TCU News: Vegas likes the Frogs?

Football:

“Meet the Frogs” means football season is almost here for TCU | The Star-Telegram

Inviting volleyball and soccer to this fan-favorite event was a brilliant move for all involved.

“It was pretty fun,” cornerback Julius Lewis said. “It’s good talking to people, seeing what games they want to come to.”

Lewis’ most memorable moment came when he tried to do a fist pump with a young fan that took three takes.

Austin, meanwhile, was able to show off his new “bling” for his new number (No. 2). Austin had his initials “JA” on one chain and “Deuce” on another.

Austin finally landed No. 2 as a senior. He didn’t have it early in his college career because that had been quarterback Trevone Boykin’s number.

TCU vs. Southern University - 9/1/18 College Football Pick, Odds, and Prediction | Sports Chat Place

This is a good SWAC team, but the Frogs should be able to pull away early.

The Jags are fresh off a fairly successful season, logging a 7-4 record overall and a 5-2 mark in the SWAC. That was good enough for a second-place finish in the West Division. Southern couldn’t participate in the SWAC Championship or the Celebration Bowl however, due to NCAA APR violations.

Head coach Dawson Odums takes the reins for the Jaguars in his sixth year. He’s joined by offensive coordinator Chennis Berry—a six-year veteran as well—and DC Trei Oliver, who is in his third season.

Ohio State football: 5 biggest challenges Buckeyes face in 2018 season | Saturday Tradition

It’s interesting to see someone finally admit that this would be as big a win for Ohio State as it would be for TCU, from a national-perception perspective.

This is a hurdle for the entire B1G, not just for Ohio State. We already addressed the controversy surrounding the final 2014 CFP rankings. In 2015 and 2016, the Big Ten’s representative in the playoff lost in the semifinals. Actually, they both got shut out. And in 2017 the Big Ten was left out of the CFP, because a 2-loss Ohio State team had, well, one loss too many compared to No. 4 seed (and eventual national champion) Alabama. The B1G could use some impressive nonconference wins early, and a win over TCU would do wonders not only for the Buckeyes but for the conference’s perception.

Countdown to college football: Picking every team’s win total in the Big 12 | Las Vegas Sun

Vegas knows...

TCU

over/under: 7.5 (minus-130, plus-110)

Last Year: 11-3 straight-up, 6-8 against the spread

A bold Big 12 prediction: TCU sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson wins the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award. If that comes to fruition, nothing is stopping the Horned Frogs from their fourth double-digit win season in the last five years. A total of six returning starters undersells the fact that the Horned Frogs have the best defense in the Big 12. They have a pair of hellacious edge rushers in Ben Banogu and LJ Collier, a pair of strong defensive backs in Niko Small and Jeff Gladney and an impact linebacker transfer in Northern Illinois’ Jawuan Johnson. It all hinges on Robinson, but he was a big-time recruit for TCU’s standards, meaning he has the ability to produce immediately.

Play: Over 7.5 wins at minus-130

Madison-ex Green reportedly signs with Alliance | Chron.com

Green is finding his way back to pro ball, and he’s going home to do it.

Aaron Green is coming home to play pro football in San Antonio, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Sunday.

The former Madison and TCU running back told the newspaper he’s signed a contract to play for San Antonio’s Alliance of American Football franchise.

Green, 25, has had stints with three NFL teams after going undrafted in 2016.

What Urban Meyer’s absence through three games means for Ohio State football | Cleveland.com

Meyer will be involved in game prep all week, but won’t be on the sidelines come that Saturday night.

Twice in 81 games it was really worth having the discussion over whether Ohio State had the advantage at head coach. Meyer is 1-1 in those games.

Now it’s not a question. It’s a fact. When Ohio State plays TCU, the latter will have the better head coach. That matters when it comes to game management, familiarity in that kind of high-stakes game, a familiar voice guiding the team through what could be a difficult three hours. I’m of the mind that talent matters more, so I’ll probably still pick OSU to win. But Patterson is a great coach, and it remains to be seen if someone on the opposite sideline will be able to match what he brings on Sept. 15.

Volleyball:

TCU Volleyball improves to 3-0 on season-opening weekend | TCU 360

Jill Kramer has her squad rolling. And she’s got some top flight players to keep things moving in the right direction.

In her first year as a Horned Frog, McCall is leading the team in all offensive categories, yet she insists that her teammates and the fans are the reasons for her early success.

“I think my team has been very supportive,” McCall said. “The fans are also insane. It’s such a college town, so everyone packs the stands. I feel like that gives you more confidence.”

After having never trailed in the first set, the Horned Frogs found themselves down early in the second set. However, they seemed unfazed by the adversity. A 7-0 run, fueled by a successful challenge call by Kramer, gave them the momentum they needed.