Texas Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
The TCU Horned Frogs turned in a masterful performance against the Texas Longhorns in last season’s Big 12 finale. The Longhorns fell 31-9 in Charlie Strong’s final game as their head coach.
The Longhorns were outscored 24-3 in the second half of last year’s game. With a new head coach at the helm, Texas should be more prepared for this year’s meeting.
Texas was inexperienced in the running game last season and it showed here. They gave up 309 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the ground. Their talent and experience on defense should come through this time.
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The Horned Frogs won’t be a bad team in 2017, though. They return nine players on offense, including quarterback Kenny Hill. Hill will need to limit his turnovers this year, as he led the Big 12 in interceptions with 13.
Running back Kyle Hicks returns as TCU’s leading rusher (1,042 rushing yards) and receiver (417 receiving yards). Hicks scored 14 total touchdowns (12 rushing, two receiving) in 2016.
With three new starters on the defensive line, the Horned Frogs could take a step back on defense. They ranked fourth last season in the Big 12 in scoring defense (28.0 ppg).
The Texas Longhorns haven’t gotten a victory against TCU since the 2013 season. Their three-game losing streak should end here, in another tough road environment.
Final: TCU 24, Texas 38 (7-2, 5-1 Big 12)