:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66815427/Links_2.0.0.jpg)
Football:
Saturday Football: Bama-TCU rumors, Pac-12 problems and a June 1 return? | Saturday Down South
So this is still a thing...
First, we’ll start with the rumors surrounding the Alabama-USC Week 1 game. That game is scheduled to be played in Dallas, but if USC isn’t allowed to practice, that could force Alabama to make a change. Rumors have surfaced that the Tide are in contact with the TCU Horned Frogs, who are scheduled to play Cal in Week 1. SEC Network host Paul Finebaum said he guarantees there have been discussions between Alabama and TCU about playing each other in Week 1. Meanwhile, FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd cited 2 sources who said there is no way Bama-USC in Dallas is happening.
However, both Alabama AD Greg Byrne and USC AD Mike Bohn insist otherwise. Last week, Byrne said the plan is still to play USC and said this about rumors of TCU talks: “That’s news to me. I guess I missed that contract coming across my desk.” Bohn said last week he has been in frequent contact with Byrne and that USC is also planning on playing the game as scheduled.
TCU Sunday night VIP recruiting notes | Horned Frog Blitz
The Frogs are making the most of a small class.
The next commitment for the Frogs could come up front with Noah Bolticoff. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder recently decommitted from Kansas State and TCU immediately became the favorite. I was told that Bolticoff was initially set to visit TCU once the dead period ended, but since that was recently extended the visit will be pushed back. As for the crystal ball predictions, prior to Kansas State even getting a commitment from Bolticoff and TCU coming into the picture, I was told TCU was the program he wanted to be at mainly from what he’s heard from his coach/trainer Blaize Foltz. I’d predict the Frogs will have a great chance at landing the No. 57 tackle prospect by June.
Other key targets released their list of top schools this week. Hutto defensive end Landyn Watson listed the Frogs in his final six and they were the only program from Texas to make the cut. Current crystal ball predictions favor Virginia Tech, but the last prediction came over 10 days ago and most of the predictions came in March. Of the predictions, 30-percent are cloudy at the moment. Royse City four-star receiver Ketron Jackson released his top 14 schools on Saturday and the Frogs also made that cut. It’s been tough to gauge where Jackson is leaning and current crystal ball predictions indicate that with 50-percent cloudy and 50-percent picking Arkansas.
TCU roster rankings, Nos. 15-11: Breakout players are waiting in the wings | Dallas Morning News
Hunt needs to be a breakout star this fall.
No. 15 Te’Vailance Hunt/Junior/WR
Texas Christian University Football #9 Te’Vailance Hunt photographed at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas on July 24, 2019.(Sharon Ellman / Sharon Ellman)
Hunt had some issues with drops last year, but there’s no doubt he can make big plays. His highlight reel touchdown in overtime against Baylor is proof enough of that. He’ll have to battle for catches against a deep but unproven wide receiver corps next season. If he can prove his hands are better, his 6-3 frame will be a major weapon for the Frogs, and he should improve on his 20 catches, 308 yards and one score from 2019.
No. 14 Coy McMillon/Junior/C
McMillon earned praise from Gary Patterson throughout last season. He’ll enter 2020 as the lone returning starter from TCU’s offensive line, and was one of just two players to start all 12 games at one position on the O-line last year. His cerebral leadership will be a bonus.
Newhouse is a great ambassador for TCU.
“That’s what I’ve tried to do in my career — be someone who is reliable and dependable. A good teammate, a person who works hard and you never have to question if I want to be there.”
Newhouse learned similar traits during his college career under Patterson.
Patterson is known for his hard-nosed, demanding style, but it’s something that Newhouse has come to appreciate more over the years.
Asked whether Patterson reminded him of any of his NFL coaches, Newhouse chuckled and said: “Coach P is his own animal, man, and I say that in the most endearing way possible. I don’t think he can be duplicated. His entire history motivates him daily, just the edge that he has, the chip he has on his shoulder. He wants to get guys better and make them buy into the system because when they do it’s brought success.
“He’s someone who I’ve come to appreciate more every year I’m removed from TCU. When you’re in it and getting yelled at, you don’t see the forest through the trees. You’re like, ‘Man, why is he on me?’ But you come to appreciate it.”