After a quiet debut in Dublin, the Horned Frogs’ new quarterback enters a critical two-game homestand to establish rhythm and ignite an explosive passing attack before conference play.
Jaden Craig has only started one game at TCU. The Horned Frogs can't judge their new quarterback on 60 minutes in Dublin.
The next two Saturdays should tell them much more.
Craig's TCU debut ended with a 15-10 loss to North Carolina, an afternoon that started with promise before the Horned Frogs' offense disappeared. TCU scored on its first two possessions, took a 10-3 lead and didn't score again.
Craig completed 20 of 32 passes for 175 yards without a touchdown. Jeremy Payne carried much of the offensive load, rushing for 142 yards on 25 carries.
TCU finished with just 281 total yards.
Those numbers aren't enough to make any sweeping declaration about Craig. It was his first start at a new school, with a new offensive play caller, across the Atlantic against a Power Four opponent.
There is also plenty that needs to improve.
That's what makes TCU's next two games so important.
The Horned Frogs host Grambling State on Saturday before Arkansas State comes to Fort Worth on Sept. 19. Big 12 play begins one week later at UCF.
Craig might not get a better runway to find his footing.
Nobody needs him to throw for 400 yards against Grambling to feel better about TCU's quarterback situation. Statistics against an FCS opponent only carry so much weight.
How Craig produces them matters more.
Can TCU generate explosive plays through the air? Can Craig push the ball downfield and take some pressure off Payne? Can an offense now called by Gordon Sammis consistently finish drives?
Dublin gave TCU reason to ask each question.
The Horned Frogs led North Carolina 10-3 after the first quarter. Three scoreless quarters followed. A strong afternoon from Payne wasn't enough to overcome a passing attack that never found much rhythm.
That doesn't fall entirely on Craig.
TCU is breaking in a new quarterback and a new offensive play caller at the same time. One game was never going to provide a complete picture of what that partnership can become.
The next two can make it clearer.
Grambling and Arkansas State give Craig two home starts before the stakes rise. By the time TCU arrives in Orlando, there should be a much better idea of what this passing game can become — and what still needs fixing.
The wins matter. TCU should enter Big 12 play at 2-1.
For Craig, though, these next two Saturdays offer something the Horned Frogs need just as much.
Answers.
Dublin was the introduction. Now TCU gets two games to find out what comes next.
