2011 season was a blur

Swift Season
Doesn’t it seem like we were just getting over the loss to Baylor? As I look back on the blur that is the 2011 TCU football season, many things come to mind. Here are the main things on which to focus your purple microscope:

• Gary Patterson knows his team and how to steer them around obstacles. He told me back in May that he hoped to win eight games with this group and, after a two-loss September, I bet many of you doubted the Frogs’ ability to win that many. The entire coaching staff deserves a pat on the back.
• Following last year and the Rose Bowl win, the potential pitfalls were many. The main thing was not to be this year’s “Texas,” which crashed and burned in 2010 after getting to the National Championship game the previous January. Check that box – no purple UT here.
• This team is going to finish the regular season 10-2 and the 19 TCU seniors will have a chance to notch win No. 47 in a bowl game – an all-time record. To frame this accomplishment for you, Andy Dalton and Co. won 44.
• Speaking of Andy, is anyone really surprised?
• Casey Pachall is the man. He left Waco that way and reminded you in Boise.
• Tank Carder is a special player. Realize it now and enjoy watching him these last two games.
• An offensive line’s value is in its ability to operate as a unit – no more evident than this year.
• The three-headed monster at running back works, especially at this time of year.

Hoops Success in Houston
The Frogs gave one away and then stole it back last Saturday in Houston, beating the Cougars, 81-80, on J.R. Cadot’s flip at the buzzer. This team has heart. Check them out this week against Lamar Wednesday night at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. Don’t forget the Big XII preview on Dec. 6 when Texas Tech and new coach Billy Clyde Gillespie come to call.

Since You Asked
The Frogs’ BCS Bowl chances are still alive. This weekend, get your colors on for the following teams: LSU, Southern Miss, Michigan State and (yes) Bevo.

Kick ‘Em High!