TCU News: Fisher, Miller spark comeback road win

Basketball:

Bragging rights retained: TCU knocks off SMU for second straight year | The Star-Telegram

It’s been a long time since the Frogs won two in a row over the Ponies.

Eventually, though, TCU took the lead for good. Fisher knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Frogs a 49-47 lead with 10:29 left and they stayed in front the rest of the way.

Fisher’s three started a 12-4 run for TCU, which included a 3-pointer by Kouat Noi.

Fisher made four 3-pointers in the final half.

Asked about his second-half surge, Fisher said: “Energy. Once you’re making shots, you feel like you’ve got a purpose being out there. Bringing something to the team. I just feel I brought energy and it felt like it pushed us over the hump.”

Football:

TCU’s experience presents big test for growing Cal football program | Daily Cal

It has the makings of a fun, competitive game.

In some ways, this matchup is perfect for the Bears, especially for linebackers Evan Weaver and Jordan Kunaszyk, who in 2018 combined for more tackles this season than any pairing in program history. The Horned Frogs aren’t an offensive powerhouse like many others in the Big-12, having completed less than 60 percent of their passes this fall.

Injuries under center have played a big part in that equation, but a particular X-factor has persisted, carrying the offense to bowl eligibility by snagging every ball thrown in his vicinity.

Even with three different quarterbacks receiving starts under center in 2018 (hey, that sounds familiar), sophomore Jalen Reagor has been nothing short of a glaring problem for opposing cornerbacks, rattling off 1,061 receiving yards and a touchdown in his last seven consecutive contests. Cal defensive back Camryn Bynum has been equally dominant, but he’ll have his hands full with one of the nation’s most prolific wideouts.

There’s a solid chance that TCU will start senior Grayson Muehlstein — previously the only other FBS fifth-year quarterback besides Cal’s Chase Forrest to not transfer despite never starting a game as a scholarship player throughout his entire tenure with one program.

But given Patterson’s wizardry in bowl games and the explosiveness of Reagor, TCU’s quarterback shouldn’t make a huge difference if the Bears can’t turn things around offensively.

JUCO WR Mikel Barkley has seen his recruitment take off | 247 Sports

Could the Frogs get some help on offense in the form of a veteran wide receiver?

“I know they’re known for defense but I like their offense too. They’re creative in how they get their receivers open and I like how they plan to use me. They see me as an inside receiver but would move me around and take advantage of my speed and find mismatches. They said they want to use me the same way they use Jalen Reagor and he’s a great player.”

“I want to sign on December 19,” Barkley said. “TCU and Utah start January 15 since they’re both on the semester system so I want to sign early if I can. I want to try and take all my visits and will take a mid-week trip for sure in order to get a look at all the schools talking with me.

This date in TCU history ... Davey O’Brien won the Heisman Trophy | The Star-Telegram

It’s been nearly 20 years since Tomlinson was a candidate; how long will we have to wait for our next Heisman finalist?

O’Brien had a sensational season in leading TCU to the national championship in 1938. He did it all -- running, passing, place-kicking, returning kicks, punting and intercepting passes. O’Brien led the nation in passing in 1937 and 1938, and was No. 1 in total offense in 1938.

Also in 1938, he threw a touchdown pass in every game, a rare feat in how the game was played in those days.

As stated, O’Brien is the only TCU player who has won the prestigious award. The school had a “Davey Day” for this year’s season opener against Southern to commemorate the 80th anniversary.