2009: The year of the Horned Frog?

September 12, @ Virginia
September 19, Texas State
September 26, @ Clemson
October 3, SMU
October 10, @ Air Force
October 17, Colorado State
October 24, @ BYU
October 31, UNLV
November 7, @ San Diego State
November 14, Utah
November 21, @ Wyoming
November 28, New Mexico

After an impressive, #7 finish in last year's AP ranking, TCU is thrilled, but still disappointed and hungry for more. What stood between TCU and a BCS berth... Do you remember? Ask any current or former TCU student and they will tell you (all the while moaning, groaning, with a sickening feeling in their stomach) the calamity of missed field goals against Utah in Salt Lake City. As Horned Frogs watched the ball constantly miss the uprights, it was a dagger through the hearts and hopes for a BCS bid.

Nonetheless, TCU is out for blood this year. They are returning from having the #1 defense in the country with a seasoned quarterback in Andy Dalton and an incredibly noteworthy defensive end, Jerry Hughes. In addition, 10 returning starters come back for the Horned Frogs- 6 on offense and 4 on defense. This season comes poised with an uphill battle, with two notably large away games- Virginia and Clemson. Excellent for exposure, but hopefully not too ambitious. Two critical MWC road games will come at Air Force (remember the 2007 game in Colorado Springs?) as well as at BYU. The showdown with the Cougars will prove to be key. However, nothing will be as noteworthy as the November 14 game on TCU's home turf. The Utah game will be an emotional one, with TCU looking for redemption, respect, and revenge.

Coach Patterson recently answered a few questions for me, noting his excitement to kick off the season to see what the Horned Frogs have this year. He's eager coming off the impressive #7 finish, yet understands the road to victory is never an easy one.

To brush up on the 2008 season and get energized for the return of Horned Frog football, check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OuXa_xd0Y

GO FROGS!