TCU Football: Keys to the Game, Week 12

Horned Frogs host the Baylor Bears in the final home game of the season

After last week’s 29-26 loss to No. 7 Texas, the TCU Horned Frogs will have a chance to beat their oldest rival the Baylor Bears.

Sitting at 3-7, Dave Aranda and the Bears are having a subpar season to say the least. In turn, it’s the perfect time for the Frogs to snatch a win and keep their hopes of a bowl game alive.

Bringing that 🔥 for Baylor. 🔴🟣 pic.twitter.com/vPqMrQPEph

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 14, 2023

Execute In The Red Zone:

In the loss to Texas last weekend, the Frogs did not do a good enough job in the red zone and missed out on valuable points. While the offense has shown flashes of excellence, the team seems to stall in the red zone. Against Texas, the Frogs were at the 2 yard line and failed to punch it in after continuously running the ball against one of the nation’s best defensive lines.

The play calling must be better–Kendal Briles needs to have faith in Josh Hoover to throw the ball as opposed to handing it off for every down when inside the 10 yard line.

TCU’s offense ranks among the worst in the nation. To be more precise, they are 124th of 130 CFB teams as the Frogs have scored on 28 of 40 trips to the red zone. That means in the remaining 12 trips, the Frogs were held scoreless via a turnover or turnover on downs.

Wide Receivers Need To Get Open Quickly:

The stout defensive line of the Baylor Bears could prove troubling for the Horned Frogs and their offensive line. With that, it is imperative that the wide receivers get open quickly and provide an outlet pass for Hoover to find.

While Hoover is still learning as a young quarterback in the Big 12, his pocket presence still has a ways to go. Knowing when to throw the ball away and not take a sack have been learning points this season. But his wide receivers can help him stay comfortable in the pocket as long as they get open quickly.

This may mean we'll see shorter routes, but that further depends on the offensive line's ability to control the pocket and not let it collapse on its quarterback.

Get Savion Williams Going Early:

Savion Williams had a career game against Texas with 11 receptions for 164 yards and 1 touchdown. If there is someone that Hoover has connected with the best, it’s Williams. Their connection on the field against Texas was pure, and I only expect that to improve against Baylor.

Savion Willliams (3) making a leaping catch against Texas :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

With that said, Williams will have lots of attention from the Bears defense, perhaps, making it tough for Hoover to find his go-to receiver. In that case, going back to my previous point, Hoover will need to buy time in the pocket with help from his offensive line to find other receivers that can get open.

Dear Opponent: Baylor - The Inaugural Bluebonnet Battle Edition

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