Is TCU the best in Texas?
2010-08-31
By Dennis Hall / Texas Football
Here’s a debate that we’re probably going to be talking about all season: Who’s the best college football team in Texas?
Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News says it’s TCU, and there’s a compelling argument in the Horned Frogs’ favor. They were 12-1 last year, they return 17 starters (10 on offense) and open the season ranked No. 6 in the AP poll.
But are the Frogs better than Texas? The Longhorns are ranked No. 5 after playing in last year’s BCS title game and finishing 13-1. The Longhorns return 11 starters (7 on defense) and open the season ranked No. 5 in the AP poll.
TCU has been known for its defense under coach Gary Patterson, but the Horned Frogs might have one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in 2010. Led by QB Andy Dalton and a laundry list of explosive backs and receivers, TCU will score points in bunches.
Texas must replace NFL draft picks Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley and Earl Thomas, but whatever the Longhorns lack in experience they’ll more than make up for with talent. Defense is expected to be the Longhorns’ calling card because of their size and speed and coordinator Will Muschamp’s scheme.
Sadly, we’ll probably never know the answer to this question. TCU and Texas don’t meet during the regular season and it would take a unique set of events for them to somehow be matched up in a bowl (the BCS title game?)
But here’s a wishy-washy opinion: If TCU and Texas played, the home team would win. It’s such an even matchup that whichever team had its fans screaming in support would find a way to eke out a three-point victory.
If they met on a neutral field … well, like I said, we’ll probably never know. I guess it would come down to TCU’s offense vs. Texas’ defense. Strength against strength. I don’t know who would win, but I’d sure love to watch them play.
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