Tag: Chandler Morris

Know Your Foe: Five TCU Horned Frogs to know for regular season finale

Oklahoma takes on TCU in their final Big 12 home game to end their regular season. Here are five TCU players to know as the Sooners prepare.

Friday will be an emotional day of celebration. The Oklahoma Sooners (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) will host their Senior Day. This will be the last time the Sooners host a Big 12 game on Owen Field.

The crimson and cream have made it through another Big 12 slate. The chances of earning a trip to Arlington for the Big 12 Championship are slim but not quite zero. The Sooners will need help from other Big 12 members to make that happen.

All Oklahoma can do is worry about finishing their final Big 12 slate with a win at home.

Their opponents were the first Big 12 team not named Oklahoma to make it to the College Football Playoff. Sonny Dykes orchestrated a masterful coaching job to get TCU (5-6, 3-5) to the national championship last year. Things didn’t go so hot in their game against Georgia, but his work speaks for itself.

The Horned Frogs lost a significant amount of production from that team, and this season has hardly been as fruitful. This team can still hang with many teams and is hungry for bowl eligibility. They are one win shy of playing in a bowl game and would love nothing more than to spoil Oklahoma’s festivities and get that sixth victory.

There is no Max Duggan, Quentin Johnston, Kendre Miller, Dee Winters, Steve Avila, or Derius Davis for this year’s TCU Horned Frogs. That group of players was the backbone of last year’s team and a big reason Oklahoma lost 55-24 in Fort Worth last year.

With so many faces gone and off to the NFL, who are the players to know for Sonny Dykes’ team? We break down five TCU Horned Frogs to know ahead for Oklahoma’s regular-season finale.

Josh Hoover will start at QB for TCU against Texas

Texas will play against the redshirt freshman when they travel to Fort Worth on Saturday.

The starting quarterback of the TCU Horned Frogs, Chandler Morris, has been out of play since Oct. 7 due to a knee injury he sustained against Iowa State.

Since then, redshirt freshman Josh Hoover has taken over the offense, resulting in a fluctuating performance with an equal number of touchdowns and interceptions.

In his best game of the year against BYU, Hoover threw for 439 yards and four touchdowns, but he has thrown an interception in every game he has played.

Texas must capitalize on the freshman’s mistakes and prioritize finishing drives to get into the endzone.

Hoover will start for the third consecutive game on Saturday as Texas heads to Fort Worth for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff.

25 top college football quarterbacks ranked by Total QBR through Week 4

How far did Hartman drop after falling to Ohio State? And who sits atop the list this week?

For fans of Notre Dame, Saturday’s game at Duke will be the sixth of the year, and its conclusion will mark the halfway point for the Fighting Irish.

The majority of the rest of the nation sits 1/3 of the way through their seasons. Almost all have played four games to date.

As the sample size continues to grow, which quarterbacks are starting to emerge from the pack as the best in the game this fall?

When it comes to quarterback play, Total QBR, which is done by ESPN, is one of the more respected advanced metrics to grade quarterbacks with. Now what exactly is Total QBR?

Per ESPN, its Adjusted Total Quarterback Rating “values the quarterback on all play types on a 0-100 scale adjusted for the strength of opposing defenses faced.”

Through the regular season’s first four full weeks, here are college football’s top 25 quarterbacks according to Total QBR.

Dillon Gabriel among On3 Sports top 5 Big 12 Heisman contenders

Dillon Gabriel was included in On3 Sports top five Big 12 Heisman contenders.

Ahead of the 2023 season, expectations are sky-high for the Oklahoma Sooners. And that includes returning quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

On3 Sports’ Jesse Simonton took a look at the top five Heisman contenders in the Big 12 in 2023, and Gabriel came in at No. 2. Gabriel was behind Red River Rival Quinn Ewers at Texas

Some other names on the list are Kansas State QB Will Howard, Texas Tech QB Tyler Shough, and TCU QB Chandler Morris.

Here’s what Simonton had to say about Gabriel:

Dillion Gabriel actually finished second in the Big 12 in passing (3,168 yards) despite missing most of the TCU game and the entire blowout against Texas with a concussion.

The UCF transfer had 31 total touchdowns and just six picks in 2022, and if Gabriel can stay healthy this fall and led the Sooners back to the top of the standings in the Big 12 then he could find himself in the mix for an invite to NYC in December.  – Simonton, On3

It’s easy to see why Gabriel is so high on this list. He has the most experience and is coming off a pretty solid individual season, helping lead the nation’s No. 13 offense and 32nd-ranked scoring offense despite missing a game and a half due to a concussion.

He also put up pretty good stats throwing for 3,168 yards, 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

Those numbers should improve in Gabriel’s third year in Jeff Lebby’s offense and second year at Oklahoma.

The one thing he did struggle with is consistency and, more importantly, accuracy at times. There were times Gabriel was pinpoint accurate throughout a game, and then there were times he’d miss some throws that left fans scratching their heads.

He completed 62.7 percent of his passes in 2023. For the Sooners to be Big 12 and national title contenders, that completion percentage needs to get above 65%.

It won’t be an easy task after losing star wide receiver Marvin Mims, running back Eric Gray, tight end Brayden Willis, and three starting offensive linemen.

But with the addition of five-star Jackson Arnold waiting in the wing, the hope is Gabriel’s rushing ability will be unleashed more in 2023 than last season.

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Could the Aggies’ Conner Weigman have the best 2023 season of all QBs in Texas?

With an innovate offensive coordinator in the mix, could Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman be set for a better season of all the signal-callers in the Lone Star State?

There’s nothing like some friendly debate to help pass the summer months ahead of the upcoming college football season.

Texas Football Life posed an interesting question ahead of what should be an exciting season in the Lone Star State. Who will have the most successful season in 2023 of all the signal-callers in the state?

In particular, the social media post highlighted UTSA’s Frank Harris, Texas’s Quinn Ewers, TCU’s Chandler Morris, SMU’s Preston Stone, and last but not least, Texas A&M‘s Conner Weigman.

Interestingly, Texas Tech’s Tyler Shough is omitted, but we’re diving in given the parameters that are set:

Harris and Ewers return to their respective programs with a solidified track record. Harris is returning to the Road Runners for his fifth season after throwing for a career-high 4,063 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2022. Meanwhile, the Longhorns are an early Big 12 favorite and have Ewers back under center after finishing with 2,177 yards through the air and 15 touchdowns last season.

But your argument here is a moot point if you’re predicting future success based on 2022 statistics. The objective is to argue who will have the best 2023 season.

They say the enemy of analytics is a small sample size, but in this case, it’s the answer to the question at hand. The Aggies’ own Conner Weigman is set up to outplay every other signal-caller on this list.

To take it a step further, don’t be surprised to see the sophomore as a dark-horse contender for the Heisman.

The former five-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle was thrust into the fire last season following injuries to Haynes King and Max Johnson. It’s safe to say that by that point, the expectations were as low as possible for the true freshman. Weigman responded by throwing for 896 yards and eight touchdowns with zero interceptions in five games.

After ranking 101st in the nation in scoring last season (22.8 ppg), the Aggies’ offense was as non-existent as possible. But Weigman helped elevate that unit to some relevance.

What should truly have him equipped for a better season than everyone else on this list is that he’ll be working with a new offensive coordinator and notable quarterback guru, Bobby Petrino.

Petrino is 137-71 overall as a college head coach and is known for his track record of developing offenses. Better yet, he’s produced numerous successful quarterbacks as a head coach that have gone on to the NFL. His most recent and noteworthy example is none other than 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

The true obstacle holding back Weigman was an uninspired offensive scheme, but with Petrino now in the fold, he should only thrive with some much-needed ingenuity. Be on the lookout for a breakout season from Weigman, and don’t be surprised if he’s also in contention for some hardware down the line.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.

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ESPN re-ranked the 2020 recruiting class: Where’d Oklahoma land?

Taking a look back at the 2020 recruiting cycle, where did ESPN rank the Oklahoma Sooners 2020 recruiting class?

The 2022 class has had a few splashes here and there, but we probably won’t have a good grasp on the impact of this group until 2024. A few years since the arrival of the 2020 recruiting class, what kind of impact is this group having for the Oklahoma Sooners?

In their third season in Norman, the 2020 recruiting class is playing a huge role for the Sooners this year. Marvin Mims is one of the best receivers in the country and Anton Harrison is playing like a player that could be taken in the top 50 of the 2023 NFL draft. Andrew Raym has developed into a solid starter at center helping anchor a fast-paced Oklahoma offensive attack.

In ESPN’s look at the 2020 recruiting class, the Sooners improved from the No. 10 class at the time to No. 7 in their re-rank.

How this class finishes under new head coach Brent Venables remains to be seen as the Sooners navigate a rough patch. Several signees are no longer with the program. Under previous head coach Lincoln Riley, with whom they signed, this group has offered some really good production. Pieces of this class helped generate more than 20 wins, a conference title their freshmen season and a pair of bowl wins. WR Marvin Mims was a key target on that Big 12 title team and remains a top receiver for the Sooners. DL Perrion Winfrey was the top junior college DL and was a disruptive starter while with the program. Top signee Reggie Grimes has developed into a good defender, leading the team in sacks. The Sooners signed several four-star OLs with in-state ESPN 300 Andrew Raym and Anton Harrison developing into solid starters. – Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill, ESPN

The addition of Perrion Winfrey from the junior college ranks was the highlight on the defensive side. Though a bit up and down for the Sooners, Winfrey provided an interior pass rush and was taken in the

Reggie Grimes has been a good player, but hasn’t been the best player in the recruiting class. There’s still another level that he can go to.

Aaryn Parks and Nate Anderson have provided depth along the offensive line and Justin Harrington has become a rotational Cheetah player for the OU defense. D.J. Graham had some good moments at cornerback, but recently made the switch to wide receiver.

Chandler Morris won the starting quarterback job at TCU before suffering an injury in the season opener. Max Duggan’s played so well that Morris hasn’t been able to reclaim the starting quarterback job.

The biggest disappointments in this class were Seth McGowan and Mikey Henderson. Both players had promising starts to their Sooners careers in 2020 before being dismissed during the 2021 offseason amid assault allegations.

If we were re-ranking the players in the 2020 class, Marvin Mims or Anton Harrison would vie for the top player. Both have been among the best at their position in the Big 12 and have received some first round buzz in early mock drafts for the 2023 NFL draft.

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No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for week 5

Trying to figure out where to find the Sooners game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. TCU.

No. 16 Oklahoma will play TCU on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Sooners have dropped Big 12 opener for the fourth time since the formation of the conference. Each time, Oklahoma overcame the early conference loss to rally and win the Big 12

That seems like a monumental task with the improving depth, but if the Sooners are able to play the way they did in Lincoln, Nebraska, they’ll be right where they want to be at the end of the season. And that all starts with this week’s road trip to Fort Worth to take on the TCU Horned Frogs.

TCU’s offense can pose some problems, as Max Duggan’s been one of the most efficient passers in college football this far. Defensively, though they struggled in their one true test of the season against SMU. Oklahoma should be able to take advantage.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Oct 1, 2022
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. CT
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
  • Listen: Sreaming on the Varsity App

No. 16 Oklahoma vs. TCU injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Elbow (out for season).

TCU

Quincy Brown, WR: Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Chandler Morris[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Knee)

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 66.7% for 1.089 yards, 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. 23 carries, 126 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 18 receptions for 397 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 53 carries for 400 yards, 2 touchdowns at 7.5 yards per carry.

[autotag]Marcus Major[/autotag], RB: 33 carries, 164 yards, 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 35 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 34 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

[autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag], DB: 33 total tackles.

[autotag]Reggie Grimes[/autotag], DE: 10 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks.

TCU

[autotag]Max Duggan[/autotag], QB: 77%, 695 yards, 8 touchdowns. 18 carries for 33 yards.

[autotag]Kendre Miller[/autotag], RB: 38 carries for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Quentin Johnston[/autotag], WR: 8 receptions for 73 yards.

[autotag]Taye Barber[/autotag], WR: 8 receptions, 101 yards.

[autotag]Derius Davis[/autotag], WR: 7 receptions 126 yards, 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jimmy Hodges[/autotag], LB: 15 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

[autotag]Dee Winters[/autotag], LB: 11 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss.

[autotag]Josh Newton[/autotag], CB: 6 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions.

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How did Big 12 quarterbacks stack up in Athlon Sports 1-131 rankings for 2022?

Where did Dillon Gabriel and the rest of the Big 12 land on Athlon Sports’ 1-131 quarterback rankings for the 2022 season?

Football is the ultimate team sport. It takes 11 guys on offense and 11 on defense to make a team successful. All of that is true, yet, the quarterback position can be the biggest difference in a win or loss than any other position on the field.

A different pressure comes with playing the highest-profile position in sports. Over the last year, the Oklahoma Sooners have seen a lot of movement at quarterback and still remain in a great spot to have one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.

That’s why they continue to reign as “QBU,” according to ESPN. The commitment of Nick Evers quickly after Jeff Lebby arrived, the addition of Dillon Gabriel shortly after Caleb Williams entered the portal, and the commitment of Jackson Arnold back in January for 2023 all support the idea that Oklahoma will continue to recruit and produce high-level quarterback play.

Athlon Sports recently ranked the quarterback position 1-131. Notable former Sooners on the list were [autotag]Tanner Mordecai[/autotag] at No. 26, [autotag]Spencer Rattler[/autotag] at No. 14, and [autotag]Caleb Williams[/autotag] at No. 3.

Let’s take a look at how [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] stacked up with the rest of the Big 12.

Top 21 dark horse all-conference candidates for the Big 12 this season

These players will need to be head-and-shoulders above their competition.

The media’s first team all-conference selection is usually predictable. Continue reading “Top 21 dark horse all-conference candidates for the Big 12 this season”

The Big 12’s top returning quarterbacks ranked by production

The Big 12 will see quite a bit of turnover at quarterback this fall, but who are the top returning quarterbacks based on 2021 production.

The Big 12 conference will experience a ton of turnover at the quarterback position heading into 2022. Oklahoma, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas, and West Virginia will all have new faces at quarterback. Baylor and Oklahoma State have solidified starters in place with Gerry Bohanon and Spencer Sanders. Texas Tech, Kansas, and TCU have options from 2021 returning for quarterback battles.

With Caleb Williams, Spencer Rattler, Brock Purdy, Skylar Thompson, and Jarret Doege gone, there isn’t a ton of returning production from the 2021 season in the Big 12. However, Dillon Gabriel, Quinn Ewers, and Adrian Martinez bring some name value to the position despite playing elsewhere in 2021.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 returning quarterbacks based on 2021 production.