The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs will enter TCF Bank Stadium on September 3rd as a 14-point favorite against the University of Minnesota. The initial Associated Press Top 25 poll lists TCU as the second-ranked team in the nation. There is little doubt that Minnesota is an underdog in the opener. But let’s take a closer look at who will likely have an edge in the highly anticipated matchup. Below are the three components that will ultimately decide the outcome of the game: offense, defense and special teams.
Offense: This isn’t rocket science. TCU returns 10 offensive starters from an offense that ranked second in the nation in 2014 scoring offense. No starter is more dangerous than quarterback Trevone Boykin. Numerous college football analysts have placed Boykin as one of the favorites to take home the Heisman Trophy in 2015. If he can match his 2014 effort, in which he threw for 33 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards, TCU will likely continue to outscore opponents. Receivers Josh Doctson, Kolby Listenbee and Deante’ Gray (who is questionable for the season opener) provide Boykin with an assortment of deep-ball options. An established group of stud wide receivers are exactly what the Gophers need in the near future. Edge: TCU
Defense: You could honestly make a solid argument for either team in this category. While TCU ranked higher than the Gophers in total defense and rushing defense in 2014, the Horned Frogs return just five defensive starters. TCU also loses 2014 All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Paul Dawson, who will likely start for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals this year. Meanwhile, an all-senior defensive backfield looks to be Minnesota’s strength heading into 2015. The quartet of Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Antonio Johnson, Damarius Travis and Eric Murray were the prime reason the Gophers finished the 2014 season with a top-20 passing defense. If the Ekpe brothers or Steven Richardson can help Theiren Cockran in providing consistent quarterback pressure, Minnesota’s defense can be exceptional. Edge: Minnesota
Special Teams: It has to be noted that TCU dominated this aspect when these two teams met in 2014. While Minnesota started nearly every drive deep in their own territory, TCU opened its three touchdown drives from Minnesota’s 18, 27 and 39-yard line, respectively. A similar scenario in the opener will provide the Gophers with little chance to generate any momentum. A man who can help the cause is 2014 Big Ten Punter of the Year Peter Mortell. A senior who led the Big Ten in 2014 in average yards per punt (45.15), Minnesota will lean on his powerful leg in the critical field-position battle. Another factor is Minnesota kicker Ryan Santoso, who hopes to improve in his second season. Although his 66.7 field goal percentage (12-for-18) in 2014 was less than stellar, his powerful leg is unquestionable and will likely be needed in the opener. TCU senior kicker Jaden Oberkrom is reliable, drilling 22 of 27 field goals in 2014. For the Gophers, junior Jalen Myrick provides the Gophers with a formidable kick return option. Defensive back Craig James will likely start the year as the primary punt returner. Meanwhile, the Horned Frogs recently lost their primary punt returner in Cameron Echols-Luper, who will transfer to Arkansas State University in an attempt to play quarterback. Echols-Luper returned all but two of TCU’s punts in 2014. TCU head coach Gary Patterson recently told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram this about his special teams group: “We’re not where we need to be.” Edge: Minnesota
What is the best part of this article? I’ll answer that for you: As of September 3rd at 8:00 p.m., all of this speculation and analysis won’t matter. This piece talks about who should have an edge. That doesn’t mean they will have an edge come game time. Soon, two programs, each with high aspirations for the 2015 season, will have to execute on the field. If history has told us anything, the course of a college football game rarely, if ever, goes exactly as anticipated. Mix in the school pride and the pageantry with this sense of unpredictability and you have the beauty of college football. The season is almost here. My patience is wearing thin, how about yours?