Previewing BYU at TCU with a TCU Insider

Catching up with a TCU insider to preview BYU's upcoming game against the Horned Frogs

BYU is 4-1 as it travels to Texas to take on TCU in Big 12 play. The Cougars and the Horned Frogs kick off on Saturday at 1:30 MDT on ESPN. We caught up with our friends at Killer Frogs to preview this matchup.

Q: Through six games, what have been the strengths and the weaknesses of this 2023 TCU team?

A: Honestly, it is hard to say. TCU’s season has been an interesting one; one that has looked drastically different from last season. Not only does this year’s team look different from last year’s team, but it honestly looks different week to week. I would say a strength of this team has been the run game. Emani Bailey has been the only consistent part of Kendal Briles’ offense so far, with at least 120 yards in four of the six games so far. On the defensive side, it's hard to say. I will go with the defensive backfield; specifically Josh Newton. When he is on, he’s among the best in the country.

Q: What is the general feeling around the program after consecutive losses?

A: It is honestly pretty bleak. Frog fans grew accustomed to never losing, so this year has been an adjustment. Without the likes of Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston, this offense just has not looked good. It’s hard to get a sense of whether or not Briles knows what he wants to do, and I think that has been frustrating for fans thus far.

Q: How different will the offense look under Josh Hoover?

A: I don’t expect it to look that different and I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Josh Hoover made some great throws in his short appearance in last week’s game against Iowa State and the coaching staff believes he is capable. Sometimes new quarterbacks provide sparks and can bring new perspectives to the offense. I am interested to see what the offense will look like with him at the helm.

Q: Outside of the obvious injury at quarterback, are there any other injuries you're monitoring this week?

A: Brandon Coleman, offensive lineman (mainly LG) has been in and out for several games. He had an undisclosed lower left leg injury that occurred in Week 4. He comes in and reaggravates it and goes out.

Jaylon Robinson, slot receiver/returner, has had multiple injuries, again undisclosed. His status is questionable.

Johnny Hodges, LB, had thumb surgery and is listed week-to-week. Injury occurred before Week 4.

Q: BYU wins this game if _______. TCU wins this game if ________.

Credit: BYU Photo

A: BYU wins this game if it can make Hoover uncomfortable. This is his first career start and it is in a game that feels almost like a must-win for the Horned Frogs. If BYU’s defense can get to him early, I am not sure the offense will be able to recover. If TCU wins this game I think it will be because this defense came to play. BYU’s offense can score points and if TCU’s defense can’t slow it down, the offense will not be able to keep up.

Q: If you were BYU's coaching staff, how would you game plan for TCU?

A: I mentioned it already but I would do what I can to throw Hoover off early. Throw different looks at him, send some pressure, disguise coverages ect. If I was on the coaching staff I would try to make Hoover beat us. 

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