Horned Frogs finally getting the recognition they deserve
TCU defensive linemen Dylan Horton (98) and Terrell Cooper glances towards the sideline after a play in the third quarter against Colorado Friday September 2, 2022 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
The College football world watched as the Playoff Committee released their new rankings Tuesday night, and placed TCU at No. 4.
After all, the Horned Frogs are 9-0 for the first time since 2010. TCU even moved up three spots to fourth in this week’s AP Poll. It’s the program’s highest ranking in five years. Now all eyes are on the Horned Frogs, and there’s nothing like having the nation’s attention.
It’s mind-boggling that Sonny Dykes is having so much success in his first campaign with the program. The Committee finally took into account Dykes’ body of work up to this point. It helps that TCU has a prolific offense and a Heisman contending quarterback.
And the numbers don’t lie. The Horned Frogs are averaging a jaw-dropping, 508.7 yards per game. That’s first in the Big 12 and fourth in the FBS. TCU is tied for third in the country in scoring offense. Dykes’ boys are putting up video game numbers and averaging 43.1 points per game. And most of that production can be contributed to the play of Max Duggan.
All of his experience and leadership is paying off on the gridiron. He leads the Big 12 in touchdown tosses and passing efficiency. Duggan is well on his way to breaking Trevone Boykin’s single-season record for passing touchdowns. The Council Bluffs native has a great supporting cast too.
Running back Kendre Miller has been consistent all season long. He has eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards in six games. Miller rumbled for a season-high, 153 yards against Kansas State. The junior has also generated at least one rushing score in every game this season.
Duggan has done a marvelous job spreading the wealth around to his pass catchers too. The gunslingers showed that against Texas Tech, even without go-to receiver Quentin Johnson.
The Big 12 has really been down this year on defense. Iowa State and Baylor are the only teams in the top-50 in total defense. The Horned Frogs have a bend, but don’t break unit. Which is why TCU is 86th in the FBS in total defense. A lot of the Horned Frogs’ games have resulted in shootouts.
The players love coming from behind though. That’s when they step up the intensity. Dykes’ boys are the nation’s best second half team. The Horned Frogs have outscored the opposition 187-102 in the second half. That means he does an excellent job at making halftime adjustments.
On paper the Horned Frogs’ strength of schedule looks legit. TCU beat Oklahoma when it was ranked eighth in the AP Poll, Kansas when it was 19th, Oklahoma State when it was eighth and Kansas State when it was 17th. So the Horned Frogs deserve all of the recognition, despite the Wildcats being the only team still in the Polls.
Now a dangerous Texas squad looms in week 11. A victory in Austin will help boost the Horned Frogs’ resume because the Longhorns are 18th in the latest Playoff rankings. No doubt it’s going to be the perfect opportunity for TCU to prove to the rest of the country that its’ ranking is legit. And that the Horned Frogs deserve a seat at the table with the nation’s elite.
