TCU is set for its non-conference finale against Arkansas State and there is a lot the Horned Frogs can prove in the matchup before heading into a loaded slate within the Big 12.
Off of two polar opposite outings, TCU is gearing up to cement its standing heading into its Big 12 slate in its non-conference finale this weekend in Fort Worth.
The Horned Frogs square off with Arkansas State inside Amon G. Carter Stadium, where they just notched a 63-7 win over Grambling State.
Following a rough stint in Dublin with North Carolina and sluggish start against the Tigers, TCU appeared to turn the page in an explosive effort to close out that aforementioned victory.
From the second quarter on, the Horned Frogs outscored Grambling 56-7 and showcased what made them an intriguing team in the Big 12 before the season got underway.
Quarterback Jaden Craig had his breakthrough moment in his first home start for the Horned Frogs, as he finished with nearly 400 yards through the air and four touchdown strikes.
On the other side of the ball, the defensive unit for TCU was on its A-game, evidenced by the lone score given up to the Tigers.
Although it was on the wrong end of the battle with the Tar Heels, TCU had another exceptionally strong performance on defense by allowing Bill Belichick's squad to score only one touchdown, as well.
Through two games, the Horned Frogs have surrendered only two touchdowns total in one of the most impressive defensive outputs in the nation.
With Craig finally finding his rhythm and leading the offense to the heights expected in Fort Worth, it could signal a complete shift for the program before the schedule ramps up.
On the opposing sideline, Arkansas State rolls in Fort Worth off a big win of its own against West Georgia after dropping its opener to Memphis, which is strikingly similar to the profile of the Horned Frogs.
The previous two times TCU and Arkansas State faced off, the Horned Frogs claimed victories in both off the effort of legendary running back LaDanian Tomlinson.
Obviously the iconic rusher will not be suiting up for TCU, but it marks an opportunity for the latest generation of Horned Frogs to create history of their own.
TCU has not lost two games before October since 2023, when it dropped the opener to Colorado and its Big 12 debut against West Virginia.
And the Horned Frogs have never lost to multiple non-conference opponents since joining the league back in 2012.
The season is not defined by one week, whether it be the loss to North Carolina or huge win against Grambling.
But a convincing win over the RedWolves could go a long way in flipping the narrative that haunted the Horned Frogs after that disastrous first impression.
It will be decided Saturday, when TCU shows down with Arkansas State at 7 p.m. in front of a sell-out crowd at Amon. G Carter Stadium.
