TCU HORNED FROGS (12-1,8-0)
It took 11 years for TCU to earn a spot in a BCS bowl game. It may take just one more season for the Horned Frogs to get back. Behind Dalton, the offense will continue to produce. The question is whether Coach Gary Patterson, who typically fields powerful defensive units, can do so again. If the new starters play well and the defense continues to play at a high level, the Frogs could make a strong run at a perfect season. They return nine offensive starters, seven on defense and two specialists. TCU employs a spread system with multiple formations. The Frogs may have a four-receiver set on one play and use two backs on the next. The Horned Frogs are hailing QB Andy Dalton as a Heisman candidate. Last season, Dalton passed for 2,756 yards with 23 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. However, the best player on offense is tackle Marcus Cannon, a huge (6-6/350) senior who is one of the best tackles in the nation. The Frogs are stocked at receiver. They return four players who had more than 400 receiving yards last season with Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley considered the top playmakers. TCU uses a 4-2-5 defensive set. The Frogs have ranked among the nation’s top 25 in total defense in each of the past five seasons and were ranked No. 1 in each of the past two seasons.
SMU MUSTANGS (8-5, 6-2)
It took 11 years for TCU to earn a spot in a BCS bowl game. It may take just one more season for the Horned Frogs to get back. Behind Dalton, the offense will continue to produce. The question is whether Coach Gary Patterson, who typically fields powerful defensive units, can do so again. If the new starters play well and the defense continues to play at a high level, the Frogs could make a strong run at a perfect season. They return nine offensive starters, seven on defense and two specialists. TCU employs a spread system with multiple formations. The Frogs may have a four-receiver set on one play and use two backs on the next. The Horned Frogs are hailing QB Andy Dalton as a Heisman candidate. Last season, Dalton passed for 2,756 yards with 23 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. However, the best player on offense is tackle Marcus Cannon, a huge (6-6/350) senior who is one of the best tackles in the nation. The Frogs are stocked at receiver. They return four players who had more than 400 receiving yards last season with Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley considered the top playmakers. TCU uses a 4-2-5 defensive set. The Frogs have ranked among the nation’s top 25 in total defense in each of the past five seasons and were ranked No. 1 in each of the past two seasons.
UNT MEAN GREEN (2-10, 1-7)
It took 11 years for TCU to earn a spot in a BCS bowl game. It may take just one more season for the Horned Frogs to get back. Behind Dalton, the offense will continue to produce. The question is whether Coach Gary Patterson, who typically fields powerful defensive units, can do so again. If the new starters play well and the defense continues to play at a high level, the Frogs could make a strong run at a perfect season. They return nine offensive starters, seven on defense and two specialists. TCU employs a spread system with multiple formations. The Frogs may have a four-receiver set on one play and use two backs on the next. The Horned Frogs are hailing QB Andy Dalton as a Heisman candidate. Last season, Dalton passed for 2,756 yards with 23 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. However, the best player on offense is tackle Marcus Cannon, a huge (6-6/350) senior who is one of the best tackles in the nation. The Frogs are stocked at receiver. They return four players who had more than 400 receiving yards last season with Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley considered the top playmakers. TCU uses a 4-2-5 defensive set. The Frogs have ranked among the nation’s top 25 in total defense in each of the past five seasons and were ranked No. 1 in each of the past two seasons.
