What We Noticed:

1. So Shifty

Coach Patterson mentioned at last week’s press conference that we had only seen “about 10 percent” of all the lineup-mixing and play-calling he and staff would unveil throughout the season. Sure enough, by opening kickoff against Arkansas, the starting defense looked brand-new with Sammy Douglas, Ty Summers and Travin Howard starting at linebacker in a veritable 4-3 arrangement. With such a dramatic change for game two, what might Frog fans expect to see when Big 12 play starts on Saturday? And what sorts of surprise offensive schematics lurk in the near future? Don’t ask Coach P because he isn’t about to reveal his secrets.

2. Clash of Styles

… The Big 12 and its extravagant speed versus the big-up-front, hit-you-in-the-faceguard SEC. Yep, Arkansas and TCU fought the battle of conferences from the opening whistle. Arkansas’ ground-gobbling, slow-and-steady offensive attack, anchored by huge offensive linemen, dominated the first half, with the Razorbacks controlling 17-and-a-half of 30 minutes. But in typical TCU style, speed and quick strength started to wear Arkansas down as the game progressed. In the end, the Frogs outgained the Hogs by 169 yards. No one on the opposing roster seemed able to keep up with KaVontae Turpin, who netted 295 nifty all-purpose yards. The offensive line opened holes as the clock wound down, again proving the value of Don Sommer’s strength-and-speed conditioning program.

3. Moving the Sticks with Hicks

Hey, Kyle Hicks, we’re so thankful you are a Frog. This season’s Mr. Consistency was the go-to guy for much of the game. He finished with 49 yards on the ground and another 92 in receptions. Impressive. The Frogs have relied on a rotation of fantastic running backs over the last handful of seasons, but so far Hicks looks to be 2016’s feature back, which speaks volumes of the coaching staff’s confidence in him. At this rate, # 21 is on pace for 1,422 combined yards through the regular season. Roll those chains, Kyle.

Running backs coach Curtis Luper leads the troops during the TCU – South Dakota State game on 9-3-16. (Photo by Leo Wesson)

4. Nylon Napalm

Through two contests, TCU has been penalized 21 times for a total of 220 yards. Some of Saturday’s miscues were drive-killers, including illegal blocking and holding penalties that turned scoring opportunities into punting possessions. And if we didn’t learn at Baylor two years ago, we got another lesson on Saturday: Celebrating a touchdown, especially in a tight game, is a big no-no that can carry consequences way beyond a 15-yard penalty. But who can blame the celebrating party? Every white-clad TCU fan in attendance was going wild after the dramatic fourth-quarter score. The proliferation of flags proves an old football axiom, though: Teams don’t lose. They beat themselves.

5. Blessed are the Frog Faithful

No one wants to see their favorite team holding the short end of the stick, but instead of feeling frustrated after the two-overtime loss, let’s pause to reflect on how lucky we are to be fans of the TCU football program. Last season ended with close and unforgettable wins over Baylor and Oregon. Sometimes the breaks go the other way. Last Saturday, we got to sit in the Camden Yards of College football alongside the fifth-largest crowd to grace Amon G. Carter Stadium for a memorable game in which the boys played with heart and faith. Those of us in attendance in 1991 – the last time Arkansas visited Fort Worth – know to count our blessings. We have so much to be thankful for concerning Frog football, and every game, win or lose, is a glorious gift. So turn that frown upside down and get ready to be LOUDER next Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. See you there!

Five Tweets That Told the Tale

https://twitter.com/SBNationCFB/status/774794317693091840

That moment when you're Bret Bielema and you kick to Turpin again. pic.twitter.com/9OTbNv07uI

— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomon35) September 11, 2016

ANOTHER!! Kenny Hill's 2nd rushing TD today!

TCU 28, ARK 20, 4Q 2:05 pic.twitter.com/f2JKlv8K8P

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) September 11, 2016

Love this team. It's a new day. Time to respond. #BeatISU

— TCU STUDENT SECTION (@TCUstudentsect) September 11, 2016

Back at it next week. Thanks for rocking the house, #FrogFam! #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/bOU3nWv6pc

— TCU Athletics (@TCU_Athletics) September 11, 2016