What We Noticed

1. Cold Feet. Cold Hands.

Unused to competing in the cold 50-degree temperature in Morgantown, the Frogs let the change of atmosphere distract them from the task at hand. What should have been TCU’s first two offensive series ended in a kickoff return fumble and an interception. Though the defense limited the damage to seven points, the momentum was firmly on the Mountaineers’ side from the opening play. In a hole from the get-go, the Frogs were trying to climb back out for the rest of the game. Here’s hoping for sunnier skies on Saturday in Fort Worth.

2. See You on those Country Roads

Was anyone else impressed by the play of West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard, who of course attended high school at Brewer in Fort Worth? The guy had to travel halfway across the country to emerge as an elite player in college football. The TCU secondary played pretty well, but defending perfect is a tall task. Howard completed 16 of 23 passes (for an average of 10 yards) and made carving up a Gary Patterson look easy. For his (and the team’s) efforts, the Mountaineers are now sitting in lofty territory at No. 10. Because a conference championship is looking like a longshot for the Frogs, why not root for the Fort Worth kid … until we can get some payback at Amon Carter in 2017?

3. Cadillac Digest

Week after week, it’s Kyle Hicks. Number 22 seems to be the most motivated player on the field. When everything else is going south, Cadillac Kyle is breaking tackles and making moves. While the 2016 season is, ahem, not meeting Horned Frog Nation’s expectations, the breakout feature running back is exceeding everyone’s wildest dreams. Hicks finished with 103 yards on the ground, his second consecutive 100-plus effort.

4. Does the Shirt Really Work?

Let’s never forget the Alamo Bowl, but Saturday’s loss proved that no, Coach P’s changing shirts at halftime is not fuel enough for a win. What does work? Veteran players who assume leadership on both sides of the ball. The 2016 TCU squad only has eight seniors, and we should have taken the relative inexperience into account before dreaming of national championships. For now we can dream of converting on third downs, cutting down penalties and minimizing turnovers. And next year, the team will be older, and we can dream big once again.

5. Nicely Punted

Yeah, we know. TCU’s worst loss as a member of the Big 12 Conference didn’t leave a lot of positive takeaways. Not even the most diehard Horned Frog fans should be taking heat for feeling discouraged. We’ve been used to the elation of winning, and being on the other side of a beatdown is dispiriting to say the least. But don’t fear. It’s not all bad. Have you kept a close eye on punter Adam Nunez? The guy is quietly becoming the new Mr. Reliable. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory has been the highlight of many an offensive drive this season.

5 Tweets that Told the Tale

Less than ideal start

— Billy Wessels (@BillyWessels) October 22, 2016

TOUCHDOWN!!! Back shoulder throw from Kenny Hill finds Jaelan Austin from 11 yards out! #BeatWVU

WVU 14, TCU 10, 2Q 12:20 pic.twitter.com/p3GqzFDGmF

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) October 22, 2016

FUMBLE!!! Shane Commodore forces and recovers a fumble on the kickoff. WVU takes over at the TCU 31. Mountaineers lead 31-10.

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) October 22, 2016

Kyle Hicks is now over 100 yards rushing for the second straight game and the third time this season! pic.twitter.com/TG476m7iS2

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) October 22, 2016

https://twitter.com/K_Hicks22/status/789993993111113728