Frog Spotlight: TCU’s Jack Bech shines during win over Stanford

The former LSU transfer turned in a stellar week one performance against the Cardinal.

Not Cam Cook, Savion Williams, or JP Richardson, but TCU’s scrimmage yardage leader in week one was wide receiver Jack Bech. The former LSU Tiger was the leading receiver on the Horned Frogs and scored the go-ahead touchdown with just over three minutes remaining. On that second-to-last scoring drive, the senior caught two of Josh Hoover’s passes—both going for first downs. Although Bech’s last two receptions were probably the most important, they were also his shortest gains on the night. Bech’s receptions went for 18, 15, 46, 43, 13, and four yards. The 6-foot-2 receiver averaged an absurd 23.3 yards per catch. After week one, Bech ranks 17th in the nation in receiving yards.

What makes Bech’s week one performance even more impressive is he was listed as second-string on the Horned Frogs pre-week one depth chart. Prior to week one, Bech was listed as Richardson’s backup in the slot. Even though the senior wasn’t listed as a starter, he led the Horned Frogs skill position players’ in snaps. Bech appeared in 70 snaps, four more than Williams, and 22 more than Richardson. The original starter, Dylan Wright, sat out TCU’s opening contest after getting “banged up” near the end of camp. Bech received the starting nod and ran with it. His six receptions were the second-most in his career, while his 139 receiving yards easily outpaced his previous career-high.

Only briefly mentioned earlier, Bech’s go-ahead touchdown was equally important as it was impressive. After four straight Hoover completions, the Horned Frogs used Cook to plow forward to convert a third-and-one on the fifth play of the drive. Following Cook’s run, Hoover completed another pass to Williams before handing off to the sophomore running back to convert the first down. Then, with about three minutes and 20 seconds remaining, Dykes, Briles, and Co decided to go to Bech with the game on the line. The Horned Frogs ran a two-receiver set, with both wideouts lining up on the short-side of the field. Bech ran a corner route from the slot and generated three-plus yards of separation—allowing Hoover to hit the senior receiver with ease.

Following Bech’s standout week one performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Louisiana-native retain the starting role. Although Bech and Richardson were projected to play primarily in the slot, Bech displayed great versatility—lining up all over the field. Bech took snaps in the slot, and outside at both the X and Z positions. Going forward, it’s likely Williams continues to play the X, while Bech opens at Z. After his week one breakout, Bech will take the field for an encore performance at 7:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, September 9 against the Long Island Sharks.