TCU Football: 5 Overreactions to shutout win over Kansas

TCU football, led by Kenny Hill, shut out Kansas in Week 8 to remain undefeated and keep their playoff hopes alive and well.

In recent years, the Big 12 hasn’t been known for its strength. However, it would seem that the TCU Horned Frogs are out to change that. They have quickly risen up the rankings at a strong 7-0, including a win over offensive power Oklahoma State. This team could be the real deal.

On Saturday the Horned Frogs shut out Kansas to remain undefeated and atop the Big 12. Their celebration, a much deserved one, is shown in the tweet below. This team is not a fluke, they are here to stay and they are showing that week in and week out.

https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/921943533929496576

The remaining games could throw the Big 12 into a tailspin, however it can also be a chance for the Horned Frogs to assert their dominance and finally make it into the playoff. This team is good. Their undefeated record is no accident or fluke- it is pure talent and drive.

They had one heck of a day against Kansas in Fort Worth on Saturday. Here are my five overreactions to their shutout win over the Jayhawks.

5. Kenny Hill may not be getting the praise he deserves

As an Aggie through and through, I am very familiar with number seven. Kenny Hill started in College Station a few years ago and has found his way to Fort Worth- a place in which he has excelled.

Now, he is nowhere near the best quarterback in college football right now. However, he is getting the job done in Fort Worth for the Horned Frogs. Just look at this touchdown pass, one of five he threw yesterday. It is a thing of beauty and shows Hill’s ability to scramble and find an open man when the original play seemingly breaks down.

For the Horned Frogs to have a chance at entering the Playoff, they will need to keep this offensive strength alive throughout the season. This all starts with Kenny Hill. So far this season, I don’t believe that he has gotten the praise that he deserves. For a guy that has been up and down his entire career, he seems to have finally put it all together in 2017.

Look out for Kenny Hill. Who knows, maybe he’ll end up on the Heisman radar soon enough.

4. The TCU offensive talent will take them pretty far this season

This TCU team is full of offensive playmakers ready to do whatever is necessary to help the team win. I truly believe that this is something special that the Horned Frogs have this season- teamwork. The offense is not about one person shining above the rest, it is about working together to move downfield and put points on the board.

That is not to say this team doesn’t have it’s fair share of stars on the offensive side of the ball. Check out this catch and run from Kenny Hill to KaVontae Turpin. The kid also had an insane punt return for a touchdown, but we will talk about that later.

Senior John Diarse also finished with 130 yards on the night, highlighted by a 67-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. He has been a strong leader and receiver for this team as they continue on their undefeated run.

Overall, if their offense can continue to play at this level, TCU could easily find themselves in the playoff conversation in a few weeks.

3. Watch out for the Horned Frogs defense

It is no secret that the Big 12 is an offensive powered conference. With the likes of Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and TCU that much is obvious. However, it is the strength of the defense that will carry a team over the hump to a national title.

On Saturday night against Kansas, TCU’s defense showed they could be that team for the Big 12. They held the Jayhawks to a total of 21 yards and negative 25 rushing yards. They also had 11 tackles for loss, including this sack by Travin Howard.

This team has already shut down the likes of Oklahoma State, handing them their first loss of the season. That was no easy task as Mason Rudolph is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league as it stands. They face Oklahoma and Texas in the coming weeks, both teams that have given some fits to their competition- one more so than the other.

If the TCU defense can sustain this strength that they have found, it could spell championship for them come January.

2. TCU is the best the Big 12 has to offer this season

This one may receive a lot of backlash and I am ready for it. The TCU Horned Frogs are the best team in the Big 12 and it is not even close. They have already taken down both West Virginia and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma is struggling to close out games, something that will surely bite them in the butt here soon. Texas is back below .500, something that will be hard to crawl out of. Basically, it’s the Horned Frogs against the world.

The best part about the Horned Frogs is their ability to work as a team. Check out this touchdown below. Taj Williams became the 11th Frog to haul in a touchdown grab this season. They are spreading the ball out and giving everyone a chance and it has helped them tremendously this season.

Obviously, the Horned Frogs have to keep this momentum going to finish the season the same way they have started it, but they have the talent to do it. The question is do they have the will and the strength. Whether they do or don’t, as it stands right now the best team in the Big 12 wears purple and white.

1. TCU is playoff bound this season as they will finish undefeated.

This team is good and has a favorable schedule left to play as they make a push toward the post season. They have the talent and ability to finish this year undefeated and head to the Playoff against the likes of SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia along with Penn State- unless of course college football craziness ensues.

Speaking of craziness, check out this punt return by Turpin last night. After back pedaling to about the three yard line, he turned on the jets and found his way to the Jayhawk end zone. It’s plays like this that will keep the Frogs in the top four.

Next: Latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft entering Week 8

Crazy plays and such aside, this team has the makings of something special. They are strong on all sides of the ball and execute well against everyone they face off against. This will do wonders for them if they happen to make it to the playoff. I’m making my bold prediction now though, you will see the Horned Frogs playing in early January for a chance at the trophy.