5 things to watch going into TCU-Texas game: breakout game for Banogu? Home run threat?

The TCU-Texas matchup hasn’t been much of a matchup in recent years. The Frogs have dominated the past four games, winning by a combined score of 153-33.

But it’s a new season and a new game. The Longhorns are riding high after beating USC at home last Saturday, while the Frogs fell short in their upset bid of No. 4 Ohio State.

Both teams have something to prove – Texas wants to show it can win on a consistent basis and TCU wants to rebound from the disappointing loss.

Here are five things to watch from TCU’s perspective going into it –

1. Shawn Robinson’s consistency. TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson has displayed poise beyond his years so far this season. How he handled adversity and kept TCU in the Ohio State game is the biggest positive the Frogs should get out of it.

But, in order to be successful, Robinson must string together consecutive games. Eyes are always on the quarterback, and this weekend will be no different with how Robinson makes decisions and grows from the Ohio State game.

There’s no question Robinson has the faith of his teammates.

“He’s a young player, but he’s definitely prepared,” guard Chris Gaynor said. “He’s focused. He leads the team. He does what we need to do.”

2. The O-line. Gary Patterson hasn’t had anything but good things to say about the offensive line all season. He called the unit the “surprise” of fall camp, and feels they fared well against Ohio State’s stout defensive line.

The Buckeyes got three sacks on the night, but the Frogs learned plenty about themselves. Austin Myers handled himself well at left tackle when he replaced Anthony McKinney there, and Gaynor stepped in admirably at right guard.

It’ll be interesting to see if TCU continues to rotate players at left tackle and right guard, or if they settle in on one specific unit.

Patterson reiterated his preference to have eight offensive linemen ready to go on game days – the five starters, a swing tackle, a backup center and a backup guard.

3. Home-run threats. TCU isn’t lacking playmakers on its offense. KaVontae Turpin showcased his talents in the SMU game, and Darius Anderson had the longest run in TCU history (and the longest play from scrimmage given up by Ohio State) last Saturday.

Wide receiver Jalen Reagor showed his big-play potential, too, leading the team with seven catches for 98 yards, including a one-handed catch down the sidelines for 42 yards.

Having multiple players with home-run potential is something that should keep defenses honest when they play the Frogs.

“It just keeps [defenses] on their toes,” Gaynor said. “We have many different threats that we can hit them with. They never know which way we’re going to come. It’s just how they set up and how we react.”

Added Patterson: “That’s why we recruit speed. But if you don’t block, if you’re not physical at the point of attack, speed really doesn’t make much difference.”

4. Applying pressure. TCU had just one sack against Ohio State last Saturday. The Frogs have to have a better pass rush against Texas.

The Longhorns have had offensive line issues early on this season, which is part of the reason they like having a mobile quarterback in Sam Ehlinger. But the Frogs pride themselves on having speed and should have the ability to apply speed with ends such as Ben Banogu and Ty Summers coming off the edge.

Banogu is still searching for his breakout game of the season. He has just one sack, but made strides last week with two quarterback hits on OhioState’s Dwayne Haskins.

5. Kicking issues? TCU has the worst kicking game in the Big 12 going into conference play. The Frogs have made just two-of-four field goal attempts in three games.

Cole Bunce, who kicked the opening kickoff out of bounds against Ohio State, was wide right on a 31-yard attempt on TCU’s opening drive. Bunce also missed a field goal at SMU, hitting the crossbar on a 48-yard attempt in less-than-ideal conditions.

After Bunce’s miss on the 31-yard attempt, TCU turned to Jonathan Song, who made four-of-four point-after attempts.

Patterson downplayed any concern with the kicking game during his weekly news conference.

“That’s the good thing about having Jonathan Song. We just traded and went about our business,” Patterson said. “But both of them are good kickers. They had a good camp. They’ve kicked well, so none of the above.”