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The Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs finished the 2003 season with an 11-2 record, just missed a BCS bowl bid, and have won 52 games over the last six seasons. They play in Conference-USA but they don’t get a lot of publicity from the media outlets because they’re conference isn’t one of the six “BCS Conferences”. They’ve put 15 players in the NFL over the years, but if you’re not a pretty in-depth football fan, you’ve only heard of one player that played at TCU (Chargers RB LaDanian Tomlinson). Regardless of these facts, the Horned Frogs are ready to take the nation by storm again in 2004 and come in at #18 on my pre-season poll.
The Horned Frogs return 14 starters from last year’s 11-2 team. In the past, the defense led the team and the offense simply did enough to win but 2004 could be different. The offense returns eight starters, including QB, RB, and four linemen, but the defense will have holes to fill after watching six starters leave including all four linemen. The coaches are excited that all of the incoming linemen have certain strengths and a committee should work for this team. TCU has amazing depth at their offensive positions with two solid quarterbacks, two running backs, and two receivers. The depth chart for the Qbs and RBs hasn’t been set in stone yet, and the camps prior to the start of the season should go a long way in determining how the players rank. The offensive line is set and should be among the best in all of Conference USA. Middle linebacker Martin Patterson finished last season with a team high 103 tackles in his first full season as a starter. DBs Mark Walker and Marvin Godbolt combined for nine interceptions last season. Godbolt intercepted four passes in four games before a knee injury ended his season, while Walker finished with a team leading five interceptions. The team had some injuries to take care of during the spring training camps but most of the big impact players should be ready when the season rolls around.
TCU coach Gary Patterson is prepared to use his team depth to his advantage and has said that one QB or one RB will not play the entire season and that everyone will have their chance to perform. The Horned Frogs should be able to get through their conference schedule before a home game November 20 against the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi. Last year, this game was the “conference championship” and many around the conference believe this year will follow suit, but in 2004 the Horned Frogs have the advantage of playing in Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. The toughest game on the schedule might be September 18 when the Horned Frogs travel to Lubbock to take on in-state rivals, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The game will be a good measuring stick for TCU, and if they can hang with one of the best from the Big XII, they should like their chances in conference play.
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