Could TCU football have opt-outs for New Mexico Bowl matchup with Louisiana?
Players opting out of college bowl games has become a trend in the recent years, especially with the introduction of the College Football Playoff.
Players have to weigh the risk of an injury in a game that’s basically been turned into an exhibition if you’re not playing in the College Football Playoffs.
TCU has a few players who must make a decision to make ahead of the Horned Frogs’ match up with Louisiana in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 28.
It’s early, but as of this week, TCU coach Sonny Dykes isn’t expecting any player to opt out.
“We’re kind of in the process of having those conversations,” Dykes said. “They’re ongoing right now, I would be surprised if anybody does opt out. These guys are committed to playing for each other.”
The two names to watch for TCU are receivers Savion Williams and Jack Bech. Both star receivers were banged up in the regular-season finale against Cincinnati and must weigh the benefits of playing.
Williams may have the hardest decision after producing 611 receiving yards, 322 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns. The move to put Williams in the backfield more helped TCU turn around this season and increase Williams’ draft stock. But would it be worth it to take on more hits after being limited in the second half against the Bearcats?
Bech sprained his MCL in the first half against Cincinnati, which typically has a recovery time of about four to six weeks. The game against Cincinnati was on Nov. 30 and it’ll be exactly four weeks when TCU plays in the New Mexico Bowl. After dealing with injuries his first season in Fort Worth and during his time at LSU, Bech probably would’ve been an easy bet to play if he was healthy.
But after producing 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, Bech has already enhanced his draft stock and he’s also accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, college football’s top all-star game. It could be the smart play to get healthy and prepare for that showcase.
“We’ve got some guys banged up, Savion is one of them and Jack is another,” Dykes said. “We’ll kind of see how those injuries progress and we’re hopeful that both will be available.”
This story was originally published December 11, 2024 at 1:44 PM.
