TCU vs. Long Island University
When: 7 p.m. at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas
Records: TCU (1-0), LIU (0-1)
Last meeting: This will be the first meeting between TCU and Long Island.
TV: ESPN+
What’s at stake?
Although the win was penalty-filled and messy, TCU is entering the Week 2 home opener 1-0. Starting conference play with two wins is crucial for the Frogs, who have a lot to prove this year.
This matchup should be low-risk for the Frogs. This is a chance for the Frogs to clean up their defense in preparation for the Big 12 conference opener with UCF the following week.
When TCU has the ball
Josh Hoover will continue to showcase his offseason improvements and control the pace of the game. Hoover’s 353 passing yards against Stanford last week nearly doubled LIU QB Luca Stanzani’s, who had 179 passing yards in Week 1. WR Jack Bech made huge plays for the Frogs in his season debut, hauling in six catches for 139 yards after being limited last season due to injury. Hoover also connected well with Savion Williams, who had 11 catches for 85 yards.
RB Cam Cook got in a groove with the run game as TCU’s offensive line became more aggressive. The transfer-heavy line looked improved and we should see some meaningful reps from RB Trey Sanders, who is coming off a healthy offseason.
When LIU has the ball
Although Stanzani has playmaking abilities, the Sharks won’t be able to do much damage on the scoreboard.
Last season, LIU finished 4-7 last season, but their taste of Big 12 football was against Baylor on Sept. 16 2023, which resulted in a 30-7 loss. When the Sharks walk into Amon G. Carter Stadium, hopes to pull off an upset are slim. Northeast Conference competition has not prepared LIU for the reality of facing a power conference opponent.
Prediction
TCU will walk away from this matchup with a large win over LIU. The Sharks have promise within their conference, but Big 12 football is too much to handle for the smaller program. TCU’s backup players should record meaningful minutes. The Frogs need to take care of business on the field at home this week to prepare for its first Big 12 battle against UCF on Sept. 14.
