TCU Horned Frogs things to watch against the Stanford Cardinal in Week 1

Troy Taylor, 56, has a history of winning as a head coach. He is 32-11 in his career, but his first year was not considered a success. Coming from Sacramento State, an adjustment to college football and the players he is getting is huge. Taylor will need to put together a solid game plan that wins possession and keeps the tempo in their favor to upset the Horned Frogs.

Ashton Daniels, who is projected as the starting quarterback for Stanford, threw for more than 2,220 yards a season ago. He was also the second leading rusher for the Cardinal with nearly 300 yards. But, Daniels was on his back way longer than he should have been. The signal caller was sacked 27 times. In all, Stanford was sacked 41 times. That needs to change in 2024. Can the offensive line protect enough in this one?

Josh Hoover threw nine interceptions a season ago. On the season, TCU threw 15 interceptions and was sacked 19 times. Hoover has the talent. He finished with 15 touchdown passes after moving in and out of the lineup with Chandler Morris. Hoover will need to take care of the football and do so on the road for the Horned Frogs to win.

TCU didn’t schedule a complete cupcake in Week 1. At least Stanford is a power program and has had some winning success in the past. Going on the road will be no easy task. Last season, the Horned Frogs won their first game on the road, but then lost the Final Four on the road. In those four games, they allowed 43 points per game. Will have to be better to win on Friday!

Sonny Dykes needed help and that’s what he tried to do by adding four new starters to the offense. Three of their top reserves are also transfers. Tight end Drake Dabney is expected to be a difference maker in the passing attack. He spent four seasons with the Baylor Bears, so his familiarity with the league will be second to none. James Brockermeyer should also make huge differences up front protecting the quarterback.