Frogs O' War - Full Coverage: TCU vs. West VirginiaThe #1 TCU Athletics blog on the internet!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50293/fow-fav.png2015-10-30T11:24:44-05:00http://www.frogsowar.com/rss/stream/93977592015-10-30T11:24:44-05:002015-10-30T11:24:44-05:00TCU vs. West Virginia: Inside the Numbers
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Boykin and Doctson kept rewriting the record books Thursday night against West Virginia. </p> <p>The Frogs beat West Virginia 40-10 on Thursday night, thanks in large part to Trevone Boykin showing the country why he should be the Heisman frontrunner.</p>
<p>The stats go deeper than just 40-10, as both Boykin and Doctson set TCU records over the course of the game last night. Here are the stats (a big thanks to Mark Cohen and GoFrogs for these numbers).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span>Team Notes</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU extended its school record for consecutive wins with its 16th straight victory. TCU has the nation’s second-longest active winning streak, behind Ohio State (21).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU is now 38-3 when taking the field as a top-10 team under head coach Gary Patterson, including a 27-1 mark when in the Associated Press or USA Today Top 5.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*The Horned Frogs have a 22-game winning streak when ranked in the Associated Press Top 5.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU has won 12 consecutive Big 12 games and is 19-1 overall over the last two seasons.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*The Horned Frogs have opened a season with an 8-0 record for the third time in the last seven years.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Josh Doctson’s 17-yard touchdown catch on TCU’s opening drive extended its nation’s-best streak to 21 games with a first-quarter touchdown. It ties Texas A&M (2012-13) for the second-longest streak since 1996 (Stanford, 25, 2009-11).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU improved to 98-3 under Patterson when allowing 17 points or less.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*The Horned Frogs ran for 228 yards and are now 78-4 under Patterson when rushing for at least 200 yards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*With 616 yards of total offense, TCU had its seventh straight game cracking the 500 mark.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU won for the 12th time in its last 13 games when playing after an open date.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Defensive tackle Joseph Broadnax became the 30th freshman (15 true, 15 redshirt) to play this season for TCU, ranking second nationally (Rice, 31).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU had 35 first downs, marking the fifth time this season and fourth time in Big 12 play that it has reached the 30 first-down mark in a game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*The 35 first downs by the Horned Frogs were one shy of tying the Amon G. Carter Stadium record of 36 set in 1990 against Texas Tech. It was the fifth time in school history that TCU had 35 or more first downs in a game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*<span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Tonight’s</span></span> attendance of 45,947 marked TCU’s fourth sellout in four home games this season. The Horned Frogs have 23 sellouts in their last 31 home dates.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU scored for the 288th consecutive game. It's the nation's second-longest current streak and fourth all-time in NCAA history. The Horned Frogs haven't been blanked since Nov. 16, 1991 at Texas (32-0).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU's team captains were <span>Trevone Boykin, Joey Hunt, Derrick Kindred and Davion Pierson</span>. Dating back to last season, Boykin and Hunt have been captains in the Horned Frogs’ last 21 games.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Major League Baseball players on the TCU sideline included Horned Frogs Matt Carpenter (St. Louis Cardinals) and Brandon Finnegan (Cincinnati Reds) as well as Texas Rangers’ catcher Robinson Chirinos.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*TCU wore a purple chrome helmet with a black jersey and black pants.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Individual Notes</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Trevone Boykin’s 17-yard scoring toss to Josh Doctson was his nation’s-best 23rd consecutive game with a touchdown pass.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Boykin’s 472 yards of total offense gave him 12,041 in his career, breaking Andy Dalton’s TCU record of 11,925 (2007-10). Boykin is the 40th player in FBS history to top 12,000 yards in total offense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Boykin’s 388 yards passing pushed him over the 10,000 career mark. His 10,080 yards passing is second all-time at TCU behind the 10,314 by Dalton.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Boykin finished the night 32-of-47 for 388 yards and three touchdowns. He had 11 carries for a team-best 84 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Boykin had his seventh straight game with multiple touchdown passes, continuing the best streak of his career. He also had at least 20 completions for the sixth straight game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Boykin has run for at least 50 yards in four straight games and led TCU in rushing for the third straight contest and 10th time in his career. Boykin has had a run of at least 20 yards in four straight games.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Doctson had his sixth straight 100-yard game with 183 yards on 11 receptions and two touchdowns. He joins Michael Crabtree as the only FBS players in the last 20 seasons to have six straight games of 100 yards receiving and at least two touchdown catches.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Doctson’s 11 receptions gave him 71 on the season, breaking the TCU season record of 66 set by Josh Boyce in 2012.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Doctson’s 11 receptions gave him 171 career catches at TCU, moving him into second place on the Horned Frogs’ all-time chart. Kelly Blackwell is the leader with 181 (1988-91).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>*Jaden Oberkrom’s 57-yard field goal on the final play of the first half tied the school record for distance set by Michael Reeder versus UTEP in 1996. It also tied for the seventh-longest in Big 12 history and the longest since 2012.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Oberkrom went 4-of-4 on field goals (20, 23, 57 and 43) to extend his TCU career record to 69 made attempts, moving him into second place on the Big 12’s all-time chart. He trails only Mason Crosby’s 71 for Colorado from 2003-06.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Oberkrom had TCU’s 13th career game with at least four field goals by an individual.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*KaVontae Turpin had a career-high seven receptions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Redshirt freshman Ty Summers had a career-high 10 tackles, topping the seven stops he had at Minnesota to open the season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*Travin Howard had his first career interception in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*True freshman cornerback Julius Lewis made his first collegiate start.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/30/9643882/tcu-vs-west-virginia-inside-the-numbersJamie Plunkett2015-10-29T18:00:02-05:002015-10-29T18:00:02-05:00TCU vs. West Virginia Game Thread
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<figcaption>Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Come chat about the game.</p> <p>The Frogs and Mountaineers face off, with TCU trying to be the first of the two to win at home against the other (since both joined the Big 12). Meanwhile, West Virginia is still looking for its first Big 12 conference win in 2015, after facing off against the top teams in the conference to begin play (losses at Oklahoma, vs. Oklahoma State, and at Baylor). Not to mention having to travel to Norman, Waco, and Fort Worth in the same year is a pretty ridiculous road schedule.</p>
<p><span>Trevone Boykin</span>, Heisman-hopeful, comes into the game averaging just over 425 yards and four touchdowns per game. The Mountaineers have the fifth best defense in the Big 12, allowing 400 yards to opposing teams per game. It's a national television matchup, in a blacked-out Amon G. Carter Stadium.</p>
<p>Here are three things to watch:</p>
<h3>1) West Virginia's Depleted Secondary</h3>
<p>The Mountaineers allow an average of 233 passing yards to opposing teams, and they've already surrendered 12 touchdowns through the air this season. Now, take out <span>Karl Joseph</span>, their All-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> free safety, who is lost for the season, along with cornerbacks <span>Terrell Chestnut</span> and <span>Ricky Rumph</span> who won't play tonight, and that secondary is looking pretty depleted.</p>
<h3>2) TCU's Pass Defense vs. <span>Skyler Howard</span><br> </h3>
<p>TCU is actually allowing fewer pass yards than West Virginia, and has only allowed six passing touchdowns this season, but West Virginia's offense should test them. Skyler Howard threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns against Baylor. Howard has also thrown for at least one interception in the past four games, so if TCU's defense can force a turnover or two, that will go a long way towards ending this one early.</p>
<h3>3) Can The Home Team Win?</h3>
<p>Since joining the Big 12, the TCU-West Virginia matchup has seen the road team come away with the win every time. In 2012 TCU converted a 2-point conversion in double overtime to come away with the win. In 2013, West Virginia kicked a field goal in overtime to win 30-27. In 2014 TCU came storming back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win on a <span>Jaden Oberkrom</span> field goal as time expired.</p>
<p>For the Frogs to keep their CFP hopes alive, they'll have to buck that trend tonight.</p>
<h3>BONUS POINT</h3>
<p>Ok, so it's not really a point, rather, a call to action. The predict the score widget is back! Tell us who you think is going to win and by how much!</p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/29/9634540/tcu-vs-west-virginia-game-thread-3-things-to-watchJamie Plunkett2015-10-29T14:00:02-05:002015-10-29T14:00:02-05:00TCU vs West Virginia: Keys To The Game
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<img alt="Superfrog supporting the Frogs in Morgantown, the only venue in which the Frogs have defeated the Mountaineers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8hAIUFrmC3eQT143VAuhwAtpgfc=/0x0:4500x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47531367/usa-today-8178615.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Superfrog supporting the Frogs in Morgantown, the only venue in which the Frogs have defeated the Mountaineers | Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>TCU will attempt to be the first team to hold serve at home in the Big XII series between the Frogs and the Mountaineers on Thursday night. Here are some keys they need to focus on to make that happen. </p> <p>Outside of Baylor and Tech, this has been my favorite series that TCU has been a part of since joining the Big XII. That first conference match up between the Frogs and the Mountaineers is one of my favorite games I've ever watched. Boykin tied us up with that miracle 94-yard touchdown with 1:28 left in the fourth. In the first overtime all West Virginia needed was a field goal to win it and <span>Jason Verrett</span> blocked the kick. Then, we went for two and the win in the second overtime and got it. What a roller coaster. Since then, every game these two teams have played has been a roller coaster, and that's exactly what we hope to avoid this year. It's been mentioned a lot this week, but the home team has never won in the history of this series. Here's what the Frogs need to do in order to break the pattern this Thursday:</p>
<h4><b>1. Don't Overlook This 3-3 Team</b></h4>
<p>I know that Patterson has been drilling this into them all week. Yes, they have had some really close calls on the road and they probably won't make the mistake of looking past a Big XII opponent on the road again this season. What scares me is that this team was so dominant last time they played at home, that they will just expect to play that way again.</p>
<p>Honestly, that's fine. I hope they expect to play that way every game, as long as they have prepared in a manner that will allow them to live up to those expectations. West Virgina, despite being 3-3, is a good team. The three teams they have lost to are a combined 20-1. If they take it for granted that they are going to smoke this team just because they're at The Carter, then I'm worried.</p>
<h4><b>2. Be Physical And Attack On Both Sides Of The Ball</b></h4>
<p>In Patterson's presser on Tuesday, he mentioned how physical West Virginia is at the point of attack.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GP on WVU: "They're always dangerous on offense. Their lineman are blue collar guys who will hit you in the mouth."</p>
— TCU 360 Sports (@TCU360Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCU360Sports/status/659062250972442624">October 27, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>TCU has the size on both lines to match that physicality, but they are going to have to bring it. Especially on the defensive side. Now that we finally have our defensive line healthy again, we need to start getting more pressure on the quarterback. TCU's struggles in the secondary have been hard to miss, but it all gets a lot easier when you pressure the QB and don't allow them to throw those jump balls down the field whenever they want to. Patterson also noted in the press conference that he expects freshman Joseph Broadnax to see more playing time this week. At 6'0", 305 lbs, he has the tools to make a difference.</p>
<h4>
<b>3. </b><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">Remind</b><b style="font-size: 1.25em;"> Holgorsen That Boykin Is The Best Player In College Football</b>
</h4>
<p>At this point, Boykin just needs to be Boykin. Jamie did a great article earlier this week on <a href="http://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/26/9567385/trevone-boykin-heisman-trophy-frontrunner-leonard-fournette">just how amazing Boykin's season has been</a>. Hes outpacing all four of the previous Heisman winning quarterbacks to this point in the season in almost every single category. Last week, after losing to Baylor in Waco, Holgorsen made the comment that <span>Corey Coleman</span> is the best player in college football. I understand Dana, I get it. It's part availability bias and part "I'm going to save face by saying that the guy who just had 200 yards and three TDs against my team is the best out there". Of course, we all know that while Coleman is an elite talent, he's still only the second best wide receiver in college football. I don't know what Boykin is going to do on Thursday. That's part of what makes it fun. But, I'm confident that Boykin will leave Holgorsen having second thoughts about his bold proclamation.</p>
<h4><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">4. No Slow Starts on Defense </b></h4>
<p>We saw against Texas just how quickly our offense can take control of a game if the defense can just get a few stops and or a turnover early. With Listenbee and Turpin back we have all of the tools available to strike quickly and often. Not only that, but in addition to losing star safety <span>Karl Joseph</span>, West Virgina will also be without secondary players <span>Terrell Chestnut</span> and <span>Ricky Rumph</span> in Fort Worth on Thursday. Against Minnesota earlier this year, the Golphers drove the length of the field with less than five minutes left to make it a one score game. Afterwards, Patterson said that had the defense been more experienced, he would have called that drive a lot differently. In Tuesday's press conference Patterson said that he called just about everything we have against Iowa State in our last game. Given the success we saw the the second half of the last two games, we may have gotten to the point experience wise where this thing can actually look like a TCU defense. Especially in the run game, this defense has shown that they are easily pulled out of position when we play base defense. Maybe the bye week has given us time to fix some of these issues. Or, maybe it's just time to get a little more creative and just let Patterson outsmart people with his playcalling.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/29/9623966/tcu-west-virginia-keys-big-12-game-football-college-footballTravis Kennedy2015-10-29T12:30:03-05:002015-10-29T12:30:03-05:00Frogs O' War Staff Picks: Week 9
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<p>The staff makes more picks. DO YOU LIKE THEM?</p> <p>There wasn't a ton of shifting in the standings after last week, but Marshall went 8-1 and climbed into a tie for first place. Meanwhile, Warrior picked Rutgers. That's right. He picked Rutgers. So, ridicule him for that.</p>
<p>Here are the full standings.</p>
<p> </p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Rank</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Name</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">This Week</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">All Time</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">% Correct</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Closest Score</p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"> </p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">T-1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Andrew Felts</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">73-18</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">80.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">10</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">T-1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">Mason Jamboogie</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">73-18</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">80.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">T-1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">Marshall Weber</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">8-1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">73-18</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">80.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">T-4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">HToadSwayze</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">72-19</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">79.1%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">T-4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">RustyFrog</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">6-3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">72-19</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">79.1%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Melissa Triebwasser</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">71-20</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">78.0%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">11</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">Jamie Plunkett</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">70-21</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">76.9%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">T-8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Simone Elices</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">5-4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">65-26</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">71.4%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">T-8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">Hawkeyed Frog</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">5-4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">65-26</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">71.4%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">T-11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Warrior Horned Frog</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">63-28</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">69.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p>T-11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Scott Boase</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7-2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">63-28</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">69.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">12</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">Samantha Calimbahin</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">6-3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">62-29</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">68.1%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoBodyText">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<h3>Big 12</h3>
<h5><u>No. 5 TCU (7-0) vs. West Virginia (3-3) (Thursday)</u></h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett: </b><i>TCU 52, West Virginia 28 - </i>West Virginia is without several key players on the defensive side of the ball Thursday, not the least of which is All-American free safety Karl Joseph. I have to assume that Baylor's offense was slowed more because of Russell's neck than West Virginia's embattled secondary, and a healthy Trevone Boykin will have his way more often than not throughout the course of the game.</p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber:</b> <i>TCU 55, West Virginia 38</i> - West Virginia has just lost too many key players in their secondary, and TCU plays too well at home for an upset. If TCU forces a turnover early, and should they capitalize, they can put it away early.</p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>TCU 45, West Virginia 28 </i>- WVU boasts what is probably the best or second best defense the Frogs have faced so far this season, even without all american candidate Karl Joseph. And while that thought is troubling, TCU has been a wrecking crew - especially on offense - on their home field. Factor in the <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> night atmosphere and a crowd that hasn't seen a game since Texas came to town, and I expect the stadium to be rocking in the home team's favor. I think we see both the first home team victory and first double digit win in a series that has seen three games decided by a total of five points.</p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>TCU 48, West Virginia 27</i>- The Frogs put together another strong second half, and West Virginia's inconsistent offense simply can't get it going with regularity.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts: </b><i>TCU 48, West Virginia 27</i> - Both teams had a week and a half to rest, regroup, and prepare for one another. The atmosphere in Fort Worth should be nothing short of electric. Frogs and Mountaineers trade blows early but a more talented TCU team emerges late. Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson do their thing and the Frogs pull off a solid three-score win.</p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog: </b><i>TCU 56, West Virginia 42 </i>- This will be my first time attending a game at The Carter since 1976! I've never been THERE to see them win one, so I'm looking to see some history made in more ways than one! GO FROGS!!!</p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>TCU 52, West Virginia 42 </i>– West Virginia will come out swinging, but they’ll spend the game trying to keep it close. They won’t be able to keep up and the Frogs will take a win that won’t be a walk in the park, but it will be a win. And that’s all we really need, right??</p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>TCU 45, West Virginia 31</i> - West Virginia just isn't the same without Karl Joseph leading the secondary, and I think TCU will runaway with it. Or it could be another double-overtime thriller, I'm not 100% sure which quarter defense TCU will be playing with on Thursday</p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin:</b> <i>TCU 45, West Virginia 34 </i>- Let's say it's a close-ish win, but a rested TCU playing at home helps out a ton. The Mountaineers play well enough to keep the Frogs on their toes, though.</p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b> <i>TCU 48, West Virginia 37 -</i> Looking at the past 3 games in the series between these two teams, I would have to be foolish to expect this game to be anything but close, and I do believe that it will be for 2 and a half quarters. I'm mentally preparing myself for the abundance of pass interference flags that will be thrown during this game. O'meally, if he is starting, will continue to be a P.I. magnet when the Mountaineers throw the deep ball and a little bit of my happiness will die every time it is called. There are two reasons why I think that this game will be unlike the previous ones with West Virginia: first I see our run game reemerging in a big way during the second half. Secondly I believe that the black out in the Carter will keep the crowd in the game all four quarters, despite it being on a <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>. Boykin throws for 4 TD's with Green running for 2 more as the Frogs pull away midway through the 3rd.</p>
<p><b>Simone Elices: </b><i>TCU 48, West Virginia 17</i> – <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> night Blackout in The Carter. Does it get any better than this? Well yeah, it could be on a <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> night, but oh well. Expect the Frogs to come out and take care of business against a West Virginia team that has now lost three straight.</p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze: </b><span><i>TCU 52, West Virginia 31</i> - West Virginia is getting a case of the Frogs as they now have three starters in their secondary out to injury/personal issues. At home, Boykin and Co. Will roll. The Frog's defense will will start slow again, but will put together a solid overall game as they seem to get better every week. <br></span></p>
<h5>
<u>Kansas (0-7) vs. No. 14 Oklahoma (6-1)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett: </b><i>Oklahoma 56, Kansas 10 - </i>A garbage time TD will keep Kansas from wondering if that was really Oklahoma's football team, or maybe it was the state militia that just conquered Lawrence.</p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber: </b><i>Oklahoma 48, Kansas 10 - </i>Rutgers is bad. Kansas at least has some brightness ahead. Playing a red hot Oklahoma team won't help, but trust me, the Jayhawks will be better before too long.</p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>Oklahoma 54, Kansas 17 </i>- Remember that Samaje Perine guy? Yeah, he's pretty good. Lincoln Riley finally remembered that too, and the Sooner O has been all but unstoppable since.</p>
<div><br></div>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog:</b> <i>Oklahoma 53, Kansas 6</i> - My prediction? Pain.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b> <i>Oklahoma 56, Kansas 10</i> - This matchup isn't even fair. The Sooners have seemed to find their mojo after falling to Texas three weeks ago. Despite a conference loss, Oklahoma could be gunning toward a Big 12 Championship.</p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog:</b> <i>Oklahoma 66, Kansas 21 - </i>The Wizard had expect someone to look behind the curtain SOONER or later.</p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>Oklahoma 49, Kansas 13 </i>– It’s Oklahoma. And it’s Kansas. Do I need to explain?</p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>Oklahoma 31, Kansas 3 </i>- OU is probably going to pitch a shutout for the majority of this game. They seem to be a much more inspired team ever since the loss to Texas.</p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>Oklahoma 66, Kansas 17</i> - The Sooners meet their blowout score over Tech from last week, and then some. Samaje Perine rushes for, like, 900 million yards. Kansas manages a couple touchdowns and a field goal, but sadly for the Jayhawks, the struggle bus rolls along.</p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b> <i>Oklahoma 58, Kansas 6</i> - The Sooners go all Jack Bauer on the Jayhawks and continue their spree of rampage across the conference post-Texas loss. By the end of the first half in Lawrence we should all just be screaming, "STOP THEY'RE ALREADY DEAD".</p>
<p><b>Simone Elices:</b> <i>Oklahoma 42, Kansas 10</i> – Kansas. Oklahoma. Two teams going in complete opposite directions.</p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze:</b> <span><i>Oklahoma 63, Kansas 14</i> - Kansas gets destroyed again. At least fans expected them to be really bad. That has to help the medicine go down. Right?</span></p>
<h5>
<u>Texas Tech (5-3) vs. No. 12 Oklahoma State (7-0)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett:</b> <i>Oklahoma State 42, Texas Tech 35 - </i>Tech player after Tech player limped off the field in Norman, and while returning home will be rejuvenating to a degree, it won't be enough to get the Raiders past Oklahoma State.</p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber: </b><i>Oklahoma State 31, Texas Tech 28 - </i>I still have absolutely no idea how I feel about Oklahoma State. Their toughest remaining games are at home, but hopefully the Red Raiders can wear out the Cowboys before TCU's matchup next Saturday.</p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser:</b> <i>Texas Tech 50, Oklahoma State 49 </i>- I am calling weird things in Lubbock on this game. OSU has looked somewhere between good enough to win and legitimately good to get to this point of the season undefeated, while Tech hasn't looked right since the Catch-22. I think Mahomes makes some magic on the plains <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>, and Kliffy calls a ballsy two point conversion to seal the win in regulation.</p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog:</b> <i>Texas Tech 48, Oklahoma State 37</i> - Bad things happen in Lubbock unless you're a lot better than the Raiders. OSU is not a lot better than the Raiders.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b> <i>Oklahoma State 34, Texas Tech 30</i> - With the exception of their game against Kansas, the Pokes have been squeaking by in Big 12 play, and I expect this contest will feature more of the same. Texas Tech's defense keeps Mason Rudolph in check, but a late Patrick Mahomes interception seals the game for OSU. The Cowboys are 8-0 and making their own strong case for a Big 12 title.</p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog:</b> <i>Oklahoma State 48, </i><i><i>Texas Tech 45</i>- </i>I'll be taking my wife to see the Alamo this day, but I gotta remember to watch this one! On the Riverwalk. With margaritas.</p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>Oklahoma State 37, Texas Tech 31</i> – This game could go either way. Numbers-wise, Tech has the potential to pull the upset. But I feel like their confidence is a bit shot due to their record this far this season. And the Cowboys are scrappy to the end, so I’m giving this one to them. It’s going to be a good game.</p>
<p><b>Scott Boase: </b><i>Texas Tech 35, Oklahoma State 31 </i>- This one is a tossup in my eyes, because if Mahomes cuts down on the turnovers he had in the blowout losses has had to OU and Baylor, Tech has a real shot to win this one at home. I think OSU's defense is solid, but they haven't played the top half of the Big 12 and the respective offenses yet. Tech wins a close one.</p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>Oklahoma State 54, Texas Tech 38 </i>- First off, my heart goes out to the Oklahoma State community for the tragedy that happened last weekend. I see this team taking charge and playing for a greater cause than a playoff ticket. The Pokes win this one big and bump up in the rankings.</p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b><i><b> </b>Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 38 </i>- Are the Pokes legit or not? I still don't have a clue, but this game will help lead me to an answer. Winning in Lubbock is no easy feat, but ever since Viva La Matadors published an article about how Tech is arguably the 3rd best team in the Big 12, things have not gone well for the the Red Raiders. They escaped a close one in Lawrence just to be steamrolled by Oklahoma the following week and the team hasn't regained the confidence it was playing with post Arkansas. On the other hand, Oklahoma State is playing with the most heart of any team in the country after the tragedy in Stillwater last week. I see the Pokes taking care of business in Lubbock with the defense making some big plays as they pulls away in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p><b>Simone Elices:</b> <i>Oklahoma State 48, Texas Tech 35</i> – Oklahoma State is looking better and better every week, while Texas Tech has started to slip in recent games. Although, Oklahoma State would be foolish to set their eyes on next weekends potential undefeated matchup vs TCU and overlook a sneaky good Red Raider team.</p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze: </b><span><i>Texas Tech 41, Oklahoma State 38</i> - The Cowboys have gotten lucky a few times this season to stay unbeaten. TCU already used up all of the luck available to road teams in Lubbock with the Tortilla Tip. <br></span></p>
<h5>
<u>Iowa State (2-5) vs. Texas (3-4)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett: </b><i>Texas 28, Iowa State 17 - </i>Texas' defense is turning up the heat over the past few weeks, and when you couple that with the somewhat out-of-the-blue dismissal of Cyclone OC Mark Mangino, it's safe to assume things aren't going to go well for Iowa State.</p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber:</b> <i>Texas 24, Iowa State 20 - </i>Another time I kind of want to pick against Texas. Probably not smart of their defensive lineman to say Iowa State is not only not good, but inconsistent as well. Coming from a guy on a team that got smoked by Notre Dame--beat Rice--blew it to Cal--blew it (with help) to OSU--got blown out by TCU--upset Oklahoma--and punched passed Kansas State in what was essentially a Big 10 game in the rain.</p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>Texas 34, Iowa State 20 </i>- Texas might have a QB controversy on their hands again, but the Cyclones (finally) do not. Joel Lanning will be the manning the rest of the way, but it won't matter in Austin.</p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>Texas 24, Iowa State 15</i> - The Longhorns escape with a win due to an interesting referee's interpretation of a long forgotten rule.</p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b> <i>Texas 28, Iowa State 20</i> - Tyrone Swoopes is the difference for Texas for the second consecutive week. His new role in the end-zone package leads to more touchdowns, and more energy for the Longhorns. Ames isn't an easy place to play sometimes, but Texas picks up their third straight win and sets themselves up nicely for a bowl bid.</p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog: </b><i>Texas 35, I</i><i><i>owa State 28 </i> </i>- Both teams have axes to grind, but I think the Longhorns win the battle of the axe wielding dwarves in Ames.</p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog: </b><i>Texas 31, Iowa State 28</i> – And here’s the other Big 12 game that could be an upset. Iowa State has the talent in Mike Warren to upset Texas. If Texas plays the way they have been since the Showdown, they’ll pull off the win. If they have an off day, it could leave an opening for the Cyclones.</p>
<p><b>Scott Boase: </b><i>Texas 27, Iowa State 24 (OT)</i> - Texas' mantra with Jarrod Heard at quarterback is just to pound the rock. They'll be in control of the clock for most of this one with Iowa State's ability to spice things up in the passing game will make this a close one.</p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin:</b><i><b> </b>Texas 35, Iowa State 20 </i>- Texas might not be sitting on the top tier of the conference right now, but let me tell you what, this team will be rolling to a three-game winning streak by the end of the week.</p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie: </b><i>Texas 34, Iowa State 20</i> - Momentum seems to keep building for the Horns, but I suspect the Cyclones to keep it interesting for the first half. With the Cyclones making a switch at quarterback and if their beloved Mike Warren keeps playing like he is, this game could be better than advertised. I say it takes Texas until the end of the third quarter before the Horns force a dagger turnover and seal the deal in Ames.</p>
<p><b>Simone Elices: </b><i>Texas 24, Iowa State 14</i> – Texas had another solid game last week against Kansas State and seems to be on a roll ever since their upset of Oklahoma in Dallas on the 10<sup>th</sup>. I have had this game circled every since the Longhorns left Fort Worth as a potentially ‘exciting’ game to watch, but that might just be because I want to see Texas lose every football game they play. Forever.</p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze:</b> <span><i>Texas 20, Iowa State 13</i> - Is Texas really favored to make it to 4-4. How is that possible? College football is weird sometimes.</span></p>
<h3>Around the Country</h3>
<h5><u>No. 23 Pittsburgh (6-1) vs. North Carolina (6-1) (Thursday)</u></h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett: </b><i>Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 24</i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber:</b> <i>Pittsburgh 28, North Carolina 24</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser:</b> <i>Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 20</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>Pittsburgh 38, North Carolina 20</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b> <i>North Carolina 24, Pittsburgh 21 </i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog: </b><i>Pittsburgh 42, North Carolina 38</i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog: </b><i>North Carolina 44, Pittsburgh 27</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>North Carolina 28, Pittsburgh 21</i></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>North Carolina 27, Pittsburgh 20 </i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie: </b><i>Pittsburgh 27, North Carolina 25</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices:</b> <i>Pittsburgh 24, North Carolina 21</i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze: </b><i>Pittsburgh 27, North Carolina 21 </i></p>
<h5>
<u>California (5-2) vs. USC (4-3)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett:</b> <i>USC 35, California 27</i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber: </b><i>USC 38, California 35</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>USC 42, California 37</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog:</b><i><b> </b>California 47, USC 31</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b> <i>USC 31, California 27</i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog: </b><i>USC 48, California 28<br></i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>USC 42, California 28</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>USC 31, California 28</i></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>USC 34, California 20 </i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie: </b><i>USC 45, California 27</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices:</b><i><b> </b>USC 42, California 40</i><i> <br></i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze:</b> <i>USC 42, California 41</i></p>
<h5>
<u>No. 11 Florida (6-1) vs. Georgia (5-2)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett:</b> <i>Florida 27, Georgia 20 </i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber:</b> <i>Florida 35, Georgia 24</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>Florida 28, Georgia 24</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>Florida 50, Georgia 21</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts: </b><i>Florida 35, Georgia 21</i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog:</b> <i>Florida 38, Georgia 28</i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>Florida 27, Georgia 17</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>Florida 23, Georgia 20</i></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>Florida 30, Georgia 21</i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b> <i>Florida 34, Georgia 26</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices: </b><i>Florida 35, Georgia 24</i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze: </b><i>Florida 35, Georgia 28</i></p>
<h5>
<u>Minnesota (4-3) vs. No. 15 Michigan (5-2)</u><br>
</h5>
<p>Jamie Plunkett: <i>Michigan 42, Minnesota 7</i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber: </b><i>Michigan 34, Minnesota 30</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser:</b> <i>Michigan 27, Minnesota 14</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>Michigan 36, Minnesota 3</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b><i> Michigan 24, Minnesota 21 :(<i></i></i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog:</b> <i>Michigan 42, Minnesota 28<br></i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog: </b><i>Michigan 34, Minnesota 21</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b><i> Michigan 27, Minnesota 3</i></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin:</b><i><b> </b>Michigan 24, Minnesota 17</i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie: </b><i>Michigan 28, Minnesota 7</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices: </b><i>Michigan 42, Minnesota 17</i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze: </b><i>Michigan 24, Minnesota 7</i></p>
<h5>
<u>No. 21 Temple (7-0) vs. No. 9 Notre Dame (6-1)</u><br>
</h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett:</b> <i>Notre Dame 38, Temple 24</i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber: </b><i>Notre Dame 31, Temple 20</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser: </b><i>Notre Dame 34, Temple 21</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog: </b><i>Notre Dame 40, Temple 23</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b><i> Notre Dame 31, Temple 17</i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog: </b><i>Notre Dame 55, Temple 48<br></i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog:</b> <i>Notre Dame 31, Temple 21</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase:</b> <i>Notre Dame 30, Temple 24</i></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin:</b> <i>Notre Dame 30, Temple 24 </i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b> <i>Notre Dame 45, Temple 31</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices:</b> <i>Temple 28, Notre Dame 27</i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze:</b> <i>Notre Dame 27, Temple 21</i></p>
<h5><u>Houston vs. Vanderbilt</u></h5>
<p><b>Jamie Plunkett:</b> <i>Houston 42, Vanderbilt 24</i></p>
<p><b>Marshall Weber:</b> <i>Houston 35, Vanderbilt 20</i></p>
<p><b>Melissa Triebwasser:</b> <i>Houston 42, Vanderbilt 31</i></p>
<p><b>Hawkeyed Frog:</b> <i>Houston 32, Vanderbilt 27</i></p>
<p><b>Andrew Felts:</b><i> Houston 35, Vanderbilt 21</i></p>
<p><b>Warrior Horned Frog:</b> <i>Houston 38, Vanderbilt 28</i></p>
<p><b>Rusty Frog: </b><i>Houston 41, Vanderbilt 31</i></p>
<p><b>Scott Boase: </b><i>Houston 38, Vanderbilt 21</i></p>
<p><b>Samantha Calimbahin: </b><i>Houston 38, Vanderbilt 17</i></p>
<p><b>Mason Jamboogie:</b> <i>Houston 38, Vanderbilt 17</i></p>
<p><b>Simone Elices: </b><i>Houston 45, Vanderbilt 17</i></p>
<p><b>HToadSwayze:</b> <i>Houston 30, Vanderbilt 17</i></p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/29/9616530/frogs-o-war-staff-picks-week-9-tcu-michigan-texas-oklahoma-uscJamie Plunkett2015-10-28T23:19:37-05:002015-10-28T23:19:37-05:00How To Watch TCU vs. West Virginia
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vrCBa8Wp7loGRi01cKSbxeMqAfo=/0x161:3220x2308/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47541479/usa-today-8178539.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Frogs look to stay undefeated under the lights on Thursday night. </p> <p>TCU looks to improve to 8-0 on the season when they face off against West Virginia at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Thursday evening. TCU and West Virginia have had some fantastic games over the past three seasons, with the road team winning every game. TCU needed a last second field goal from Jaden Oberkrom to get out of Morgantown with a win last season, and a two-point conversion in double overtime to seal the win in 2012.</p>
<p>West Virginia struggled with consistency on offense against Baylor in a 62-38 loss, which dropped them to 3-3 on the season and 0-3 in Big 12 play. The Mountaineers have lost their first three Big 12 games by an average of 17 points.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Trevone Boykin is averaging 425 yards per game and is well on his way to earning an invitation to New York at the season's end.</p>
<h3>How to watch, listen, and stream</h3>
<p><b>Game Time:</b> 6:30 p.m.</p>
<p><b>TV Channel:</b> Fox Sports 1</p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>KTCU 88.7</p>
<p><b>Online Stream:</b> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAAahUKEwiutOOV5-bIAhVN_mMKHUDpBbs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxsports.com%2Ffoxsportsgo%2F&usg=AFQjCNEINMAxUln4dkDM5qffMS5tGLMmFg&sig2=f_FsB4AifadXxlwgnWo7jQ">Fox Sports Go</a></p>
<h3>Vegas says...</h3>
<p>TCU is a 14 point favorite according to <a href="http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/teams/team-page.cfm/team/texas-christian">Vegas Insider</a>, and the Over/Under is set at 75. TCU is 3-4 against the spread this season, while West Virginia is 2-4.</p>
<h3>Check out the opponent</h3>
<p>If you want to know more about West Virginia, check out<a href="http://www.smokingmusket.com"> Smoking Musket</a>, and of course, our game stream.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/28/9633668/how-to-watch-tcu-vs-west-virginia-game-time-tv-channel-streaming-oddsJamie Plunkett2015-10-28T15:18:24-05:002015-10-28T15:18:24-05:00TCU - WVU: Q&A with the Smoking Musket
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We sat down with David Smith of the Smoking Musket to talk WVU's brutal October, Skyler Howard, and restless natives.</p> <p>TCU and WVU have enjoyed a good relationship since joining the Big XII together just over three seasons to go, despite playing some of the closest and most heartbreaking games against each other in that time period. As contentious as the series has been - two overtime games, a last second field goal, and road team dominance - the fans seem to enjoy a friendly back and forth. That sentiment is shared across the SB Nation platform as well; you won't find better guys than the dudes at the Smoking Musket. One such dude is my good buddy David Smith (@SmithFire13), who was kind enough to answer a few questions ahead of Thursday night's throwdown.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>CM: WVU’s season started very promising, as the team rolled through their preseason schedule with relative ease. Led by a competent looking Skyler Howard and a nasty defense led by Karl Joseph, the Eers appeared to be a darkhorse contender heading into Big XII play. Then, October happened. The Mountaineers played three of the top four teams in the conference to open conference play, and will face the preseason favorite to close the month. So… are you okay?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>DS:</b></span><span><span> </span></span><span><i>No. I’ve restocked the ice cream, wine, and tissues. Went to red box and somehow they had every Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movie available which I’m pretty sure is just three. Was Meg Ryan in Joe and the Volcano? I can’t remember.</i></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>CM: I can’t remember either, but I’ll have what she’s having - if it’s some of that ice cream. Other than Karl Joseph’s devastating injury, what has been the main issue for the WVU D? While there’s really no shame in giving up 60+ to Baylor, and OU has been pretty salty on offense as well, this was a team many expected to be one of the best in the country on that side of the ball. Is it something you’re concerned about going forward, or more of a testament to the three conference teams they have played to this point?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>DS:</b></span><span><span> </span></span><i><span>The preseason hype for the defense might have been overblown, but they looked the part out of the gate. WVU smothered their nonconference opponents and there is definitely something to be said about the quality bump that the Mountaineers have had to face in the month of October. While West Virginia is still rather strong in the front, the lack of depth in the secondary is a huge problem for Thursday and beyond. Dana Holgorsen said on Monday that the Mountaineers lose two more DBs (Terrell Chestnut: injured shoulder, Ricky Rumph: death in the family.) Including the loss of Karl Joseph a few weeks ago, having a bare cupboard in the back against Trevone Boykin falls near the bottom on Smitty’s Favorite Things in the Entire World List right beside Pitt looking rather decent and hungover Sundays with no hope of revival via Chick Fil A. For the top of the list, go no further than here: </span><a href="http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070518002738/scrubs/images/thumb/3/39/1x05showmeboobs.jpg/500px-1x05showmeboobs.jpg"><span>http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070518002738/scrubs/images/thumb/3/39/1x05showmeboobs.jpg/500px-1x05showmeboobs.jpg</span></a><span> )</span></i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>CM: On offense, it’s a different story. How do you feel about Skyler Howard?...</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>DS:</b></span><span><span> </span></span><span><i>My feelings about Skyler Howard are complicated and I am not alone. There is no doubt that the kid lays it all out on the field, but it’s just not there yet. "It" could be several things: the sporadic-at-best accuracy, the route-running of the young/inexperienced WRs, or the overall lack of chemistry between passer and receiver. "It" is probably a combination of all three or countless more unmentioned, but "it" is not there. Yet. While there is potential, I don’t know how many more overthrows of certain touchdowns I can take before I join the WE SHOULD BENCH HIM RABBLE RABBLE noisy minority.</i></span></p>
<p><b>CM: The Eers clearly lost a lot of firepower after last season, but there were players remaining on the roster that many thought could have a similar impact. Things started strong for Dana Holgorsen’s crew, but have tailed off considerably; after dropping 40+ in each of their first three games, WVU hasn’t tallied more than 38 since… and managed only 24 and 26 against the Oklahomas. Is this a scheme or talent problem? Or does it start and end with the QB?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>DS:</b> <span> </span><i>Helluva question. Going back to before, I don’t think it’s just on Howard. Shorts and Thompson are capable slot men, but the problems are about what going on outside. Shelton Gibson and Jovon Durante are great talents, but Holgorsen has mentioned before about the development of the WR in his system starts with learning what to do and then how to do it. Gibson has been around the program enough to know what to do, but the how is still on its way. Durante is a true freshman that is still learning on the fly. Outside of those two, WVU is still trying to find answers for the outside WRs to the point where Freshman QB David Sills just had his </i><a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/UI3AW-Jjqas">redshirt burned in Waco to go play receiver</a><i>:</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>And then this </i><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GFCoyle/status/655451388030271488">tweet</a><i> gets out... s</i><i>ooooo, who wants to step up?</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>CM: Speaking of Holgo, how warm is his seat these days? He seems to have endeared himself to the fan base in general, but a poor finish in 2014 coupled with the rough start this season has to have people questioning his fit. Do fans understand the gauntlet October has been, or has their patience run thin?</b></span></p>
<p><b>DS:</b><span> </span><i>So we are just gonna air this all out, aren’t we? Regardless of the school, there’s always a portion of the fan base that want to fire everyone for everything in the same tone that they complain about the Goobacks taking our jerrrbs. That being said, the natives are certainly growing restless. This is Holgorsen’s fifth year and, after the strides taken by the program last year, going backwards is not what supporters want to see. There are complaints about how the offensive guru’s offense should be clicking after this amount of time and those arguments are hard to combat. That and being in the middle of a three-game losing streak does not help things. With every loss, the restlessness grows and I fear that bowl eligibility is a chopping block minimum that the Mountaineers might not make. Who knows? Stay tuned.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>CM: The three previous conference match ups between the Frogs and the Eers have been decided by a total of five points, with the home team having taken the L in each game and two having gone to overtime. What is it about WVU that has matched up so well with TCU?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>DS:</b></span><i><span><span> </span></span><span>I think that WVU and TCU have been going along the same path as two teams morphing from what it took to be successful in their former situations into bona fide Big 12 programs. West Virginia was built to win the Big East with a mostly average, yet capable roster, but a few superstars sprinkled in at skilled positions. This was enough to outclass their Big East opponents and punch an unexpecting blue blood in the mouth. (Source: </span><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/gallery/sugarbowl9/WVU2.JPG"><span>[1]</span></a><span> </span><a href="http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Fiesta+Bowl+Oklahoma+v+West+Virginia+T7Q6M408O3ll.jpg"><span>[2]</span></a><span> </span><a href="http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Geno-Smith.jpg"><span>[3]</span></a><span>) While this worked at the time, the move to the Big 12 forced West Virginia to go through the motions of building depth.</span></i></p>
<p><span>TCU has had to face a similar track of roster development, but went through the growing pains of changing to the offensive schemes of one Sonny Cumbie. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that West Virginia and TCU had mirroring 4-8 (Big 12: 2-7) records in 2013, but Gary Patterson has really taken advantage of the Big 12 move as a newfound recruiting pitch. West Virginia has not. This is why I think the Horned Frogs busts up this close-game trend and lays the wood Thursday. This is my theory, but it could be nonsense. </span>¯\_(ツ)_/¯</p>
<p>Thanks so much to Smitty and best of luck to WVU... starting Friday ;) Be sure to check out the Q&A we did with the guys over at <a href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/" target="_blank">Smoking Musket</a> as well!</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/28/9622732/tcu-vs-wvu-q-a-with-the-smoking-musketMelissa B. Triebwasser2015-10-28T13:00:02-05:002015-10-28T13:00:02-05:00WVU Defensive Player to Watch: Jarrod Harper
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<p>In the wake of Karl Joseph's season-ending injury, the Mountaineers look to Jarrod Harper to defend against the Frogs this week.</p> <p>I'm really enjoying doing these player previews each week, and there are usually standout players for both sides of the ball that make it easy to choose who to write about. This week was a little different. With a defense that started the season ranked as one of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/9/28/9406477/wvu-mountaineers-football-2015-defense">Top 5 in the nation</a> and is now <a href="http://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/27/9615998/tcu-football-west-virginia-preview">ranked below TCU's struggling defense</a>, West Virginia doesn't have a whole lot to talk about. Their All-<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american" class="sbn-auto-link">American</a> Senior Safety, <span>Karl Joseph</span>, was injured during practice after their loss to Oklahoma, and he required knee surgery that will have him out the rest of the season. This week they're also likely to be missing CB Terrell Chestnut due to a shoulder injury and CB Ricky Rumph due to a death in the family. With losses to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Baylor so far, West Virginia's defense is <a href="http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20151027/GZ02/151029526">looking for a good leader</a> who can help bring the offense back to the field as quickly as possible. To that point, West Virginia does lead the nation in stopping opponents on third down, so they have that going for them. They give up the fewest first downs in the league, and it'll be interesting to see how many first downs the Frogs can dig up this week. So after looking at all of the defensive rankings, game stats, and media releases, it's apparent that Dana Holgorsen's <a href="http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2015/10/9/9484709/west-virginia-defensive-preview-a-big-hole-to-fill">defensive dreams</a> lie squarely on the <a href="http://wvmetronews.com/2015/10/26/no-title-at-stake-but-wvu-defense-can-still-tap-into-motivation/">shoulders of Junior Safety Jarrod Harper</a>.</p>
<p>Harper, who hails from Frostburg, Maryland, is the new Karl Joseph. At least that's what the Mountaineers are hoping anyway. He signed in the same class as Joseph and has been <a href="http://www.theet.com/sports/wvu/harper-s-faith-helps-him-pull-through/article_588d907e-391c-5066-a8d2-201b192e8dba.html">quietly waiting his turn</a> to take the field as the #1 Safety. He's close to Joseph and has been taking notes while watching him from the sidelines. <a href="http://wvmetronews.com/2015/10/08/you-cant-replace-karl-but-holgorsen-expects-backups-to-rally/">Last season</a>, coach Joe DeFrost even referred to Harper as "one of (his) favorite players." <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?sport=football&id=102561">He has game experience</a> and actually played in all 12 games his redshirt Freshman year (2013). He was mostly used on special teams and had 10 tackles and a forced fumble. He played in 13 games last year and ended the season with 13 tackles, a sack, and a great blocked punt against Maryland. <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/104949/west-virginias-jarrod-harper-prepared-to-replace-irreplaceable-karl-joseph">The biggest challenge for Harper seems to be a basic lack of play time</a>. In his <a href="http://www.theet.com/sports/wvu/harper-shines-in-first-start-for-wvu/article_287868df-48b4-58df-9243-2439db48e9a0.html">first game</a> starting against Oklahoma State, <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/534498/jarrod-harper">Harper had 6 tackles and 2 pass break-ups</a>. But OSU ran 81 plays and Harper had only previously tallied 96 plays on defense during his entire 2014 season. <a href="http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20151018/GZ02/151019465/1419">After that was the Baylor game</a>, in which <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/live/NCAAF_20151017_WVU@BAYLOR">Baylor ran 84 plays</a>. <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/534498/jarrod-harper">Harper had 3 tackles (2 solo) during that game</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/10/17/9560527/corey-coleman-baylor-touchdown-juke-west-virginia-omg-how">He also got <i>served</i></a> by Baylor's top receiver, <span>Corey Coleman</span>. He has yet to get a sack, force a fumble, or grab an interception this season, but let's remember that this Thursday will only be his third game starting. He's been thrown into the fire, as his first three starts are against the three ranked and undefeated Big XII teams.</p>
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<p>Several other defensive players deserve honorable mention here, including LB Nick Kwiatkowski (<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/518146/nick-kwiatkoski">28 tackles and 1 interception</a>) and LB <span>K.J. Dillon</span> (<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/gamelog/_/id/534494/kj-dillon">17 tackles and 1 interception</a>). Junior CB Daryl Worley has <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/546053/daryl-worley">2 interceptions and 14 tackles</a>, while LB Jared Barber has <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/gamelog/_/id/517793/jared-barber">24 tackles and 1.5 sacks</a>. While I chose to highlight Harper due to his being dubbed a direct replacement for Joseph, it's really the entire West Virginia defense that has the potential to limit Boykin and Company. <i>Notice I said potential.</i> With all the pieces coming together, the Mountaineers' defense does have the talent to stop the Frogs from converting 3<sup>rd</sup> downs. There's also a definite knack for interceptions with this defense. But every defensive player needs to have a mistake-free game in order to hold down the Frogs. We know there's a history of tight games between these two teams, so anything can happen. But being surrounded by a sea of TCU fans wearing black in the dark of Texas night has to be intimidating, right? Let's fill up the Amon and show these guys what it means to have Frog Eyes watching your every move.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/28/9625696/wvu-defensive-player-to-watch-safety-jarrod-harperDeanna Rust2015-10-27T16:06:04-05:002015-10-27T16:06:04-05:00TCU Football: West Virginia Preview
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<figcaption>Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Are we destined for another nail-biter? Or can TCU--or even West Virginia--dominate the game and actually win by more than 1?</p> <p dir="ltr">The game is rigged, but you cannot lose if you do not play. This is a wonderful quote from Season 1 of <i>The Wire</i>. The former applies to college football, the latter apparently does not; because in a bye week, TCU, according to some National media writers, fell completely off Earth as if it were flat. Boykin fell in the Heisman rankings, and TCU fell out of some Top 10s. Trust me, I know I shouldn't care. And for the most part, I really don't, but- their opinion still matters.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In college football, the "what have you done for me, lately" applies.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't have a problem with TCU being omitted from just about every Playoff Prediction right now. They know that given what they have left, they'll more than likely make it into College Football's new Holy Grail if they beat Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on the road and cap off their 2015 campaign with a win against Baylor on Black Friday.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">What I do have a problem with--as any college football fan should--is consistency. Don't say TCU hasn't been impressive on the road, then praise Michigan State and Ohio State. Good win for Ohio State against Rutgers. But listen to the last part of that sentence. Go into a bathroom, turn off the light and say it aloud. It's quite hilarious. The only thing more hilarious is remembering when x-announcer gave Ole Miss credit for a gritty win against Vanderbilt at home. Until Saturday, Vanderbilt hadn't won an SEC game since 2013, and they beat a Missouri team who hasn't scored a touchdown in nearly a month.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm not wearing a tinfoil hat quite yet, but I've gone to H-E-B to at least buy it. I'm ready. Prepare yourself, too, but don't get angry yet. There's a lot to accomplish.</p>
<h4>West Virginia Preview:</h4>
<p>After much deserved rests for both teams, the Mountaineers roll into Fort Worth for their second time as conference. Like the Texas series until 2015, the home game has always lost this matchup. Unlike the Texas series however, no game has yet to be boring; and the last team with the ball the last three years has won the game.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">One could even say that the genesis of Boykin's knack for a comeback happened three years ago in Morgantown. Down 31-24, in an era where it seemed like a miracle for TCU to scrape more than 30 points, with no timeouts and 85-yards away from tying the game, <span>Trevone Boykin</span> flipped the switch that's now obvious had been inside him the whole time. Having a dismal game by his 2015 standards, Boykin thrived on the pressure. He was sacked on the first play of TCU's final drive in regulation, meaning the Frogs were 91-yards from tying the game. The next play he scrambled, escaped the pressure, and improvised a play to Boyce on a pseudo in-route, that would've been good enough for a first down, but instead tied the game at 31.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">What should we run?</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Here you go, BJ.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Haha just kidding</p>
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<p dir="ltr">What's good, Cam?</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Thanks, Brandon</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Touchdown</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Thanks to one of the biggest plays of Jason Verrett's extraordinary career--a blocked chip shot to set up a 2OT--Boykin had another chance to lead the team to victory. After the blocked kick, the Mountaineers responded with a touchdown, meaning the Frogs had to score a touchdown to tie it. Sorry for watering it down for those of you who (a) remember the game or (b) can follow the rules of overtime. Nevertheless, in a hostile Morgantown crowd, overtime wins are few and far between. And thanks to possibly the greatest design of Anderson and Burns' tenure, a trick play--a wide receiver reverse pass--TCU came within one of tying the game in Morgantown yet again.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VUoxEUDIGVE" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">To beat a dead horse, wins don't come cheap in Morgantown and arguably, going for it in double-OT could've had a remarkable butterfly effect on TCU's 2012 season. They were the road warriors that season, and Joel Klatt, who'll be in the booth this Thursday, made note of how the Frogs had a keen ability to rise from the dead. Which was a nice sentiment since it came just a day after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead" target="_blank">El Dia De Los Muertos</a> ended. Yet, where the Frogs were at this point in the season, maybe a loss would've put them in a do-or-die against Texas, and maybe that first win in Austin never happens. But Gary, uncharacteristic for him--especially at the time, let the Burns and Anderson go for it. Though Boykin's sell on the throw to Josh Boyce--the King of big catches--was equally as bad as the throw, he still made it happen. For a RS freshman in his second start on the road to pull that off is pretty impressive. Three years later, TCU is still rising from the dead like a Wildling in Hardhome. The conversation around this game is completely different than what it was a month ago. This is because, and this is probably the college football word of the year; attrition.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Mountaineers were still able to manage 471 yards against Baylor's defense, despite losing the game 62-38. The game was perhaps more deceiving than the score indicates. Though the Bears controlled the game, West Virginia hung within ten points until late in 3rd; then Baylor did their <i>Baylor-thing </i>in the 4th quarter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even with their own defensive woes, this is arguably the easiest a TCU defense has had against West Virginia. No <span>Stedman Bailey</span>, no <span>Geno Smith</span>, no <span>Kevin White</span>, etc. Not to say that it won't be a difficult task maintaining a speedy unit with a mastermind like Holgorsen chess-piecing around Patterson's 4-2-5; but without the tremendous and exciting playmakers like they've had since joining the Big 12, it's going to be as tough as it's ever been for them against TCU, which is saying a lot.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Skyler Howard</span>, who went to Brewer in TCU's backyard, has filled into the starting role admirably. With a completion percentage just under 60%, Howard is averaging 8.33 yards on his throws, accumulating to 1,566 yards threw the air, and has 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. At 6-0, in cleats, Howard has a tendency to run; he collected over 40 yards against his last two opponents, undefeated Oklahoma State and undefeated Baylor. He's regressed since Big 12 play, including a statistically awful game against Oklahoma, and statically respectable game against Baylor; Howard has been under 50% with his throws in Big 12, and has 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, 3 of which were against the Sooners. While Howard's Big 12 stats have been rather meh, given that he's played three teams contending for the Big 12 title--he'll see the fourth and final Thursday night--that's about as tough as stretches get, and he deserves leniency for that. The Frogs best not sleep.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To compliment Howard's passing game, which ranks 29th Nationally in PYPG with 269.8, West Virginia balances out the attack nicely with the 21st ranked rushing attack, gaining 215.7 YPG on the ground, you can thank <span>Wendell Smallwood</span> for that. Still, while Smallwood wouldn't be foolish in licking his chops going up against the 6th best, or 4th worst rushing defense in the Big 12; Patterson is (most) always brilliant in making sure the opponents' run game doesn't dominate his defense, and the momentum of the game.This balance can serve them well, especially when they feel inclined to go deep, which should catch the Frog secondary off guard and force them into the PI calls that have devastated them this year. Gary generally handles the run well, but it's teams with this near perfect balance--your Baylors, your Oklahomas--that worry me more than Texas Tech did. Nevertheless, and like we said above, the lack of big playmakers, or at least ones that can't live up to the names of previous years, will be the dividing line that keeps West Virginia out of the game.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ideally, we should see a strong balance with West Virginia's banged up secondary. <span>Karl Joseph</span> would've been an All-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a>, but lacking Terrell Chesntt and <span>Ricky Rumph</span>, and even with Doctson in double-coverage, Boykin should have a field day with his arsenal of weapons; <span>Kolby Listenbee</span> hasn't missed a step since he's been back, Turpin should be good to go, <span>Shaun Nixon</span> is like a stick of dynamite waiting to explode, <span>Desmon White</span> has been an unsung hero, and not to mention podcast favorite, <span>Ja'Juan Story</span> always posing a threat in the endzone. The running back corps could very well see its best game of the season. <span>Aaron Green</span>, his likely successor, <span>Kyle Hicks</span>, and redzone monster, <span>Trevorris Johnson</span>, won't give a limping West Virginia defense any room to breathe.</p>
<p>Boykin to Doctson is as good as gets. Despite leading the Frogs to a major comeback win, Boykin has yet to play a complete game against the Mountaineers, and the game always seems to be a gut-check game. It worked favorably in 2012 and 2014, but not so much in 2013. In 2014, it proved that TCU could brave the bitter cold and get a tough road win. They didn't come cheap then, and they haven't come cheap in 2015; but in the comfort of their own home, this game could bridge what has been TCU's season with what will be their 2015 campaign.</p>
<p>Giving up over 400-yards per game, on paper, West Virginia's defense isn't that much worse than TCU's. But you have to remember that's it's been free-falling the past few weeks thanks to injuries and getting bullied by Oklahoma in Norman. The Frogs rank 68th nationally whereas the Mountaineers rank 71st; the biggest difference being that TCU has given up half a dozen more touchdowns than the Mountaineers, and TCU allows less yards per play, which is somewhat perplexing, especially given how dominant West Virginia was just four weeks ago--which has only been three games with their bye week. Still, despite losing their last three games, the Mountaineers still give up the fewest first downs in the league.</p>
<p>One of the most interesting aspects of the game will come on third down. Per my prayers being answered, and something that's improved dramatically since the Minnesota game to say the least, TCU's offense is the best team in the Big 12 on third down. The only problem? West Virginia's defense is the best team in the Nation at stopping opponents on third down. However, they've given up 139 points in their last three games; which granted were all on the road, but entering a blackout Carter crowd won't do them any favors Thursday night.</p>
<p>Vegas likes the Frogs at home and that helps me sleep a little better at night. West Virginia's best hope Thursday night is how Iowa State was able to have a monster 1st quarter two weeks ago, and a big reason Kansas State was within a strand of Snyder's white hair from upsetting the Frogs; special teams. Punting-wise, TCU ranks 9th in the Big 12 (averaging 37.7 yards per punt), and while West Virginia only ranks 7th in punt returns, they have enough explosiveness to at least gain very solid field position. It's one thing for your offense, and your offensive coordinator to have to formulate something from inside the 20; it's another when you're on the 50. And even though TCU's been dynamite at limiting returns; when they do, it's only been good enough for 6th best in the conference; and when you're facing the (statistically) best kick returner in the Big 12 in <span>Shelton Gibson</span>, TCU must be very weary on coverage if they want to dominate this game.</p>
<p>Speaking of domination, and as we alluded to above, TCU isn't getting any love from the National Media. I mean, a little here and there, but it's certainly nowhere near what it was in the preseason. However, with the first <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">College Football Playoff</a> poll on the horizon, the Frogs have a chance to make their mark early. An early boost would certainly help, and at least give fans an idea of what they're (The Committee) are looking for this season; but it's just a name on the paper unless they finish undefeated, because unless you're name is Oklahoma, a 1-loss Big 12 team isn't going to the CFP.</p>
<h4>Prediction: TCU 55, West Virginia 38</h4>
<p dir="ltr">TCU just plays better at home. With Listenbee back, Turpin likely back, as well as a defense that's getting healthier and better in the areas it needs to with each passing week, it's hard to see the Frogs blowing a Thursday night blackout game at home. It'll happen one of two ways. (1) West Virginia will hang tough early, but Boykin and Doctson will take advantage of a weakened Mountaineer secondary and it'll prove too much. Or, (2) TCU will dominate early on offense and the defense <b>will force a turnover early </b>and the Frogs will run away with it. I don't see a desperate, and late comeback like Kansas State in this one.</p>
<p>A win against West Virginia will probably get tossed because it was at home. However, it should give the Frogs some significant confidence going into Stillwater, and should they win that; a nice buffer with Kansas coming to town, then playing Oklahoma and Baylor, should launch them back into legitimate playoff contention among the voices of National writers whose opinions matter about as mine do for which film should win at the Academy Awards.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2015/10/27/9615998/tcu-football-west-virginia-previewMarshall Weber