A Look at Oregon State's First Opponent - TCU Horned Frogs

TCU had one of the greatest seasons by a non-BCS team ever last season (#4 according to this). Ranked #6 at the end of the season and only a Boise St. loss could taint that dominant year.

This season they are ranked about #6 in nearly every preseason poll. They return 54 lettermen and 17 starters. Including their mass of great RBs and their QB who was the MWC offensive player of the year.

The only potential weakness might be on D where they lost All-American DE Jerry Hughes, one of their 2 starting LBs, and 2 starting DBs in their unique 4-2-5 defensive system.

2009 TCU Stats


Offense

Their offense was good last year. The passing game was good if not stellar (217 ypg), but the running game is scary. 3100 yards and 35 TDs shared among about 7 guys. 4 of whom are back and as good as ever...

*How Deep is TCU at Running Back?

*TCU logjammed at running back

The O-Line isn't deep, but they return 4 starters so OSU could have a tough go of it if Paea and Henry aren't healthy. They gave up only 12 sacks last season.

They do tend to fumble the ball a little (27, 15 lost) so there's some hope there.

Looks like we need to either have some turnovers go our way or the offense needs to get rolling early to keep them off the field (2008 USC style). I just don't see us stopping this group. Slowing them may be enough if we can score 30+ points.


Defense


Chris Dufresne's college football top 25: TCU is No. 5 - LA Times

The Horned Frogs were No. 1 nationally last year in total defense and must replace All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, and two starting cornerbacks, but there's no reason to think this unit won't again be dominant.

The stats are kinda ridiculous. Maybe that's what a 12-1 season looks like. And their conference is a bit of a walk minus 2 teams. But look at this:

Season Stats Defense:

Points Per Game - 12.8

Rushing Average Per Game - 80.2
TDs Rushing - 8

PAssing Average Per Game - 159.5
TDs Passing - 10

First Downs - 161 (12.4 per game)
3rd-Down Pct - 27%

Doesn't bode well for our rushing game. And with the 5 DB scheme they run I'm guessing any long stuff will be tough to come by. Big Joe Halahuni may be busy and Jaquizz may get most of his yards off the pass.

The Beavers passing game may need to break out in a big way to test the new DBs and prove that Jaquizz isn't our only weapon. That isn't a great plan for keeping their offense off the field, but points are always good.

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Related Links:


TCU Horned Frogs - Latest News

No. 6: T.C.U. - Pre-Snap Read
Great run down of the team going into 2010

Inside the TCU 4-2-5 Defense - Shakin the Southland
Intense breakdown and videos

TCU Camp '10: Safeties Look To Anchor Defense - GoFrogs.com

2010 TCU Preview - Defense - Scout.com

CJ Spiller vs TCU 2009 - OSU Beaver Football Blog

Depth Chart For TCU Announced - Building the Dam

OSU Readies for TCU, Trip to Cowboys Stadium - OSUBeavers.com

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