Manager's note: This week, we will be publishing trial posts from our FOW finalists. With over 60 applicants, thanks to those who sent an email. This piece is by Mason Jamboogie; enjoy!

143. The number of days in between the spring game that was on April 14th and the 2015 season opener for the Frogs against the Minnesota. This time last year TCU was in a totally different state of mind. Ending the season with 4 wins and 8 losses nobody really picked TCU to make a complete turn around and have the successful season that it did. I know I didn’t, in fact I thought best case scenario we win 9 games and make an above average bowl game. Now we have the attention of the whole conference, and thanks to some Playoff Committee trickery, the attention of the whole nation as well.

Expectations

This season marks the first time that TCU will be the favorite to win the Big 12. However, the high expectations for the Frogs don’t stop there. Patterson’s squad is already an early favorite to make a national title run in 2015. Oh and there’s a quarterback who has been receiving Heisman hype since before last season was even over. So no pressure guys and gals. We know that TCU can now score with the best of them, and we know that our defense can shut down almost anyone when it matters. After the 2014 season, I think that it is safe to assume that the Frogs will be satisfied with nothing less than holding up that national championship trophy when the dust finally settles.

Questions

Will the Frogs become #1 in our hearts and the country by the end of next season?

Will Trevone hoist up the Heisman?

How will the young defensive unit hold up next year?

Are we ever going to see the Nike pro combat helmet again?

Speaking of uniforms, the new uniforms will look better on TV…won’t they? Please.

Will Art Briles ever believe in America again?

A lot of eyes are going to be watching the Frogs in 2015, will they crumble under the pressure or will they reach the highest of heights? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Predictions

1) Aaron Green rushes for over 1,500 yards.

This one shouldn’t come as a shocker to any, in fact he could hit the 2,000 yard mark but I don’t see him being a workhorse in TCU’s style of offense. After only starting the last 6 games of the season, due to Catalon holding the starting job, Green was able to rush for 544 yards, averaging 7 yards per carry on the season. I believe the former 5-star recruit from San Antonio is ready to show the world what he’s capable of.

2) Our depth at running back will be one of our best assets.

Kyle Hicks and Trevorris Johnson are two of TCU’s unsung heroes. Kyle does not avoid contact, but when he wants to, he can pull out one of the nastiest spin moves that I’ve ever seen. On the other hand, Trevorris cannot be taken down by one man…or two for that matter. We saw flashes of TJ’s trucking ability against Texas Tech and Iowa State last year. I mean his calves are about the size of my torso. So once Aaron and Kyle tire out the opposing team’s defense, you let Trevorris feast in the 4th quarter. Bottom line, our backfield will be fun to watch.

3) Doug Meacham takes it to 11.

The first season under Doug Meacham’s offense was a huge success. We got to see a system that played to the strengths of our quarterback, was high tempo and explosive, and was also fun to watch. There were reverses, double reverses, double passes, and a plethora of crazy plays that were unforgettable, all thanks to the mad mind of Meacham. With 9 returning starters on offense all with another year to comprehend the system, imagine what damage TCU’s offense will be capable of. To be honest, I want to see this play make an appearance at every game. Long live Doug and Sonny!

4) TCU makes it to the final four

This year there will be no snub. This year we will play with a chip on our shoulder that we didn’t have last year, except for that glimpse we got during the Peach Bowl. I think that our offense will make up for the growing pains that the defensive unit may start out with, but Gary always finds a way to get everything together. This is an optimistic prediction I know, and one that assumes we do not suffer any major injuries *knocks on wood over and over again*, but I do believe that the Frogs will be an even bigger force to be reckoned with this season. Despite trips to Norman, Manhattan, and what scares me the most Stillwater, I still believe that there is a good chance TCU could potentially run the table which leads me into my final prediction…..

5) TCU brings the hammer down on Baylor: Black Friday edition.

Everyone should have their calendars marked for this game. After last year’s heartbreaking loss, which only God knows when Baylor fans will ever let us forget those four digits, TCU is going to come out swinging. Hard. This game is going to be a culmination of all of our frustration and disappointment from last year, with us being left out of the playoffs and Baylor’s kicker with a minor headache. I almost hope that the Bears are undefeated and TCU just rains on their hopes of a title run. The fan base at this game will absolutely be bitter, with no love lost between the two teams. There will be hate, there will be on the field skirmishes, there will be only one team on I-35 to take home the W. I predict that TCU wins by no less than 17 points, and I know Gary takes the high road as much as he can, but I expect him to keep the starters in for the entire game. Never let up on them coach. It’s going to be a fun game to watch.

Did you agree with any or all of this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments! Thank you, and We Dem Boyz.