TCU Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Defense

TCU could have used a defensive juggernaut last season to make up for their rebuilding offense. The defensive-minded head coach Gary Patterson could not work that magic though.

The defense gave up 28 points per game and 427 total yards per game. Those marks were fourth and second in the defensively-inept Big 12, but 64th and 73rd in FBS. This continued a defensive descent from 2014 in which they gave up just 19 points per game.

The Horned Frogs were worse across the board except when it came to sacks. The 43 the defense recorded tied for the most of any team Patterson has coached at TCU. Unfortunately, last season’s sack leader Josh Carraway, who finished with eight sacks and five more QB hits, graduated. Defensive tackle Aaron Curry, who recorded 5.5 sacks from the inside, is also gone. Mat Boesen is the leading returning edge rusher. The senior had six sacks last season.

TCU had to deal with injuries to their secondary but are rewarded this season with a deep stable of experienced defensive backs. Jeff Gladney started eight games at cornerback for the injured Julian Lewis as a redshirt freshman. Senior safety Nick Orr was rewarded for his team-high four interceptions last season with a preseason All-Big 12 selection. He was also third on the team in tackles with 86.

Monsters in the Middle

Patterson’s defense is anchored by two tackling machines at linebacker. Travin Howard has racked up 100 tackles each of the last two seasons. In 2016, the senior had 130 to lead the Big 12. Junior Ty Summers finished second on the team and second in the Big 12 to Howard with 121. Summers bested Howard in tackles for loss and pass breakups. Howard was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team this year.