Steven Johnson: Week 3 viewers guide for TCU fans
Got the blues because there’s no TCU football game this weekend?
Are you unsure of how to spend a big chunk of your Saturday with the Horned Frogs enjoying their bye week?
Don’t worry.
There are still plenty of games that should generate interest for Horned Frogs fans. The next two opponents, SMU and Oklahoma, have interesting road games plus there a few games nationally that should be entertaining and filled with drama.
Here are six:
No. 6 Oklahoma at Nebraska, 11 a.m. on FOX
The sixth-ranked Sooners will hit the road for the first time to face a reeling Nebraska team that just fired Scott Frost after a 45-42 defeat to Georgia Southern. Oklahoma rolls into Fort Worth on Oct. 1 and this will be a good opportunity to see how the Sooners perform on the road under new head coach Brent Venables.
There’s also history being made as Nebraska will be led by interim head coach Mickey Joseph. Joseph is the first Black head coach in Nebraska’s history. For my sports bettors, Oklahoma is a 11-point favorite. That could be worth a hefty wager considering how Nebraska has looked through their first three games.
No. 12 BYU at No. 25 Oregon, 2:30 p.m FOX
With BYU slated to join the Big 12 next year, this is a marquee matchup that could show what TCU fans expect when the Cougars arrive. BYU is coming off a huge overtime win over Baylor last week and is looking to add to its resume. Oregon is back in the Top 25 due to all the chaos of last week. After being smoked by Georgia, Oregon will have a chance to earn a little redemption.
BYU quarterback Jaren Hall will be treat to watch.
Kansas at Houston, 3 p.m. ESPNU
A matchup between future conference mates, Houston is coming off a close loss to Texas Tech while the Jayhawks were victorious against West Virginia. There are good vibes buzzing around Kansas and Lance Leipold and a win over the Cougars would be huge for the program. It could also mean that TCU’s road trip to Lawrence on Oct. 8 is going to be a lot more challenging.
Houston receiver Nathaniel Dell might be one of the nation’s most underrated receivers.
Texas Tech at No. 16 NC State, 6 p.m. ESPN2
The Red Raiders were able to down the Cougars with backup quarterback Donovan Smith leading the way. Now he’ll have to outduel the Wolfpack’s Devin Leary. There was a lot of preseason hype around Leary, but he’s started slow, completing just 57% of his passes. Maybe the Red Raiders defense could be just what he needs to get back on track. I imagine there are a few TCU fans that will enjoy that.
It’s also the first opportunity for a signature win for first-year head Joey McGuire. TCU will host Tech on Nov. 5.
SMU at Maryland, 6:30 p.m. FS1
The biggest game on the docket is the Mustangs road trip to the East Coast. TCU will face the Mustangs next week at Gerald J. Ford Stadium and what better scouting report than to watch SMU face another Power Five team? The Terps probably won’t contend in the Big 10, but they should be in the mix for a bowl game. Taulia Tagovailoa is name to watch for Maryland along with former five-star receiver Rakim Jarrett.
Tanner Mordecai and Rashee Rice could have big days for SMU. Maryland is a small favorite and the over/under is set at 74. There could be plenty of points in this one.
No. 13 Miami at No. 24 Texas A&M, 8 p.m. ESPN
No coach may be under more pressure to get a win than Jimbo Fisher. That’s what happens when you’re pushed around by Appalachian State despite a clear talent advantage. I mean they signed the best recruiting class in history, that’s got to be worth a win over App State right? Apparently not, but the Aggies will have a chance to flip the narrative with a win over Miami.
