TCU Athletics
TCU football fans have at least one thing to help tide them over until midnight on New Year's Eve — the Mercari Texas Bowl, when the Frogs travel to Houston to face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
While we could blabber on about predictions and statistics or how much the Frogs liked running the ball this season (at 60.1%, TCU is seeing its highest percentage of running plays in nine seasons — cool, right?), there are a few, far more random tidbits about TCU and the Texas Bowl that make for great conversation starters with your friends.
TCU is undefeated at NRG Stadium.
Because the venue has everything to do with a team's potential for success, right? Either way, the Frogs are 2-0 when playing on the turf of the Houston Texans. They beat Iowa State 27-24 in the 2005 Houston Bowl and Houston 20-13 in the 2007 Texas Bowl.
The last time TCU played in the Texas Bowl, Andy Dalton was the quarterback.
The current Dallas Cowboy (who, fingers crossed, could very well lead the team to a spot in the playoffs) was a freshman when he led TCU to a win over Houston in 2007.
Remember Sam Carter? He's at Arkansas now.
Some of y'all Frog faithful might remember Sam Carter, the former safety who played for TCU from 2011 to 2014 (and, in his senior season, helped lead the Frogs to a 12-1 record and No. 3 final ranking). Well, Carter will have the chance to catch up with some old friends on Thursday — he's now cornerbacks coach for Arkansas.
Also, fun fact, Carter originally came to TCU as a quarterback and served as Dalton's backup during the 2011 Rose Bowl.
Defensive line coach Dan Sharp and Arkansas have history.
There are more connections between the Hogs and Frogs — TCU's current defensive line coach Dan Sharp played against Arkansas in 1984. He caught a 34-yard touchdown pass, helping lead TCU to a close 32-31 win.
Wide receiver Taye Barber was named after actor Taye Diggs.
Well, here's a fact that'll make some of y'all swoon. Taye Barber — TCU's leading receiver with 31 receptions, 318 yards, and two touchdown catches — gets his name from actor and singer Taye Diggs, best known for his musical roles in films like "Rent" and "Chicago."
Punter Jordy Sandy is a full-fledged adult.
TCU's punter is well over 21. Jordy Sandy, who hails from Australia and worked with scaffolding and paper mill companies before coming to TCU, is 27 — making him the 11th-oldest FBS player in the nation this season. Let's hope the Frogs won't need to use him much though.
Kickoff for the Texas Bowl is at 7 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
