TCU Spirit leads fans in cheers at a home football game. Photo by Glen E. Ellman

For some folks I talked to, it seemed like the Frogs were finishing off Cal in the Cheez-It Bowl just last week. For others, the off-season seemed like a trip to Shawshank. Regardless of where you stand in the time warp, you’re about to get a healthy dose of college football. I’m ready.

At the start of the season, everyone in college football is undefeated. From Pullman to Poughkeepsie, hopes are high. Teams are healthy, the fields are green and the wear and tear of the season is far away.

Speaking of wear and tear, I think the Frogs had enough injuries last year to make them good for 4 years. That was unreal. The volume of injuries (many season-ending) were coming in waves. In 38 years of being around TCU Football, I’d never seen anything like it. Not even in Coach FA Dry’s tenure — when we often never saw a practice in pads after October 1 — could a team afford to get hurt. The 2018 season was full of challenges. To think that the Frogs reached a bowl and won it makes it my nominee for the best coaching job that Gary Patterson & Company have ever done. They took what they had each week and, especially the last five games, figured out a way. Never gave up. Got it done. Now it’s time to “Earn the Chip,” as the Frogs’ motto for this season commands.

Jalen Reagor led the Big 12 in percentage of receptions at TCU with 30.1 percent, the highest mark by a Horned Frog in the 18-season tenure of Head Coach Gary Patterson. Photo by Glen E. Ellman

Now the 2019 season stares at us, fresh and new. Here’s what you’re going to like about these Frogs:

• The speed. From what I’ve seen, this is Gary Patterson’s fastest TCU team EVER. Wall-to-wall, this team can run.
• The ability to play field position. This healthy defense (along with new punter Jordy Sandy, who can flip the field with a big leg — and directional punt) will be a combination that will keep many opponents imprisoned in their own end of the field.
• Maturity. Even though this is still a very young team, it’s a group that went through a ton of adversity last year and fought through to ultimate success. That experience can’t be duplicated with a speech in a team meeting. You have to live it, survive it and the Frogs who return from last year will play much older than their years. Experience = wins.
• Jalen Reagor. Don’t miss a play when he touches the ball.
• Alex Delton. The graduate transfer from Kansas State came in and won over teammates with his work ethic and attitude. He also comes from a place that put a premium on taking care of the football. After last season’s 29 fumbles (11 lost) and 15 interceptions, this quarterback job is about what a QB won’t do as much as it is about what he can do.
• Chemistry. This team has been through a lot together and many players are happy to be back from injury and are hungry for a great year. This group is tightly-knit. Same as the other great teams in the Patterson era.

There are many more things to like about this team and several will bubble up in front of your eyes on Saturday night against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. We’ll take a close look at the Golden Lions on Friday.

Until then, get your game day gear ready, stay out of the heat and,

Kick ‘Em High!