TCU’s football team remains winless against power-conference opponents this season, prompting a need for introspection and honesty as the team strives to improve.
On Saturday, tight end Kari Ashley shone with his second 100-yard receiving game of the season, becoming a key target for quarterback Jaden Craig during the game against BYU. The Horned Frogs’ tradition of football is alive, marked by mid-game texts to old friends about the team’s shortcomings and celebrating touchdowns with loved ones. Yet, the reality is glaring: the Frogs needed 21 points to have a fighting chance against BYU but only managed to score 10.
While Craig did throw his first significant touchdown pass of the season against the Cougars, the focus must shift to how the team can salvage its season and maintain the support of its boosters. In preparation for the game, TCU held captain’s and players-only meetings, but the challenges facing the Frogs, particularly their offense, cannot be resolved by players alone.
Defensively, TCU has shown resilience, but their performance lacked the opportunistic edge needed to capitalize on turnovers. The lone takeaway of the game was an interception thrown by Craig, which granted BYU advantageous field position for their first-half touchdown. The Cougars’ quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, struggled, completing less than half of his passes, yet managed to score two touchdowns through improvisation. TCU’s defense allowed just over 200 total yards, yet 154 of those came on the ground, highlighting a need for improvement against the run.
Statistically, TCU’s defense is performing well, allowing fewer than 18 points per game against comparable teams, and yielding an average of 268 yards. However, their inability to create turnovers is concerning, as they have yet to intercept a power-four quarterback this season. The Frogs have recovered four fumbles, but the lack of interceptions is a glaring shortfall, particularly after the interception against BYU that proved costly.
Despite allowing last-minute scores in their past two games, TCU’s defense has kept their opponents within striking distance, with the offense finally scoring points in the fourth quarter against a comparable team. However, the offense continues to struggle, still searching for its first second-half touchdown against a power-four opponent this season, averaging only 11 points per game—far from what is needed to secure victories moving forward.
The ongoing challenges of the offense are not solely a result of the rushing attack’s struggles; rather, the lack of respect from opposing defenses towards TCU’s passing game complicates matters. Defenses are stacking the box, sensing that the Frogs pose little aerial threat, which limits the effectiveness of their running game. A balanced offensive approach is essential, and the current strategies are failing to capitalize on the available opportunities.
For TCU to turn things around, the focus must be on Craig’s role as the offensive leader, with support from offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis and head coach Sonny Dykes. Craig needs to be encouraged to push the ball downfield, as his current performance does not suggest he possesses the talent expected for a starting quarterback. If his play does not improve significantly, consideration may need to be given to backup quarterback Adam Schobel, who could bring a different dynamic to the field.
This week, TCU must engage in honest discussions about their performance and future direction. With a bye week, the team has an opportunity to regroup before facing Baylor, who presents a formidable challenge after their recent offensive success. The Bears are currently undefeated in conference play and have shown they can score heavily, making it imperative for TCU to find offensive momentum.
Both head coaches, Dykes and Baylor’s Dave Aranda, are in similar situations, having previously experienced success but now facing heightened expectations amid disappointing performances. Historically, Dykes has performed well against Baylor, but this year’s offense has been underwhelming. To have a chance at victory, TCU will need to significantly increase their scoring output, aiming for at least 27 points.
With two conference losses already, TCU’s hopes for a championship appearance are slim, yet a victory over Baylor could provide a much-needed morale boost and restore some pride in a season that has thus far fallen short of expectations.
