Big game weekend and Big Tex

TCU fans, you don’t know how lucky you are. Think about all that this weekend stands for: 

• A big Homecoming Weekend with old friends and the memories they conjure;
• The biggest Big 12 home game yet against an opponent you know well – Texas Tech;
• Membership in a conference that has allowed all of us in Purple to reconnect with old foes like Tech, Baylor and UT when the trend is college football right now is to destroy and take away these traditional, geographical matchups.

As for the game, here’s a few things to be looking for tomorrow:

• Third downs – Pay particular attention on this down – the game depends on it.  Texas Tech has the best third-down offense in the nation, converting 57 percent going against the Frogs' No. 2 in the nation in third-down defense, allowing just 24 percent conversions. Sumthin’s gotta give.
• Frogs' running game – Suddenly reincarnated in the Boykin Administration, it’s a key to keeping Texas Tech’s offense off the field and minimizing Tech quarterback Seth Doege’s opportunities.
• Wide Receivers – If you love to watch wideouts run, this game’s for you. This will possible be the largest exhibition of pass-catching talent on one field in college football this year. If you missed the Alliance Air Show earlier this month, don’t fret – you’ll see aerobatics today.
• Tricks – Big games mean big gambles. Tech likes to go to the Wildcat with running back Eric Stephens, Jr. at the controls. Be on the lookout. As for the Frogs, well……I can’t tell you that part……

Big Tex on Fire

My man Big Tex ignited today at the State Fair of Texas yesterday! It was stunning to see the photos of him in flames. At first, I was sure that it had to be a terrorist attack and that made me mad! Luckily, it was an electrical short, and I hear that plans are already underway to make “Big” even better for 2013. Word from Fair Park is that Big Tex was hotter than OU’s offense last week against UT!

Frogs in the Series

Former TCU Baseball Frogs catcher Bryan Holaday and 3^rd basemen Matt Carpenter are working their way to the World Series. Holaday is a member of the Detroit Tigers and had punched his ticket.  Carpenter is trying to finish off the San Francisco Giants and he’s already hit a homer in the National League Championship Series.  Go get ‘em, Bryan and Matt.

Kick ‘Em High!

TCU-Iowa State preview

Folks,

It’s been a wild week and there are lots of things flying through air when it comes to this weekend’s matchup with Iowa State.

Let’s start here:

• The TCU offense will have a speedier look with Trevone Boykin and Matt Brown at the controls.
• This could be a low-scoring affair as both teams are really good on defense.
• You like Linebackers?  This game is full of good ones.
• The weather may have an effect on the outcome of this one – I’m talking wind.
• And finally, how would you like to be the Defensive Coordinator for Iowa State right now?  What do you prepare for?  Everything.

 

Kick ‘Em High!

October thoughts

Tired of Winning?

Over the last week, I’ve played close attention to the Texas Rangers. Usually, I just keep track of whether they win or lose, but the pennant race gets my attention.

I’ve been watching and analyzing.  I attended their game last Sunday vs. the Angels, which they gave away.

I watched in amazement as they crashed and burned over the last three days against the A’s.

This team that had so much energy and desire in 2010 and 2011 doesn’t seem to have it in 2012.

My assessment: They look tired and running on fumes.

And it happens to a lot of teams who go deep into the post-season year after year.   They play a lot more games in the playoffs than teams who don’t make it.  Over time, the wear and tear adds up, especially for teams whose players are aging.

A former TCU teammate of mine and All-American running back Kenneth Davis went to the Super Bowl four straight years as a member of the Buffalo Bills. KD says the extended season year-over-year and the extra games in the playoffs over four years (15 extra games) took their toll on the Bills. By the time they reached their fourth Super Bowl, they were out of gas.

And you say, “That’s hogwash! These guys are pros, and it’s their job to get ready to play.” True, but think about the last time you didn’t feel great or had an injury and still had to go to work. Now, try that for a couple of years in a row.

Also, don’t underestimate the lack of mental energy in the Rangers situation. It’s not new to them anymore. They’ve been there, done that and got handed a devastating loss in Game 6 of the World Series last year.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not making excuses, but Kenneth Davis brings up a great point: When you win, and win a lot over a period of time, you lose something.

As my old roommate’s mom, Marge Rizzo, says, “You Dance? You pay the fiddler.”

Hall of Fame Time

Once again, it’s time for a special weekend, Hall of Fame Weekend.

It’s my and Brian Estridge’s privilege to emcee tonight’s TCU Lettermen’s Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. 

The 2012 Hall of Fame Class, which includes LaDainian Tomlinson, will be inducted tonight in a ceremony on campus.

Take a look at this year’s class, it’s a group of elite TCU athletes:

Dywana Crudup-Brazzell '00 (Track & Field)

Marshall K. Harris '79 (Football)

H.E. Kirchner '59 (Basketball)

Max Knake '95 (Football)

Scott Malone '92 (Baseball)

Jordan Reynolds '92 (Track & Field/Football)

LaDainian Tomlinson '00 (Football)

Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the Iowa State Cyclones.

Kick ‘Em High!