This team has much to look forward to in 2003. They return many players from a dominating team that took a highly-touted Colorado State to task in the Liberty Bowl. But this team has to concentrate on its new elements and dimensions, rather than attempt to duplicate the 2002 squad's personality. We will just see what Coach Gary Patterson can do with his first real test after any success.

Offensively, it is simple - the new QB and OL need to forge a methodically effective running game before trying to initially reestablish the air-attack. The running game returns strong - it needs to have a shoe-horn affect so as to help slide the passing elements into place. New QB Gunn has that unteachable pocket-presence, the ability to know what and when to do that which is needed. The running game's presence will allow these passing instincts to hone, and will eventually make TCU more offensively successful

Defensively, the secondary will be the key to even marginally repeating 2002's level of play. Once teams are stopped on the ground, they will again be forced into passing situations. Without as much experience and ability, these DBs have to keep the play in front of them to allow real-game seasoning to occur. The Horned Frog front-seven is too strong, meaning opponents will opt to pass from the start. So allowing some early yards should all be part of these DB's lessons - giving up a few big plays will accelerate the learning curve and actually help raise their level of play for later successes. It is all part of the annual turnover in college football, and we now get to see how well recruiting has been going in Ft. Worth.

Both lost 2002 contests were winnable. It was their golden chance, because this season's unit isn't of the same defensive caliber as that once-in-a-lifetime TCU team. But success measured in wins and losses is just as attainable. Consistency was a benchmark that can be rebuilt. This team will be marked and hunted - after their 5-7 2001 campaign, an 11-2 2002 team means a bulls-eye on each TCU jersey. New QB Gunn will dictate whether Horned Frogs again win the CUSA. Look for him to struggle early, but still win some close calls against teams they blew out last year. But inexperience will catch up with them against a tough, retro Southern Miss squad. Games at South Florida and Arizona will be the other marginal tilts that define this version of the Horned Frogs. This revamped version will win one they shouldn't, and lose one similarly. The wide range of possible results makes this squad as competitively anticipated as 2000's team. TCU is a team to follow for those of you who just like quality, dynamic college football. Since they are their conference's best, it is no wonder CUSA has a long way to go before being included in conversations about major conference powerhouses. But Horned Frogs are nothing to easily lick for their opponents.

Passing: Tye Gunn, 91-57-2, 632 yds., 6 TD's

Rushing: Lonta Hobbs, 157 att., 1029 yds., 12 TD's

Receiving: Reggie Harrell, 13 rec., 205 yds., 0 TD's

Scoring: Nick Browne, 23-30 FG, 36-38 PAT, 105 pts.

Punting: none

Kicking: Nick Browne, 23-30 FG, 36-38 PAT, 105 pts.

Tackles: Bo Schobel, 57 tot., 33 solo

Sacks: Bo Schobel, 7.5 sacks

Interceptions: Marvin Godbolt, 2 for 83 yds.

Kickoff returns: Ricky Madison, 1 ret., 14.0 avg.

Punt returns: Reggie Harrell, 1 ret., 30.0 avg.

RSF RB Robert Merrill added himself to the vast stable of TCU backs- a stable that will be one of the best units in the country. Merrill has good vision and carries the ability to shake defenders, which make him a valued contender. He should be the team's #3 back to start the season… QB Brandon Hassell took the majority of the first-team snaps this spring with starter Tye Gunn sitting out, nursing an injury. Patterson said he was pleased with the way that Hassell came in and took control of the offense, but the job still belongs to Gunn once practice commences in the fall… RSF WR Cory Rogers has proven he is a versatile player and may factor into the Frogs' offensive plans more than initially suspected. He will be one to give opponents trouble on the outside this fall. Fellow WR Michael DePriest (rsf) also gave us reason to highlight his name… RSF OT Herbert Taylor made worthy strides of improvement, pulling praise from the coaching staff.

The defense, to no one's surprise, led the charge this spring with a stifling performance in the spring game. Patterson knows he has strength in this unit, but feels they really need to improve their depth. He says he likes the allotted spring and the fall sessions because it gives him a chance to get the younger guys as many reps as possible, in order to ready them for game time. Two new these faces are redshirt freshmen DT Jarrarcea Williams and DE Jared Retkofsky. They may not see (real) game action right away, but hopes are very high on these young men and both will be able to come in and play when needed… Patterson praised the contributions of RSF FS Elvis Gallegos, noting that he could see a good amount of work on special teams and in dime packages. All together, the secondary needs to improve just a bit. There were times where mix-ups and confusions caused the DBs to get burned this spring. One player who saw a good amount of work and will be featured in the nickel and dime packages is soph Kenny Lewis… There are concerns about DT Chad Pugh, who is reportedly struggling with both academic and medical problems. It is still unknown as to whether he will be able to go next fall… Walk-on LB Ryan Schlenger has been the most pleasant (defensive) surprise this spring. He has great feet and, being a former safety, great reaction to the ball. He should be a prized addition to the defensive depth.

The Horned Frogs carry two very good kickers in Nick Browne and Mike Wynn. Wynn caught attention this spring with his range, punctuated by a 52-yard boot in the spring game. He also made a case to be the team's punter, by booting a 58-yard strike the same day. Slated punter John Braziel kept his lead on the job, however, knocking his share of boomers… We can expect to see Rogers and DePriest to handle returns.