TCU News: Matthew Downing to start, Max Duggan to play vs. Iowa State

Football

Sophomore QB Matthew Downing to start for TCU vs. Iowa State | ESPN

With Duggan missing significant time due to a heart issue, it only makes sense that Downing gets the start.

Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said during a news conference on Tuesday that Downing will start, but Patterson hasn’t finalized a plan for all the quarterbacks yet. On Monday, during the Big 12 coaches teleconference, Patterson said all three quarterbacks on TCU’s depth chart — Downing, sophomore Max Duggan and junior college transfer Stephon Brown — will have a role in the game plan.

TCU WR Taye Barber ready to get season started | Horned Frog Blitz

Taye Barber very well could finish this year as TCU’s leading receiver, and he’s got thoughts on how the offense has changed since the return of Doug Meacham.

“I can say we’ve been more aggressive. We’ve got a lot more play calls and a lot more routes we can run. We’re more versatile. We’ve got a lot of good minds in the offensive staff room and I can’t wait to see what they got together.”

TCU QB Max Duggan cleared to return, Matthew Downing named started for opener vs. Iowa State | CBS Sports

It will be Downing’s first start at TCU.

Coach Gary Patterson has named redshirt sophomore Matthew Downing the team’s starting quarterback ahead of TCU’s season opener against Iowa State. This will be Downing’s first career start after he previously appeared in four games as a freshman at Georgia in 2018, completing 8 of 10 passes for 88 yards.

TCU’s offense ‘more versatile, more aggressive’ with play-caller change | Fort Worth Star Telegram

Going back to the way things worked in 2014-16 isn’t a guarantee that things will be better for the offense, but it does bring us some hope.

Coach Gary Patterson made the decision to give Meacham play-calling duties, stripping them away from offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie, in one of TCU’s significant offensive tweaks. Along with Meacham, another significant coaching addition for Patterson was bringing in longtime confidant and former head coach Jerry Kill as a special assistant. Kill has been described as the “offensive head coach” by Patterson.

Patterson on how TCU plans to use JD Spielman, Marcel Brooks | 247 Sports

Former FOW contributor Dean Straka breaks down how TCU will use two of their new impact transfers.

But now in Fort Worth, Spielman has potential to make his mark as more than just a receiver, with Patterson praising the Nebraska transfer for his abilities on special teams and for providing a “positive” boost to the Frogs’ locker room.