3. Shawn Robinson is the future at quarterback for TCU
Because Kenny Hill was forced to stay in Fort Worth with a concussion, it opened the door for freshman Shawn Robinson to get his first-ever start at quarterback for TCU. While he struggled passing the ball at times, Robinson nevertheless put in a revelatory performance that helped lead the Horned Frogs to victory and a likely rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.
Robinson was just 6-of-17 throwing the ball for TCU, gaining 85 yards through the air while throwing one touchdown on the day. Unlike in other parts of the country, where inclement conditions affected passing games, Robinson couldn’t blame his woes on the weather. The rookie simply failed to hit some open receivers as he was prone to overthrows.
Where the youngster really excelled, though, was on the ground. Over the course of the game, Robinson had 10 carries and led all rushers on both sidelines with 84 yards. He busted off runs of 20 and 41 yards on the Horned Frogs’ first touchdown drive that put TCU up 7-3 early in the second quarter. Robinson helped balance a ground game that churned out yards against the Red Raiders all day.
Robinson still has plenty of developing to do at quarterback. But if Kenny Hill continues to struggle with lingering effects of a concussion, TCU will at least be competitive in each of its remaining games. They are not completely lost with their freshman at quarterback, and Robinson will keep TCU in Big 12 contention in the years to come as he matures.