College Football: Preseason Top 25 Projections

Don’t overlook Gary Patterson‘s crew (like we did after spring practices). The Horned Frogs are going to have another high-powered defense as per usual. Though they lose five starters from last year’s squad, TCU still has back around two-thirds of its defensive production. The coaches seem to think this squad has a shot at contending for the Big 12 this year, though. It is likely the AP Top 25 will include them as well after they were rated so highly by the coaches.

But the AP will drop them a few spots from the No. 16 position in the Coaches Poll. That is less because of that defense than due to an offense that lost almost everyone from last year. Gone is Kenny Hill at quarterback, leaving Shawn Robinson as the starter largely by default. Kyle Hicks departed Fort Worth as well, though Darius Anderson is back at running back. The offensive line is depleted, with three of last year’s five starters off to the pros.

With the team starting from near scratch on offense, things could go any number of ways in Fort Worth this season. Gary Patterson will certainly have the defense ready to carry the team as far as they can take it. Then it will rely on a green offense coming together quickly in a conference where offense is king.