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TCU Football: Can Horned Frogs sustain success in role as the hunted?

By Tommy Tabler

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Gary Patterson and the TCU Horned Frogs, during the 2014 season, were the hunters and played that way in every game with the exception of the Baylor game. TCU football, surprised many people last season, but this year that is not the case. 

TCU fans can make the argument that they are still the hunters going into the 2015 season, but that logic is flawed. TCU surprised college football fans last year across the country. The target this season is on the Ohio State Buckeyes and the TCU Horned Frogs.

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Last year at Big 12 Media Days, the Horned Frogs were predicted to finish seventh in the conference. At Big 12 Media Days this year, everyone seems to have Baylor and TCU as the top targets to win the Big 12.

TCU being the media favorites puts the target to start the season on the Horned Frogs backs. The 2015 schedule early on is kind to TCU. The first two weeks in October is when things begin to take on a more difficult tune. Texas will come to Fort Worth on October 3 and the Horned Frogs will have to travel to Manhattan to take on Kansas State on October 10. Kansas State may be predicted to struggle this year, but people should never overlook Bill Snyder.

Related: TCU Season Preview and Win-loss Prediction

The two games that should have TCU fans worried are the last two games of the season. TCU on November 21 will travel to Norman to take on Oklahoma. Norman is a tough place to win and if there is a game TCU could slip up it might be this one. TCU will take on Baylor to close the season out this year in Fort Worth. The Baylor-TCU game last year was the game of the season and it should be a great one again this year.

The Oklahoma game looms large for TCU.

The Horned Frogs were able to defeat the Sooners last year in Fort Worth, but this season have to make a trip to Norman and defeat Oklahoma in their stadium. Over the years, when people expect Oklahoma to be down, they are usually very good and in Big 12 title contention. TCU is going to have to earn every win but this one could be the roadblock for the Horned Frogs.

Not having a championship game in the Big 12 could once again hurt the Horned Frogs in the eyes of the playoff selection committee but that will be dealt with when the time comes. TCU made it clear in the Peach Bowl last year that they are not to be taken lightly. The Horned Frogs do not have to worry about that this season. At the top of the polls, sits the Ohio State Buckeyes and the TCU Horned Frogs.

Big 12 football fans let me hear your thoughts on this coming season. Will TCU and Baylor continue to dominate the Big 12? Or will Oklahoma, Kansas State, or Texas step back into Big 12 title contention?

Next: Heisman Watch 2015: Top 15 Candidates

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