TCU Football: Takeaways From The Houston Game

TCU routed Houston 36-13 in Week Three, but what exactly did we learn from this game? Follow along as I break down the positives and negatives of the game.

In Week Three, TCU had its first away game and first conference game of the season as they traveled to Houston. This was their first chance at a good opponent since the loss to Colorado. The game wasn't as close as the score seemed; had it not been for a kickoff return touchdown, TCU would have won by five touchdowns. Let's dive in below as I break down the game's positive and negative takeaways.

TCU defeated Houston in Week 3 36-13.  / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Negatives

Lack of Identity

TCU still lacks an offensive identity. That isn't to say that no one knows if TCU is a better rushing or passing team. It is the opposite. TCU is excellent at both and needs to establish one to strengthen the other, rather than what seems just randomly choosing when to run or pass. TCU had a balanced attack yesterday - 314 yards in the air and 250 yards rushing. 

Emani Bailey once again proved he is one of the conference's top backs, averaging over 5.5 yards a rush. TCU will need a better game from Kendall Briles for this to happen; often, Briles would abandon the run when it was working just to throw a bubble screen and a 5-yard slant and then punt on fourth down. When TCU establishes what they want the offense to lean on, I believe that's when the team will take the next step forward. 

Special Teams

The special teams were negative yesterday but are still no cause for worry. TCU allowed a kickoff return touchdown, another return got to midfield, and a punt return almost broke free for a touchdown before the first half ended. We also saw Griffin Kell miss two field goal attempts, which was very uncharacteristic. These issues will be addressed this week during practice and cleaned up before next week's game against SMU. 

The Positives

Chandler Morris

Chandler Morris took, yet again, another step up this week. The stats were fantastic, totaling 367 yards of total offense with two touchdowns, but his step-up was more important than that. Morris stepped up and became the true leader and heart of this offense yesterday. He showed the grit and toughness we have been waiting to see from him, sacrificing his own body on different runs for the first, delivering a pass even though it meant he would get struck. This is the guy Horned Frogs fans have been waiting for, and he's finally here and looks as promised.

The Receivers 

This core group of receivers is unique; the group is so deep the rotation allows for fresh legs constantly without worrying about sacrificing talent. Warren Thompson had his first TCU touchdown, Savion Williams caught a beautiful touchdown pass from Morris, and JP Richardson had six catches for 60 yards. This group will be essential as we get deeper into the season when natural fatigue and injuries start to occur, but as the season goes along. The connection with Morris grows; this could be the best-receiving group in the conference.

The Defense

Since the Week One performance against Colorado, the defense has turned around and seems to be embracing a "bend, don't break mentality." Houston was held to 266 yards of offense, and the defense got six sacks and two interceptions during the contest. The defensive line is still somewhat worrying, but they were able to get a push when they needed it. The linebacker core has been stellar this year and is the true heart of this defense; they are the most critical to its success. The secondary still allows too many explosive plays, but overall, it has been playing way better as a unit. This defense will have a tough challenge this week against SMU, but they have been getting better every week.

Week Three's game against Houston saw the Horned Frogs take another step forward to being the great team many thought they could be at the start of the season. If TCU can figure out an offensive identity and play a clean game next week against cross-town rivals SMU, I don't see any reason it should be that close. TCU has been growing as a team more and more every week and will only continue that trend with more game experience together. The Frogs might be getting hot at the right time, and if they get hot, they are a nightmare matchup.

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