No. 4 TCU (4-0 1-0 in the Big 12) gets a chance to score another big in-state victory this week, as the unranked Texas Longhorns (1-3, 0-1) come to Amon G. Carter Stadium looking to snap a two-game losing streak and pick up a much-needed win.
How to watch Texas vs. TCU on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Longhorns head out to Fort Worth to take on the Horned Frogs.
Charlie Strong's ball club has lost two really tough games in a row, and last week's 30-27 defeat to Oklahoma State has fans, um ... mad? Late special teams gaffes -- a shanked extra point versus Cal and a dropped punt snap -- in the final minutes have doomed the Horns, but the most disappointing aspect of this team has been the defense. Texas came in with some expectations on that side of the ball, but has allowed 35 points per game and is yet to hold anybody under 28. Jerrod Heard has somewhat settled the quarterback position, but hasn't thrown a touchdown in either of the last two games.
TCU, on the other hand, has to be aware of a possible emotional letdown after a wild roller coaster of a win last week in Lubbock over Texas Tech. The Frogs average an astounding 51 points a game and 7.4 yards per play, and quarterback Trevone Boykin is rounding into the shape that made him an preseason Heisman Trophy candidate with more than 900 yards and nine touchdowns in his last two games.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Noon ET, ABC
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: TCU is favored by 18.5 points.
Make friends: TCU fans can chat about this one at Frogs O’War, while Texas fans can check out Burnt Orange Nation or Barking Carnival.
Three big things to know
1. Air Raid
Texas allowed 313 yards and three touchdowns to Notre Dame and 268 and three scores to Jared Goff and Cal. This week they not only get Boykin, but his go-to target Josh Doctson, who leads the nation with 593 yards on 35 catches. He caught an astounding 18 for 267 last week against the Red Raiders.
2. More eyes on the sidelines?
So Texas fans are really mad about last week’s rash of penalties on the game-tying drive against Oklahoma State, and that’s not about to change. Whether they should be is besides the point. There are going to be a lot of eyes on the men in black and white on Saturday, and you can expect it to be a major subplot on the broadcast commentary as well.
3. Heardsmen
Texas' redshirt freshman has been an upgrade over Tyrone Swoope, but the Horns will need a lot more to try and pull the upset. TCU's normally stout defense has been beleaguered by injuries and allowed more than 700 yards in their last two games. Heard needs to connect with big-play threats Daje Johnson and John Burt to give Texas a chance.
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