Big 12: TCU Knows What To Expect in 2012
By Zach Pugh
The term “BCS Buster” no longer applies to the TCU Horned Frogs. The “little guys” are finally getting their shot in a major FBS conference.
TCU is no stranger to success under head coach Gary Patterson. During Patterson’s tenure with the program, they’ve racked up a record of 109-30, with five conference titles (1 C-USA, 4 MWC). Their three consecutive Mountain West titles and two BCS bowl appearances over the last three years, which include a victory over Wisconsin in the 2011 Rose Bowl, has earned them a spot in the Big 12.
Gary Patterson spoke about the move during the Big 12 Media Days on Monday.
“I think Fort Worth, before we play a ballgame, wins,” said TCU coach Gary Patterson said. “I think before we play a ballgame, TCU wins – financially, credibility wise. Gary Patterson’s job got harder.”
There has to be a sense of victory with fans in Fort Worth, as their beloved Horned Frogs are now in a conference that gives them the chance every year to compete for a national title. For the fans that remember the old Southwest Conference rivalries, 2012 will be a year to see them renewed. Patterson is exactly right, everyone involved with the program wins with the move. But, the question has to be asked; is the feeling the same if they can’t compete?
“Our goal has always been to win a conference championship no matter what,” Patterson said. “If you look in our pyramid, no matter what our league is, and that’s going to be what we strive for in this league to do so also, and someday play for a national championship.”
TCU reached the ceiling in C-USA and did the same in the Mountain West Conference. TCU has talent on the roster, but will it be enough to threaten in the Big 12 within a couple years is up for debate. Coach Patterson expects excellence form his players and that shouldn’t change with new conference foes. In fact, he will probably demand more than ever.
“Everything we’ve done to this point is great,” he said. “But now the real work starts. Now we’re climbing. It’s another challenge. It’s another way we’ve got to keep climbing the mountain. The higher you get on the mountain, the thinner the air, the harder it is.”
The players know exactly what they should expect. While the full reality won’t become clear until they begin their conference schedule, junior quarterback Casey Pachall seems to have a good grasp about the differences.
“The real adjustment is understanding how skilled and athletic this move is going to be,” he said. “Every week is going to be big players, skilled players. We can handle that because we have skilled players as well. Our offense will be able to handle itself because our receivers, running backs and offensive line are good so that will help tremendously.”