2009 College Football Predictions: TCU Horned Frogs
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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions. Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Gary Patterson, 9th year (73-27)
Off. Coordinator: Jarrett Anderson (1st year) and Justin Fuente (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dick Bumpas (6th year)
Returning Starters: 13, (6 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Andy Dalton)
Offense: The TCU Horned Frogs return a very strong nucleus from an offense that averaged 33.6ppg and 421.3 yards per game (24th in the nation). Junior QB Andy Dalton (6-3, 215) is under center again, after throwing for 2,242 yards with just five interceptions. They also return top receiver in junior Jimmy Young (6-1, 200), who led the team with 988 yards receiving. Senior running back Ryan Christian was also very effective as a receiver, grabbing 30 receptions for 386 yards. They also return senior running back Joseph Turner, who ran for 577 yards. The offensive line returns three of five starters, including all-conference picks in tackles Marshall Newhouse (6-3, 317) and Marcus Cannon (6-5, 350).
Defense: Last year’s defense was one of the best in the nation, as they allowed just 47.1 yards per game, They Horned Frogs are led by senior DE Jerry Hughes (6-3, 257), who led the nation with 15 sacks and also forced six fumbles. However, he’s the only returning starter on the defensive line and will surely see his share of double teams. At linebacker, senior Daryl Washington (6-3, 228) is back after recording 63 tackles. He’s one of the best athletes on the team. But they lose All-MWC picks Jason Phillips and Robert Henson to the NFL. The secondary is led by All-MWC cornerbacks Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders.
Outlook: TCU won 11 games last season and doesn’t seem to get the national respect. They face Virginia and Clemson on the road along with home games against Texas State and SMU. They take on BYU on the road and Utah at home. The big issue will be replacing six starters on defense, including two of the three safeties.
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