU’s leading tackler in 2016 has been kind of quiet in 2017, despite racking up 12 tackles in two games to once again lead the team in the early going. The defensive line has been so much better for the Frogs that Howard isn’t getting as many opportunities - even the power run game of Arkansas seemed to rarely get to the second level. Hopefully, Howard won’t have to have a billion tackles against the Mustangs, but I do think he will announce his presence, loudly, in the game at some point. A big turnover, a fumble recovery, a timely pass breakup - something will have fans cheering for a favorite Frog.