The staff gives thoughts ahead of TCU’s Big 12 opener
This is the first ever meeting between the Horned Frogs & Knights. Where would you put UCF in the Big 12 pecking order long term?
- Anthony: I’m on record as being very bullish on the Knights this season and beyond, picking them to win the league in 2024. I’d be surprised if UCF isn’t consistently in the top five of the Big 12 and competing of conference titles when the roster aligns.
- Austin: I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Knight consistently finishing in the top half of the conference for the foreseeable future. UCF has a proven track record and has demonstrated the ability to recruit well and attract key transfers.
- Drew: I have UCF falling into the upper middle tier of the Big 12. They are located in a great region for recruiting and I like what Gus Malzahn has done so far. I think they should be a solid team moving forward.
- Russ: I think UCF has a bright future in the new Big 12. The resources that come with being near the Orlando area, plus Gus Malzahn’s presence as head coach, should allow UCF to be near the top of the conference in recruiting. I’d put the Knights in the middle-to-high tier.
- Wyatt: I think UCF is definitely towards the top of the conference this year and in the future. In terms of talent, they are the only Big 12 school in Florida, so I expect them to have top recruiting classes in the Conference every year.
UCF has only allowed 17 total points through two games. What do you see as TCU’s best path to points on Saturday?
- Anthony: It’s obvious, but: avoid turnovers. UCF has taken two interceptions in each of its first two games, each leading directly to a Knights TD on the subsequent drive. If Josh Hoover can have another clean game, the Frogs will have a chance at the end.
- Austin: Finish in the redzone. The Horned Frogs offense has looked good over the first two weeks, but UCF is a much tougher test than Stanford and UCF. The Knights were especially stingy against the pass last season, therefore it’s paramount for the Horned Frogs to establish the run early.
- Drew: Trust Josh Hoover and throw the ball early and often. I have been very impressed with TCU’s passing attack this year and somewhat disappointed by the rushing offense. UCF has a veteran defensive line that could give the run blocking unit for TCU issues. I think TCU has the advantage on the perimeter and needs to take advantage.
- Russ: TCU did a better job of finishing red-zone drives with touchdowns against the LIU Sharks. Cam Cook rushed for three of them and Dominique Johnson added another. Josh Hoover also threw a red-zone touchdown to Chase Curtis. TCU struggled in this area against Stanford, so we’ll see whether or not the Horned Frogs made actual progress.
- Wyatt: Pass the ball. TCU’s passing game is good. They also struggled to establish the run against LIU, an FCS team. Additionally, the pass blocking has been much better than the run blocking.
UCF leads the nation in rushing yards & touchdowns and is eighth nationally in scoring. What can the Frogs do to slow this powerful ground attack?
- Anthony: It’s one of the biggest challenges in the Big 12; the Knight roll out four prolific RBs, headlined by RJ Harvey, along with the dangerous dual-threat tank KJ Jefferson at QB. TCU will need early-down success to force some advantageous situations while throwing confusing looks to create some havoc when Jefferson drops back.
- Austin: I’m not sure if there’s anyway to totally stop the UCF ground game, it’s too good. However, game flow will ultimately determine the Knights play calling. If TCU can control the game and take an early advantage, the Knights will be forced to throw. Otherwise, on the defensive side of the ball, it’s imperative the Horned Frogs control the line of scrimmage and limit scrambling opportunities.
- Drew: I think the Frogs match up well with UCF with the depth TCU has at linebacker and how strong the defensive line has looked to start the year. Not missing tackles will be important as the running backs for UCF have breakaway speed to turn one missed tackle into a 20+ yard gain.
- Russ: This is an intriguing matchup because TCU’s new defensive scheme has placed greater emphasis on rushing the passer than the previous scheme under Joe Gillespie, but this will be one of the biggest tests of the season in terms of stopping the run. Specifically, TCU’s interior defensive linemen such as Caleb Fox, Tymon Mitchell and Markis Deal are going to have to play really well in order for the Horned Frogs to contain the run.
- Wyatt: I am excited to see how the new Avalos defense performs against the UCF’s running game. It will definitely be a test. I think TCU’s Linebackers will need to play well against the QB run. Additionally, I hope Paul Oyewale being back from injury can help the defensive line.
Offensive MVP vs. UCF
- Anthony: RG Carson Bruno. UCF DT Lee Hunter accumulated 10 TFLs last season and returns as one of the Big 12’s best D-linemen. TCU has not been especially efficient running the ball in 2024, rushing for just 3.3 yards per carry, despite scoring six TDs on the ground. TCU will need to stay ahead of the chains in this one and that starts with the big boys in the middle clearing the path and protecting the QB.
- Austin: Josh Hoover. This game could combine for a bevy of points and if someone’s responsible for TCU’s scoring, it’s Josh Hoover. The sophomore quarterback has looked good throughout the early season and this game will be a stepping stone for Hoover to parlay his success.
- Drew: Josh Hoover will need to have a big game against UCF. Hoover has looked very good through two weeks and I think the Frogs have the talent advantage on the outside. I have Hoover throwing for around 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns in this one.
- Russ: Savion Williams has been fed the ball over the first two weeks of the season and I think he continues to be featured in this matchup against the Knights. I predict that Savion records his first 100-yard receiving game of the season and catches at least one touchdown.
- Wyatt: Josh Hoover. Early I said TCU’s best path to scoring points was passing the game. I expect Hoover to spread the ball around and get a few different receivers involved in the passing game. I think he has 350 yards and 3 passing TDs.
Defensive MVP vs. UCF
- Anthony: The NaNa Osafo-Mensah game. The Notre Dame transfer defensive lineman has had a solid start to the season, but this is the breakout game. Slowing the UCF run game is of paramount importance if TCU is going to have a chance Saturday and I’m seeing the effort led on the front line by Osafo-Mensah, setting the edge to prevent any escape runs by Jefferson and crashing the middle when Harvey looks to break a big one.
- Austin: Namdi Obiazor will be the most important followed by Johnny Hodges. While it’s important to control the line of scrimmage, the linebackers are in for a big day containing RJ Harvey, Peny Boone, and Myles Montgomery.
- Drew: Namdi Obiazor will be a key player for the Frogs on Saturday as they face a very strong UCF running back group and a mobile quarterback in KJ Jefferson. I think Namdi has a couple tackles for loss and a sack against UCF on Saturday.
- Russ: Johnny Hodges has recorded 16 total tackles over the first two weeks and has been a sure tackler for the Horned Frogs, who will need to wrap up against UCF’s strong run game this weekend. I think Johnny’s comeback season continues with a big game on Saturday.
- Wyatt: Devean Deal. I think his versatility will be huge for the Frogs’ defense when going against the UCF rushing attack.
Final Score
- Anthony: TCU 31 – UCF 30
- Austin: TCU 38, UCF 35
- Drew: TCU 31, UCF 24
- Russ: TCU 34, UCF 31
- Wyatt: TCU 31 – UCF 27