Know Your Enemy: The TCU Horned Frogs

Ugly SOB, isn't he? 

Since we have some idea what to dread expect from U.Va., time to turn to Virginia's opponent for the week: the TCU Horned Frogs.

• TCU finished 7th in the final AP poll a year ago after an 11-2 record out of the Mountain West Conference and a victory over previously unbeaten Boise State in the Poinsetta Bowl. 
• The Horned Frogs have yet to play a game this season, but their conference is looking pretty good so far after BYU’s upset of No. 3 Oklahoma last weekend.  TCU didn’t fare nearly as well against the Sooners last season, falling 35-10 in their only foray into major conference land. The Horned Frogs are upping the ante this season, following their trip to Charlottesville with a visit to Death Valley on September 26.
• The Frogs are coached by Gary Patterson, who worked his way up the coaching ladder the old-fashioned way.  Did I mention he's pretty good?  TCU is 73-27 since he took over in 2000 (Al Groh is 56-44 in that same span).
• TCU's hallmark, especially last season, is defense.  The Frogs led the nation in team defense a year ago (217.8 ypg), the third time they have led the nation in that category under Patterson.  They gave up a paltry 11.3 points per game last season (and that's with giving up 35 to Oklahoma).     

• The unquestioned star of that defense is rush end Jerry Hughes.  Keep your eye out for #98.  He's a monster.  6-3, 257, and speed to burn.  May have been a first-round pick last year, but decided to return for his senior season.  He's still projected as a first round pick, and if you have ESPN Insider, his draft profile can be found here. 
• But Hughes may have less help this year, as the Horned Frogs must replace seven defensive starters, including a pair of stud LBs that led the team in tackles last season.  The Post thinks they'll be fine, but will have to learn a bit on the fly.  May be that the first game is the best time to catch them.
• On offense, TCU likes to run the ball.  They averaged 220 ypg on the ground, 11th best in the nation in 2008.  Their leading rusher - Sr. Joseph Turner - returns, but the Frogs tend to employ a RB by committee, so you'll probably see multiple ball carriers tomorrow.
• TCU is led at QB by third-year starter Andy Dalton. He's more of a game-manager type (he only threw 5 picks in '08).  Dalton can also run it; he had 432 yards rushing and 8 rushing TDs last season.  But he may throw more in '09 because his receivers should be pretty good this season, led by Jr. Jimmy Young.  #88 caught 64 passes for 1,012 last season. 
• As the USA Today notes, in light of Virginia's loss against W&M, Saturday's showdown with the Hoos is now almost a no-win situation for the Horned Frogs.  Kind of like playing S. Miss., right?