uhmump95 Wrote:Wobble,
How is TCU looking next year? You can read all of the wesites but to me it is better to get it from a fans (the biased spin is always fun to read).
Mump-
Those expecting last year's 5-6 record to be the start of a slippery slope for TCU football are going to be disappointed. On the other hand, I don't think the '05 edition will enjoy the success of the '02 &'03 teams, either.
Last year's struggles can be attributed to a number of causes, but I think it boils down to 2 main reasons (in my humble opinion):
1) We had no pass rush at all, this left opposing QB's ALL DAY LONG to find open receivers, which they did. A LOT. That, coupled with our already-thin secondary having health problems, and you've got yourself one nasty attempt at pass defense.
2) Lack of mental focus. Just like winning can be contagious, so can losing. Our guys weren't used to losing, and weren't mentally prepared for it. They fell apart as the season snow-balled, and there were also some big 'locker-room cancer' types that have been asked to leave the program.
As for #1, hopefully we can avoid the injury bug, but we are FAR deeper in the secondary going into this year with transfers and a solid recruiting class. Also, Sophomore DE Tommy Blake, #97 is a pass-rushing freak that will emerge this year. We are also as deep at LB as I've ever seen, which will help.
As for #2, I think last year was an eye-opener, and everything I hear from within the team is that they've really re-captured their focus in the offseason. And, like I mentioned earlier, there have been numerous departures-some of them were guys who weren't entirely focused on football.
My predicition for the Frogs this year? 6-5 to 8-3. Despite last year, this is still an incredibly talented team and if Tye Gunn can stay healthy, he could have a dynamite year. I think you will definitely see the Horned Frogs back in the bowl season.
