Gary Patterson is in his 19th year at TCU, and is coming off a season that featured a ton of injuries to the offense and defense, and they still finished 7-6 despite struggles from the offense, which were due to QB issues, and injuries to the offensive line, top QB, and WR. I think this TCU offense will be among the most improved offenses this year. The QB situation right now is a competition between Alex Delton (transfer from Kansas State), and highly touted freshman Max Duggan. I don't think Patterson makes the mistake starting a freshman again after last years' experience. TCU will have elite speed on the field, and WR Jalen Reagor could be the best player in this conference. I'm expecting big things from this offense with 7 returning starters.

Defensively, TCU was supposed to struggle last year, but they only allowed 23.1 ppg and 338 yards per game despite only having 5 starters back. The defense is what got them to a bowl game last year. I think they have more experience entering this year than they would have with all the young players getting playing experience due to injuries. They will also get Ross Blacklock back after missing last year, he's arguably one of the best defensive players Patterson has ever had, and he's considered a true leader. This defense should probably play better.

The schedule is not easy with road games at Purdue, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma where they could be under dogs. However, TCU has a bye before the Purdue game, and Purdue has just 3 returning starters on offense. Patterson is also 13-5 ATS as a rod dog since 2009, and the last two times TCU has come off of a similar poor season they have won double digit games. I'm expecting 9 wins this season.