Happy Homecoming, Horned Frogs!

In a Homecoming game matchup that never would have happened in my day, the Frogs welcome the Texas Longhorns to Amon G. Carter Stadium for an 11 o’clock kick. It’s Breakfast at The Carter!!!

I’m surprised a bit by the early kick time, given that the Frogs are No. 4 in the nation, and Texas always draws a huge audience. But the upside is that the Frogs/Horns are nationwide on ABC as soon as “ESPN College Gameday” is over.

This game features two teams battling different sets of problems and challenges. The Frogs are clinging to a Top 5 ranking without most of their defensive starters and young players are getting a lot of “OJT” (see footnote).   The Horns, on the other hand, are just trying to find the inside pieces to the puzzle — and their season has been puzzling so far — to all Orangebloods.

After looking a gear behind against Notre Dame, Texas has looked better the last three weeks. They’re improving, but they’ve been victimized by meltdowns on fourth down that involve putting foot to leather — a missed PAT against Cal that would have sent the game to overtime, and last week, the punter failed to follow Step 1 in The Punting Handbook: CATCH THE SNAP.

Nonetheless, Charlie Strong’s crew will come in and play hard, believing that the odds are going to swing in their favor sooner than later. Speaking of Sooner, Oklahoma awaits the ‘Horns next week in Dallas. But don’t think for a minute that the Horns will be looking ahead. They’re focused on the Frogs, and here’s how they’ll attack TCU:

1. Jerrod Heard will run off TCU coverage with long pass patterns — UT has some good receivers — and try to use his legs to keep Texas in the game. Heard is the leading rusher for the Longhorns, and he is the key to this offense. Five-star running back Johnathan Gray is still trying to overcome the effects of an Achilles’ injury and the surgery that slowed him last year. So look for UT to use multiple backs.
2. They’ll throw deep and try to hit the big play. Marcus Johnson had a huge game against TCU in the Storm Game two years ago in Fort Worth, and he’s to be respected. One-time TCU commit Daje Johnson is a threat to toast a defensive back every time the ball is snapped.
3. When the Frogs have the ball, watch for the ‘Horns to take chances and blitz TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin. Texas likes to bring linebackers from the edge, and defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, at 314 pounds, brings it up the middle. The Longhorns will have to pick their spots though, as Horned Frog wide receiver Josh Doctson loves to find the open spaces created by blitzes. A chess match to watch Saturday, for sure.

It was great to see TCU defensive tackle Davion Pierson bring attitude to the Frogs defense last week. You might see Mike Tuaua back on the field this week doing the same.

For the Frogs, I think they just need to keep doing what they’re doing. They are starting to find real rhythm on offense. Saturday could be another one of those record days of 700-plus yards of total offense.

Defensively, the Frogs are getting better each week. Experience earned now will pay huge dividends down the stretch.

Have a great Homecoming Weekend, enjoy the great weather, and …

Kick ‘Em High!!!!