Three reasons why TCU will win or fall in Josh Hoover’s first start vs. BYU
In the midst of a two-game losing streak, things are starting to look dicey for the TCU Horned Frogs who host BYU on Saturday,
Contending for another appearance in the Big 12 title game seems unlikely, but if the Horned Frogs want to have a chance then they’ll need to knock off the Cougars (4-1, 1-1) who are playing above preseason expectations.
Let’s not forget that TCU will have to try secure this victory without starting quarterback Chandler Morris who sprained his MCL in last week’s defeat to Iowa State.
It feels like the season is hanging in the balance for the Horned Frogs. Here’s three reasons why TCU could save its season or squander another winnable game.
Three reasons why TCU will snap its losing streak to BYU
1. Exploitable defense: The Cougars are giving up nearly 30 points per game to Power Five competition. The rushing defense has been a weakness as the Cougars have allowed at least 177 yards on the ground in three straight games. That means TCU running back Emani Bailey has a great shot at another 100-yard rushing game.
2. Slowing down Slovis: The TCU defense has given the Horned Frogs an opportunity to win each of the last two games despite missing leader Johnny Hodges. The Horned Frogs have settled in against the pass allowing just one touchdown through the air in the last five games and holding four quarterbacks completion percentage under 50%.
Slovis hasn’t had a game yet where’s he completed 60% of his throws against Power Five competition and that could be difficult for the streaky quarterback to overcome.
3. Hoover’s debut: It’s extremely difficult to prepare for a player with little to no film on him and BYU will have maybe two quarters worth of film on Josh Hoover, who will be making his first start in place of the injured Chandler Morris. So far Hoover played in garbage time against Nicholls and then tried to lead a desperate comeback against Iowa State.
Now against BYU he’ll have more preparation and more plays designed to fit his skillset which is still going to be an unknown for the Cougars. That could give TCU the advantage.
Three reasons why the losing skid will continue
1. TCU: It goes without saying the Horned Frogs have been their own worst enemy this season. Whether it be special teams or turnovers, mistakes have been plentiful including four interceptions thrown last week against the Cyclones. Meanwhile BYU ranks top-25 nationally in turnover margin and Slovis has only been picked off three times halfway through the season after throwing nine last year.
BYU was able to beat Arkansas despite being outgained by almost 150 yards due to winning the turnover battle. The Cougars won’t give the game to TCU.
2. BYU’s offensive line: Led by Kingsley Suamataia, the Cougars have another solid unit upfront which could be problematic for TCU. Yes, the Horned Frogs are second in the Big 12 in sacks, but TCU hasn’t had a sack in two games and will now face a unit that has only given up six on the year.
If TCU can’t get after the Slovis then the veteran quarterback could be due for a bit of a breakout game despite how well the Horned Frogs’ secondary has played.
3. Hoover’s inexperience: In an extremely small sample size Hoover has a bit of turnover issue with two interceptions and a lost fumble in his time on the field. No matter how good the gameplan is, Hoover will likely make a mistake or two. That should be expected, the hope for TCU has to be these mistakes don’t turn into the same type of game-defining mistakes we’ve seen this season.
