The Edge
Compiled by Braden Howell

TCU PASSING GAME
I It’s difficult to know what to expect from the Frogs passing attack against Vanderbilt, since Brandon Hassell is making his first collegiate start, and has never thrown a pass in a game. Taking all the snaps with the first team during spring practice helped his timing and made him more comfortable for the starting role, but nothing can compare to a real game. Although he is talented, he is as untested as they come, so this is a question mark for the Frogs.

VANDERBILT PASS DEFENSE
The Commodores secondary is extremely young, featuring three sophomores and one junior, but they are talented. This secondary "held" Ole Miss star quarterback Eli Manning to 275 yards. They will try and confuse Hassell and force him to throw into coverage. They may not be able to match the talent of the Frogs receivers, but if Hassell can't get them the ball, it won't matter.

TCU RUNNING GAME
The loss of Ricky Madison was a set back for the Frogs running game, but now it's time for the other backs to step up. Lonta Hobbs looked like his old self in the second half of the Navy game, and with the majority of the work now on his shoulders, look for him to shine. The player everyone is waiting to see is highly touted redshirt freshman Robert Merrill. Merrill is faster and more of a slasher than Hobbs and will help shake things up.

VANDERBILT RUN DEFENSE
Like the rest of the Commodore’s defense, the defensive lineman and the linebackers are all young players. In fact, the starting front four and three linebackers are all sophomores. Compared to the Frogs offensive line, they are undersized and inexperienced. With an undersized defensive line in front of the linebackers, the Frogs offensive line should be able to get to the linebackers every running play.

TCU RUN DEFENSE
After two games, the Frogs defensive line have showed why they are considered one of the best in the country. Vanderbilt, an SEC team, is used to playing physical opponents, but even the SEC team will be impressed with the Frogs front four. This game will be a good test for interior linemen Chad Pugh and Brandon Johnson because of the size and strength of the Commodores offensive line.

VANDERBILT RUNNING GAME
Running back Norval McKenzie is averaging 5.2 yards a carry, but only 62 yards a game. The Commodores will have to establish the run against the Frogs if they want to be successful in the air. Look for Vanderbilt to use the run early, but they will probably shift their focus to the pass. The Commodores won’t be able to win the game by keeping the ball on the ground.

TCU PASS DEFENSE
The secondary had a great game against Navy, and they should carry that momentum in to this game, despite the week off. Marvin Godbolt looks to have returned to the form that made him a freshman All-American. He leads the team in interceptions and he has emerged as one of the fiercest hitters on the team.

VANDERBILT PASSING GAME
Quarterback Jay Cutler has emerged as a prolific passer for the Commodores. Through three games he has completed 56.7 percent of his passes for 555 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Receiver Erik Davis has three touchdowns and is averaging 23.1 yards a catch. Cutler will look to rebound from being routed by Auburn last weekend, but it won’t happen against the Frogs defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS
If it comes down to a battle between special teams, TCU will win. With the emergence of Cory Rodgers as an exciting punt returner and the TCU coverage units doing a much better job, all of the Frogs special teams are in sync. Nick Browne is still perfect on field goals and extra points, and John Braziel is averaging 38.9 yards a punt. If it comes down to a battle of kickers though, Nick Browne is the proven favorite.

OVERALL
Brandon Hassell does not have to play like an All-star, he just can’t make the mistakes that could doom the Frogs. Although he’s never thrown a pass in a game, he is confident in his abilities, and has adequate time in practice with the first team. The Frogs probably won’t win big, but they will win in front of a big Family Weekend crowd.

PREDICTIONS
Braden Howell - Frogs 24-10
Brent Yarina - Frogs 20-13