Texas Longhorns Week 11 Opponent Preview: TCU Horned Frogs

TCU looks to win one final time in the matchup against Texas before change comes to the Big 12

A lot can change over the course of a year. Just ask TCU football.

Twice.

Gary Patterson's two-decade tenure in Fort Worth came to a bitter end midway through the 2021 season. Athletic director Jeremiah Donati needed a change of offensive identity, and it seemed like SMU's Sonny Dykes seemed ready for Power 5 football.

What happened next was unheralded in college football; Sonny, the son of Texas legend Spike Dykes, led the Horned Frogs to an undefeated regular season, found a way into the College Football Playoff and upset national champion favorite Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl to punch their ticket to the final in Los Angeles.

The city of Angels sent TCU through hell as Georgia hoisted its second national title in as many years. Things have only plummeted since the Hypnotoad's return to Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The Horned Frogs (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) are coming off back-to-back conference losses against Kansas State and Texas Tech. They need two wins to gain bowl eligibility, but have two top-25 matchups still on the schedule.

The offense, formerly led by Davey O'Brien winner Max Duggan and offensive wiz Garrett Riley, has been hindered by lackluster play-calling from Kendal Briles and poor execution from Chandler Morris and freshman Josh Hoover. The run game still remains potent, but can only add so much fuel.

Perhaps a showdown against the Texas Longhorns will do wonders for the persona of the Frogs. Since joining the Big 12, the TCU dominated Texas, going 7-3 in their previous 10 matchups.

Will lucky No. 11 be the lasting image of the Lone Star matchup before conference realignment takes over?

Follow along with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of Texas' matchup with the Horned Frogs throughout the week. First, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Nov. 11.

TCU Horned Frogs

2022 Record: 5-4 (2-4 against Big 12 opponents)

Head coach: Sonny Dykes

Dykes is entering his second season at TCU with a 17-7 overall record

TCU's quarterback Josh Hoover (10) prepares to throw the ball against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium.  :: © Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Offensive Leaders

QB Josh Hoover

Hoover expected to sit and learn this season under Morris, but injuries have forced him into the starting lineup. In four games, the 6-1 freshman has completed roughly 60 percent of his passes for 1,148 yards and seven touchdowns against seven interceptions.

Hoover is coming off back-to-back underwhelming performances, completing 57.2 percent of his passes for a touchdown against three interceptions. He's thrown for over 300 yards twice this season, including in a four-touchdown performance over BYU.

RB Trey Sanders

Much like Miller took advantage of his situation when Zach Evans transferred to Ole Miss, Sanders took a shot to make waves at TCU. A transfer from Alabama, Sanders was limited to just 116 carries during his stay due to a car accident suffered in 2020.

Sanders started the season hot with a three-touchdown performance against Colorado. Since then, the junior has been relegated to the No. 2 role, failing to total more than six carries per game. In last week's loss to Texas Tech, though, Sanders was effective at the goal line, scoring a 1-yard touchdown run to bring the Horned Frogs within a score on the road.

WR John Paul Richardson

Richardson, a transfer from Oklahoma State, isn't a world-class weapon, but he's effective in creating separation. He leads the Horned Frogs in receiving yards (437) and catches (33) and averages 13.2 yards per catch.

Defensive Leaders

LB Namdi Obiazor

Obiazor leads the Horned Frogs in tackles (72) and sacks (4.0). He's also notched three 10-plus tackle games, including two in Big 12 play.

LB Jamoi Hodge

Hodge saw action as the third linebacker behind Johnny Hodges and Dee Winters. Now as the leading man, he's registered 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Last week against Texas Tech, Hodge broke up a pass to go along with eight stops.

S Mark Perry

Last season after transferring from Colorado, Perry started his TCU career off with four tackles against his former team. He then proceeded to be the vocal leader of the defense while racking up 84 stops and two pass deflections.

This season, he's been productive against the run but has struggled in coverage. Perry's recorded 40 tackles and three pass deflections, but also is a part of a secondary that's allowed 11 passing touchdowns.