2015
TCU
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
TCU already put last year’s debacle behind them in the spring by bringing in new uniforms for the 2015 season. While the Horned Frogs missed out on the Playoff last year, they are projected to be one of the final teams in the mix due to an offense that returns mostly everyone. They just hope that not having a Championship Game won’t hurt them again, although the Big 12 is looking to add one by next year.
5 dimes sportsbook has TCU favored to win the Big 12 this year at odds of +170. They are also listed at roughly 9 to 1 to win the National Championship. Betting lines for TCU’s Games against Minnesota, Oklahoma and Baylor are also available as well as an over under total wins prop of 10 Games.
Trevone Boykin is back at quarterback and that’s the biggest news in TCU’s camp after he broke out last season. He finished with 3,901 passing yards, 33 TDs and 10 INTs, while also adding 707 yards and eight TDs on the ground. And that’s just the tip of the returning starters. Top running back Aaron Green (922 yards, nine TDs) returns along with capable guys in Kyle Hicks and Trevorris Johnson. Boykin even gets five of his top six targets back from a year ago, including one of the top receivers in the nation in Josh Doctson (1,018 yards, 11 TDs). Kolby Listenbee could have a huge role as well after the coaches were hyping him non-stop in the spring. The offensive line will feature Four seniors and should be in for another solid campaign.
This offense scored 46.5 points per Game last season and they return all but one starter. Even if they don’t improve and even with a target on their back all season long, this group should see some big numbers this season. The last time we saw them, the Frogs beat up a good Ole Miss team 42-3.
The defense is a different story with only five returning starters, but the coaches are excited with the new guys coming in. They struggled at times (61 points in loss at Baylor), but TCU still only gave up 19 points per Game in 2014.
The secondary was supposed to be a hole for the defense with three starters gone, but a lot of guys have impressed. Ranthony Texada looks to be a future standout at cornerback, with Denzel Johnson and Kenny Iloka stepping into vacant safety spots. But this group, similar to other defensive areas, has plenty of depth to work with which is why some of these starting spots aren’t set. Freshman Mike Freeze jumped right into the middle linebacker spot and looks set to stay. Multiple seniors, including three on the end where they like to rotate, anchor the line.
TCU’s toughest non-Conference Game is the opener at Minnesota. It won’t be easy, but they won that Game 30-7 last year and should be able to outScorethe Gophers. The Horned Frogs have a likeable Schedule in the Big 12 with their first three road Games coming against last year’s worst three teams in the conference. Their hardest road Games will be at Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. There doesn’t look like a matchup in which TCU will be underdogs this season if that says anything as they get Texas, West Virginia and Baylor at home. There is a chance that both TCU and Baylor reach that final Game undefeated, and if so, the edge goes to the home team looking for revenge.
Everything is there for the Horned Frogs to finish undefeated and to get a spot in the College Football Playoff. They have the players and the Schedule, and just need to bring their Game and not let all this early-season hype get to them.
2015 TCU Football Schedule
Sept. 3 at Minnesota
Sept. 12 vs. Stephen F. Austin
Sept. 19 vs. SMU
Sept. 26 at Texas Tech
Oct. 3 vs. Texas
Oct. 10 at Kansas State
Oct. 17 at Iowa State
Oct. 29 vs. West Virginia
Nov. 7 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 14 vs. Kansas
Nov. 21 at Oklahoma
Nov. 28 vs. Baylor