TCU Football: Can Horned Frogs bounce back from 2019 regression?

TCU offense needs to generate more bang for its buck

Considering that TCU was ranked in the top 40 in returning offensive production in 2019, it is little wonder that the Horned Frogs were able to move the ball consistently. Even with a new starter under center, the offense was among the best in the country at running the ball, keeping the chains moving, and chewing up the clock to shorten games for their opponents.

What faltered, though, was TCU’s ability to consistently put points on the scoreboard. A team that ranked 15th in the nation in time of possession and eighth in the FBS in red zone offense finished just 55th in average scoring. While the Horned Frogs averaged more than 30 points per game, that inability to make more of their otherwise productive possessions doomed TCU far too many times last season.

This year’s TCU offense, however, is not nearly blessed with the same level of returning talent. Top receiver Jalen Reagor is now off to the NFL. So too is top running back Darius Anderson as well as his backfield partner Sewo Olonilua, who both stayed local and signed as undrafted free agents with the Dallas Cowboys.

Focusing on TCU quarterback Max Duggan

Working in TCU’s favor in this regard, at least, is the fact that they don’t have to break in a new quarterback this season. The Horned Frogs and offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie hope that Max Duggan experienced all of his growing pains during an up-and-down freshman season and that he will break out in Year 2 rather than experiencing a sophomore slump.

Duggan was solid if unspectacular in his first year as a starter. The youngster completed 53.4 percent of his passes for 2077 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, ranking Duggan 100th in the 130-team FBS in passing efficiency. Duggan added 555 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground to add some versatility to his game.

This year, however, TCU will need Duggan to step up in a big way if they hope to succeed and return to bowl eligibility. To have any chance in a predominantly Big 12 campaign, Duggan will need to raise his completion rate by at least seven or eight percent and throw for another dozen or more touchdowns while simultaneously lowering his interception rate. In his favor, Duggan has all of his receiving targets back aside from Reagor.