Saturday Spotlight 

(4) TCU Horned Frogs at (18) Texas Longhorns 

TCU: This is the best team in the Big-12 this year and it’s not even close. How have they been able to succeed this year? Simple, they stand out and do the little things right and consistently. Not many penalties are committed, they don’t turn the football over much (Six turnovers in nine games) and they finish when the opportunity presents itself. They score with ease and have a “Big Three”. This offense is built around Quarterback Max Duggan, Running Back Kendre Miller and Wide Receiver, Quinton Johnston and when I watch him play, I see some Brandon Marshall in his game. I saw a comparison where he was compared to Calvin Johnson. I’m putting an end to that, let’s not go too far. This is a balanced offensive attack that averages 43 points per game under first-year head coach, Sonny Dykes. They’ve raised their average from 28 points last year and what makes them scary is they dare teams to keep up with their prolific attack. Whenever I talk about being balanced on both sides of the football, I’m talking about being consistent and they’ve done just that. Everything I’ve listed, the Horned Frogs also have the fourth-best defensive in the country. As soon as Tennessee lost to the Georgia Bulldogs last weekend, I knew they’d make the top four in the latest set of College Football Playoff rankings, and they deserve it. They’ll make a trip to Austin today for a showdown with the Longhorns.

Texas: The hype train is always surrounding them. “Is this the year they’re back”? They get this each year and fail to show up. I can never figure them out. Of course, the talent is there, and Steve Sarkisian is in charge with trying to get this program back to relevancy around the nation and in the Big-12. This offense has the potential to be amongst one of the best in the sport of college football and it all starts with one guy, Mr. Bijan Robinson. He’s been one of the best Running Backs in the country and they build that entire scheme around him. They also have weapons in the passing game with Wide Receiver Xavier Worth and Tight End Ja’Tavion Sanders who have emerged as stars and their presence alone opens up the backfield for their backfield mates. Also, I can’t forget the Quarterback, Quinn Ewers and the intensity he brings. This is scary reading about it, doesn’t it? What’s hurt Texas is how they often play down to their competition too much. Watching them lose to Texas Tech a few weeks ago made me say to myself: Wow, this was the same team that almost did the impossible and beat the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Longhorns have also been an elite defense in the conference. If there was a bit more consistency, who knows where they could’ve been in the conference. Tonight, they’ll welcome the fourth-ranked team in the country into Austin for an all-Texas battle with the Horned Frogs of TCU.

TCU X-Factor: Derius Davis– He’s one of the quickest players in the country. Derius is the definition of a playmaker and TCU uses him in many different capacities such as a Punt Returner on Special Teams and on offense, they find many ways to get him the ball. Jet sweeps, bubble screens, down the field as a receiver and so much more. His versatility is what stands out and all they must do is get the ball in his hands. Let Derius work in space and he’ll handle the rest.

Texas X-Factor: DeMarvion Overshown– He’s the next great defender at the next level. Every time I watch DeMarvion, he’s doing something different to impact the game. He isn’t your typical Linebacker. First, he plays with a ton of range and covers so much ground. I can tell DeMarvion has the background of a secondary player because he plays like one. He’s quick and explosive and moves as if he was shot out of a cannon.

Final Thoughts: Who’s ready for the battle of Texas? TCU has been fun to watch all season long. However, they come into this game tonight potentially without Quentin Johnston who will be a game-time decision with an ankle injury. He injured it last weekend against Texas Tech. His presence will be huge for this Horned Frogs offense. He’s their best offensive weapon. This game also features the two best Running Backs in the Big-12 and that’s Bijan Robinson and Kendre Miller. Early on, look for the Longhorns to attack the TCU secondary with some deep passes down the field. TCU is allowing 7.2 yards per passing attempt in 2022 which is one of the worst stats in the conference. Texas can stretch the field vertically. TCU’s offensive gameplan can change without Johnston on the field. With him on the field, the game favors them. I still the Horned Frogs being able to move the ball down the field with ease. I’m expecting a shootout in this game.

Prediction: Texas 38, TCU 35