Arizona plays its final road game of the 2024 season on Saturday, taking on TCU in Fort Worth in a game it must win in order to remain alive for a bowl.
The Horned Frogs (6-4, 4-3 Big 12) are one of nine teams still technically alive for a spot in the conference title game. They’re coached by Sonny Dykes, a former UA assistant who was offensive coordinator under Mike Stoops from 2007-09.
To better understand TCU, we reached out to Austin McGee of SB Nation sister site Frogs O’ War. Here are his sharp answers to our dull questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: TCU has won 3 of its last 4 after dropping 3 of 4. What have been the keys to the turnaround?
Austin McGee: “The Horned Frogs have avoided self-inflicted wounds. In its last four contests, TCU has only turned the ball over four times. Through the first six games of the year, TCU averaged more than two giveaways per game. Aside from playing mistake-averse football, the Horned Frogs have cleaned up its penalty problem. TCU was undisciplined to begin the season, averaging over 70 penalty yards per game through the first six weeks. The sloppiness has seemingly come to an end, as the Horned Frogs have averaged just 44 penalty yards per game since the win against Utah. Furthermore, TCU has experimented with its running game to compensate for a poor unit. Wide receiver Savion Williams has turned into a hybrid running back-receiver who’s also been used in short-yardage situations. On defense, the entire unit has steadily improved. TCU still isn’t very stout against the run, but they’ve done a better job getting after quarterbacks and forcing turnovers.”
Sophomore QB Josh Hoover leads the Big 12 in passing, at 323.3 yards per game, and he’s completed at least 65 percent of his passes in 8 of 10 contests. What are his best attributes, and where does he struggle the most?
“Josh Hoover is a precise passer who throws with fantastic touch. He’s one of those guys who throws an extremely catchable ball. What has impressed me most is his intermediate-level passing. Hoover does a great job throwing into the second level. He processes the field rather quickly and doesn’t struggle when his first or even second read is covered. Where Hoover has struggled is with turnovers. While eight interceptions aren’t all that much, he’s also fumbled six times.”
Only Colorado is more unbalanced on offense than TCU, though the last 4 games have produced solid rushing numbers. Do you expect the Horned Frogs to remain pass heavy for this game, or could someone from the run game step up and have a big outing?
“TCU will continue its unbalanced approach all season. The Horned Frogs lack a true three-down back. Cam Cook was expected to be that guy, but he struggled mightily before being replaced by a committee of backs and a receiver. Savion Williams, who’s also TCU’s X receiver, has rushed for 55 yards or a touchdown in four straight games. While Cook did impress a week ago, (offensive coordinator) Kendall Briles will rely on Hoover’s arm more often. The Horned Frogs’ receiving core is one of the best in the nation, and the sophomore quarterback does a great job getting the ball in his playmaker’s hands. While I don’t anticipate anyone stepping up, it’d be nice to see Cook build off an impressive performance against Oklahoma State.”
Who are the defensive players that Arizona should be most concerned with, and how do you expect TCU to defend WR Tetairoa McMillan?
“Edge rusher Devean Deal is the first player that comes to mind. The Horned Frogs really struggled to rush the passer to begin the season. Deal has helped turn TCU’s pass-rush defense into a positive in recent weeks. Deal has amassed four sacks in TCU’s last four games. Second would be safety Bud Clark. Clark is arguably TCU’s best defensive playmaker. He’s recorded two interceptions this season and ranks third on the team in tackles. As for defending Tetairoa McMillan, TCU won’t have it easy guarding the 6-foot-5 receiver. It’s unlikely a corner will shadow McMillan, but he’ll likely see plenty of Clark over the top to help whoever is matched up with McMillan.”
Former Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes took TCU to the national title game his first season in 2022 but since then is 11-11 and below .500 in Big 12 play. Had this season not turned around recently might his job have been in jeopardy?
“Yes, there was (and still somewhat is) growing unrest from the fan base. Sonny Dykes was praised for taking TCU to the National Championship in 2022. However, he coached an experienced roster constructed by longtime head coach Gary Patterson. Not to totally discredit Dykes, he’s a solid coach, but the staff he’s assembled is questionable. Even though the Horned Frogs’ offense is one of the better units in the Big 12, Kendall Briles is much-maligned. There’s a decent chance Briles doesn’t return as offensive coordinator, but things would have to go terribly wrong for TCU to fire Dykes (which things were near that level after losing to Houston).”
Prediction time. Can Arizona get the road upset and stay alive for a bowl game or will TCU take the first meeting as conference foes? Give us a score prediction.
“I was really high on Arizona before the season and even predicted the Wildcats to compete for the Big 12 Championship. However, Arizona has underwhelmed. I project a 31-17 win in TCU’s favor. If Arizona was better on the ground, I’d expect a closer outcome.”