TCU vs. Texas Prediction, Game Preview

These aren’t exactly fun times at Texas (1-3). To be fair, it’s not like any of the three losses were cheap – Notre Dame, Cal and Oklahoma State are all still unbeaten – but after a missed extra point against the Bears, and a botched punt against the Cowboys, it’s been a rough go in Charlie Strong’s second year. TCU (4-0) remains unbeaten, but it’s been decimated by injuries on the defensive side. However, the offense was able to pick up the slack last week against Texas Tech. Check out the TCU vs. Texas prediction and game preview.

TCU vs. Texas Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Game Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX

Network: ABC

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Why You Need To Care

You can’t lose if you’re the Texas head coach – ever. However, while it might stink to lose to Oklahoma, the rise of Baylor and TCU has been particularly galling considering the Longhorns are supposed to own Texas football. The Horned Frogs have won two of the last three in the series, but nothing would jumpstart the Strong era faster than a massive upset win on the road over a top three team, especially with OU coming up next. Lose this, and the likelihood of a 1-5 start is looming.

How long can TCU hold up? The O has kicked it into high gear, but the team seems to be hanging by a thread considering all the injuries and issues on the defensive side. Survive and advance is the goal, and with road games at Kansas State and Iowa State up next – both very winnable – there’s a chance to do just that before having to dive into the hard part of the Big 12 schedule. However, three of the next four games are on the road.

Why Texas Will Win

There might be some royal screw-ups on special teams over the last two games, and there are way, way, way too many penalties, but at least the Longhorns aren’t killing themselves with turnovers. They’ve given away four on the year, but the defense has been picking up the slack with ten takeaways in the last three games. Texas has yet to lose the turnover battle, and to have a chance this week, it has to be at least a +3 and take advantage of every shot – and there can’t be any more kicking game mistakes.

Why TCU Will Win

The Longhorn secondary has been shockingly miserable. The pass defense has allowed opponents to complete 69% of their passes for 1,107 yards and ten scores, and while the five picks have been nice, they haven’t made up for the big plays allowed. TCU’s offense is rocking and rolling again with Trevone Boykin back into 2014 form last week against Texas Tech. If he’s given time – and he should considering the Longhorns don’t have much of a pass rush – he’ll carve the Longhorns up.

Player Who Matters

Last year, TCU WR Josh Doctson caught seven passes for 115 yards and a score in the win over Texas on the way to a nice season. Last week, he might have cemented himself on a few All-America teams with a brilliant 18-catch, 267-yard, three touchdown day, that came this close to being a 19-catch, four score day, but the game-winner flew out of his hands and into the loving arms of RB Aaron Green. The senior has stepped up with others out.

What’s Going To Happen?

Jerrod Heard will have a big day, but the Texas defense won’t do nearly enough to slow down the Horned Frog machine once it gets rolling. The last two losses were tough, but this one will get the fan base screaming.