1995 Season Preview

A game-by-game preview of the upcoming season.

Iowa State, Sept 9, at Ft. Worth

Iowa State opened the season with a victory over Ohio. The Cyclones return 10 offensive starters and 6 on defense. They are expected to be strong at QB and RB, with questions on the offense and defense lines. The Cyclones were 0-10-1 last season. Most teams make the most improvement between the first and second games. However, the Frogs should be ready to play an opponent, and get the season underway, right, with a big victory.

Kansas, Sept 14, at Lawrence, KS.

The Jayhawks return 8 offensive and 5 defensive starters from last years 6-5 squad. This is a revenge game for the Jayhawks, as TCU won last years tough encounter, 31-21. Kansas is strong at running back and the secondary. However, there are questions at QB, and both lines. It is extremely difficult to win on the road with a short week, and the Frogs should have their hands full. Turnovers may be the difference. Last season, Kansas was able to handle lesser opponents, but lost games to OU, Nebraska, Kansas State, and Colorado. A win for the Frogs here could spur them on to a quick 6-0 start, as well as allow them to make a statement before a national TV audience.

Vanderbilt, Sept 23, at Nashville, TN.

The Commodores opened eyes with the narrow loss to Alabama in the opener. They return 7 offensive and 10 defensive starters from last years 5-6 squad. QB Ronnie Gordon returns with RB Jermaine Johnson. However, Vandy could be down from playing at Notre Dame the week before. Rod Dowhower is the new head coach. Back-to-back road games will be tough for the Frogs, but they will benefit from the extra days from playing on a Thursday.

Houston, Oct 7, at Fort Worth

Houston showed the ability to move the ball against Florida in their opener. The Cougars return 7 offensive, and 6 defensive starters, from last seasons 1-10 team. QB Chuck Clements can get the hot hand. The Frogs have the week off before, and should be well-rested and healed to put on a good show on Parent's Weekend.

Rice, Oct 14, at Houston

Visiting teams sometimes have trouble early when they are playing a noon kickoff. Rice returns 9 starters on defense, and 7 on offense, including QB Josh LaRocca. Rice has experience and depth on both sides of the ball. Ken Hatfield was 5-6 during his first season at Rice. Last season, TCU held on to a 27-25 hard-fought victory. Expect Rice to put up a valiant effort, and this is a very dangerous game for the Frogs, as the Owls have the ability to control the ball and shorten the game.

Tulane, Oct 21, at Fort Worth

Tulane returns 9 offensive and 8 defensive starters from last years 1-10 team. However, they played the Frogs tough last season, as the purple escaped 30-28. Max Knake should be able to find holes in the Green Wave secondary, and this game should present little opposition for the Frogs, if they come to play.

Baylor, Oct 28, at Waco

Baylor returns 7 starters on both sides of the ball, including highly regarded RB Jerod Douglas and QB Jeff Watson. Last year, the Frogs self destructed early, falling behind early 21-0. They rallied with 10 second quarter points, but the Bears then returned an interception 89 yards for a TD. Baylor won 42-18. However, the Frogs won big, 38-13, the year before. The Bears will be coming off a big home game against A&M. Coach Chuck Reedy has had three excellent recruiting years for Baylor, but their stable of athletes have underachieved on the field. Lets hope this trend continues.

SMU, Nov 4, at Fort Worth

The Mustangs, under Tom Rossley, have always played the Frogs tough. SMU has already lost QB Ramon Flanigan for the season. The Mustangs return 8 defensive starters, so it may be more difficult for the Frogs to run the ball this time. SMU defeated Arkansas in their opener. They would like nothing better to spoil the Frogs Homecoming.

Texas Tech, Nov 11, at Lubbock

Another of four noon kickoffs on the road for the Frogs this season. The Red Raiders will be looking to avenge last season's 24-17 victory by the Frogs, while their fans will look to cover Jones Stadium with flying tortillas. Tech returns its key skill people, including QB Zebbie Lethridge, who is very elusive, and gave the Frogs trouble last year. Spike Dykes always has his team peaking at this point of the season, and it will be extremely difficult to win here. Tech will be coming off a big game with Texas. Only Nebraska beat the Red Raiders at Jones Stadium last year, and Tech had impressive victories over Texas (33-9) and Baylor (38-7).

Texas, Nov 18, at Austin

Expectations are high at Texas this season, as they welcome back 6 starters on offense, and 8 on defense. The defense should be improved, and overall, the Horns should have solid skilled-position personnel. QB James Brown had the Longhorns rolling at the end of last season. This is a key season for John Mackovic, who has generally underachieved during his three seasons at UT. The Horns dominated both lines of scrimmage in last years 34-18 victory over TCU. Pat Sullivan was able to end the long losing streak to Texas in 1992, but its time to do it again.

Texas A&M, Nov 25, at Fort Worth

The Frogs may be closing out their last SWC season against the #1 ranked team in the nation. The Aggies return 7 defensive starters, as well as QB Corey Pullig and Heisman candidate Leland McElroy. The only concern at A&M is in the offensive line. The Aggies have outstanding depth, quality, and speed. The Aggies will be coming into this game after easy victories over Houston, Rice, and Middle Tennessee State. Perhaps they will be flat. The Frogs last victory against A&M was during the Nixon years (1972). Last season, TCU played A&M much tougher than in years past, and the statistics were even, as the Frogs were able to shut down the running attack of the Aggies. However, the Frogs were unable to convert drives into touchdowns once they were inside the 20's. Perhaps this season, it will be different, with the SWC title and bowl game invitations on the line.