TCU vs. Texas Week 5 Preview

Quick-Hitters

• Sam Ehlinger willed Texas to a win last week, passing for 262 yards, five touchdowns, and did some damage with his legs. He has thrown for 10 touchdowns over two contests.

• The TCU Horned Frogs look to avoid an 0-2 start after losing their opener to Iowa State, 37-34.

• Texas (-500) is favored by 13 points over TCU (+375) with the over/under set at 62.5 total points. CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAME ODDS!

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Elite Quarterback Play

Tom Herman is breathing a sigh of relief after a close call with Texas Tech last week in his team’s conference-opener. The Longhorns looked good with a 31-21 halftime lead only to find themselves trailing by 15 late in the fourth quarter. However, quarterback Sam Ehlinger pulled them out of the fire, leading a brilliant comeback to force overtime and eventually carry Texas to a 63-56 win.

Ehlinger and the offense were clearly the stars of the show last week. While he only passed for 262 yards, the signal-caller tossed five touchdown passes and did some damage with his legs. Running back Keaontay Ingram has also shined early in the season, averaging over 6.0 yards per carry. Texas is going to need that balance moving forward, but with 10 touchdown passes o er two games, Ehlinger looks ready to carry the Longhorns wherever they want to go and make a serious run for the Heisman.

On the other hand, the Texas defense is obviously searching for answers after conceding 56 points to Texas Tech. The silver lining is that the Longhorns forced three turnovers and received a touchdown on special teams. However, the secondary was shredded throughout the game, and the Texas defense was also burned by a 75-yard touchdown run late in the game after completing shutting down the Texas Tech rushing attack before that.

Prone To Big Plays

The Horned Frogs will be eager to make amends after a close 37-34 loss to Iowa State in their season-opener last week. TCU out-gained Iowa State in the game and had plenty of opportunities. However, after falling behind early, the Horned Frogs were playing from behind all game and couldn’t make it all the way back. After missing a bowl game last year, TCU will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start this season.

Offensively, the Horned Frogs made a quarterback change in their season-opener after scoring just seven points in the first half. While he didn’t start against Iowa State, last year’s starter Max Duggan entered the game in the second half to jumpstart the TCU offense. He completed 16-of-19 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns. With the Horned Frogs struggling to run the ball, Duggan did an amazing job of giving TCU a chance to win, which should make the team feel better this week.

Of course, the TCU defense failed to answer many of their preseason questions in the opener. The Horned Frogs gave up over 7.0 yards per carry on the ground and allowed ISU quarterback Brock Purdy to complete 18-of-23 passes. While they allowed the Cyclones to get just 14 first-downs, the Horned Frogs were burned on explosive plays, which is a concern moving forward.

Offensive Firepower

At first glance, this game figures to be another classic Big 12 shootout. Both teams have quality and proven quarterbacks, as well as huge questions on the defensive side of the ball. The key differences are that Texas has a better running game and a little more talent on defense. With Duggan playing the entire game this week, the Horned Frogs should have a chance to keep the game close and give them a chance in the fourth quarter.