This week, we're running a series on the Big 12 teams capable of dethroning defending conference champ Oklahoma next season.

We continue the series with the TCU Horned Frogs.

How they beat OU: Stop the run and get efficient quarterback play.

Last season the Sooners rushed for 333 yards in Oklahoma’s 30-29 win over TCU, the Horned Frogs' largest rushing yardage allowed since joining the Big 12. Samaje Perine rushed for 188 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and Joe Mixon rushed for 87 yards (7.9 ypc) as Oklahoma leaned on its running game.

If TCU plans to win its second Big 12 title in three seasons, it will need to find a way to slow down Oklahoma’s dynamic duo at running back while also containing Baker Mayfield, who missed the second half against TCU after a head injury.

Kenny Hill will finally get his chance to play for TCU in 2016. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill could play a huge role if TCU does knock off the Sooners in 2016. Hill could be key because, realistically, allowing 30 points was good enough to win in Norman if TCU hadn’t been playing musical chairs at quarterback. In fact, TCU was one failed 2-point conversion away from pulling the upset a year ago despite playing two quarterbacks, allowing over 300 rushing yards and being forced to overcome a minus-21 points-off-turnover margin.

What's holding them back: Even though Hill was a scout-team star while sitting out last year following his transfer from Texas A&M, he has huge shoes to fill as Trevone Boykin chases his NFL dreams. The Horned Frogs had one of the nation’s top quarterbacks the past two seasons in Boykin, helping Gary Patterson’s team go 23-3. The impact of his departure cannot be understated.

Boykin and All-Big 12 receiver Josh Doctson carried TCU at times during the 2015 season, masking the youth and inexperience on the defense. As TCU aims to replace that duo, the defense will need to carry the load at times in 2016 as some experienced starters, including cornerback Ranthony Texada, return to the lineup after injury. The Horned Frogs will enter the season encouraged by the fact Patterson’s resume is loaded with great defenses and TCU’s 1.44 points per drive allowed since 2012 is a Big 12 best.

X factor: Sophomore receiver KaVontae Turpin showed he can be a game-changer during a true freshman season that included nine touchdowns including a four-touchdown outburst against Texas. His explosive quickness will make him one of the Big 12’s most feared playmakers and has the potential to transform games when TCU needs a spark.