Fans should expect more from Frogs
COMMENTARY
Carlos Alvarado

The Frogs are 5-0 for only the second time since World War II.

The defense is ranked in the top 20 in most NCAA statistical categories, and the offense is averaging over 400 yards a game.

If this were 1998, before the LaDainian Tomlinson and Dennis Franchione era, Frog fans would be ripping down the goal posts after each victory.

It is the 2003 season, however, and Frog fans have high expectations for this talented team.

Five games into this season, the Frogs have yet to dominate their early season opponents the way most fans expect them to, and fans do not know what to expect from the team from week to week.

The team’s inconsistencies have left many fans wondering how this particular team will fare against tougher competition. These fans will have their questions answered Friday when the Frogs play at South Florida. This game, more than any other one so far this season, is sure to be the best indicator of what this year’s team is made of.

“We look forward to this game because they are the first athletic group we are going to face,” head coach Gary Patterson said.

The Bulls, who had a 5-0 record against Conference USA teams last year, seem ready for the challenge of facing the conference’s competition this season, especially after coming off a victory over perennial C-USA favorite Louisville.

In addition to facing the most athletic and physical team on their schedule this season Friday night, the Frogs will also be playing a South Florida team that has not lost in its last 21 home games at Raymond James Stadium.

The Frogs are certain to bring a young, offensive team and one of the nation’s premiere defenses into the contest against the Bulls. The team is hoping to continue to improve upon its red zone efficiency for a second straight week, as TCU showed great strides toward becoming more successful Saturday night against Army.

A majority of the team’s inconsistencies on the offensive side of the ball this season can be attributed to the numerous injuries that have left key starting players on the sideline during the past few weeks.

“We’ve been able to win with younger players,” Patterson said. “They need to keep learning as the competition gets stiffer.”

TCU’s record of 5-0 gives fans a great feeling, especially those who remember the good ol’ days when one win against Southern Methodist was all they hoped for.

Times have changed. The season has changed. It is now time for the Frogs to begin answering the questions.

“Now it’s time to play,” Patterson said.