Best Case/Worst Case in 2016: TCU Horned Frogs

TCU vs Ole Miss-2429Will this season be a dream or a nightmare for your favorite FBS program in the state of Texas? In this series, we take a look at the best and worst case scenarios for all 12 teams. TCU 2015 Record: 11-2Best Case A starting quarterback emerges from the position battle between Foster Sawyer and Kenny Hill to lead the Horned Frogs' offense to success, much like TCU experienced in 2014 with Trevone Boykin. TCU’s offense finds consistency at quarterback and a replacement for the graduated Aaron Green and the injured Shaun Nixon at running back. With the offense clicking, TCU relies on a smothering defense to become the best two-way team in the Big 12. A victory over Arkansas in the second game of the season puts TCU in position to reach the College Football Playoff due to an out-of-conference win over an SEC contender and a winnable Big 12 schedule. TCU hosts Oklahoma and uses the home-field advantage and an improving offense to knock off the Sooners and win the Big 12. An undefeated TCU team won’t be left out of the College Football Playoff and anything can happen in those final four. Worst Case The TCU offense regresses without Boykin, wide receiver Josh Doctson and enough depth at running back. The defense doesn’t take the jump most are expecting after a shaky year in 2015 and a loss against Arkansas dashes the College Football Playoff hopes of the Horned Frogs early because it’ll most likely take an undefeated Big 12 team to get nominated over a one-loss champion from one of the other four major conferences. The loss against Arkansas starts a trend and TCU struggles to win close games. Losses to Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas and Baylor round out the season with the Horned Frogs only one win above bowl eligibility. Losses to two of Oklahoma State, Kansas State and West Virginia would keep the Horned Frogs from bowling and it would force Gary Patterson to take a long look at his program and the direction it is headed.

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