When the TCU Horned Frogs visit Cincinnati on Saturday, they’ll face more than just a Bearcats team fighting for bowl eligibility—it will also be their first game of the season in frigid conditions. Forecasts predict temperatures as low as 21 degrees by the 5 p.m. kickoff, an unfamiliar environment for TCU this year.
Despite the chilly forecast, the Horned Frogs seem enthusiastic about the challenge. Head coach Sonny Dykes expressed excitement during a press conference earlier this week.
“We haven’t really had a cold-weather game this year, so I’m kind of looking forward to it,” Dykes said. “It’s something unique, something we don’t get to do often. I think we’re fired up about it. It’s a big game for them—bowl eligibility, senior day, all that stuff.
“We’ve got to do a good job of not letting the elements bother us. It’s going to be a mental challenge for us to not let that stuff affect us.”
Players echoed Dykes’ sentiments, including quarterback Josh Hoover, who downplayed concerns about the cold impacting his performance.
“I don’t really care too much about the weather; I actually like the cold,” Hoover said. “I duck hunt, so I’m out there all the time in the cold and the rain. It’s nothing new to me—I’m looking forward to it.”
Notre Dame transfer Nana Osafo-Mensah also dismissed the cold as a significant factor.
“It’s not even going to be anything crazy,” Osafo-Mensah said. “Thirty-five degrees? It sounds cold right now, but I’ve definitely played in a lot worse. I’m not too worried about the weather.”
The Horned Frogs are approaching the elements with confidence and optimism, aiming to stay focused on the task at hand against a motivated Cincinnati squad.
TCU faces a pivotal test as they head to Cincinnati, where the Bearcats are fighting for bowl eligibility despite a four-game losing streak. While Cincinnati’s record (5-6) may not impress, TCU head coach Sonny Dykes warns against underestimating the team.
“They were 5-2 and just beat Arizona State, who has turned out to be a good team,” Dykes said. “They hit a tough spot with their scheduling… Iowa State, Colorado, Kansas State—all those teams have been really successful. It’s a good team; they’re balanced. They don’t have a lot of weaknesses.”
Cincinnati’s Offense: A Balanced Threat
Cincinnati’s offense boasts dual threats in running back Corey Kiner and quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Kiner has eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, while Sorsby has thrown for 2,653 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Additionally, Sorsby’s 354 rushing yards and eight touchdowns make him a versatile threat.
Florida transfer Xzavier Henderson has been Sorsby’s top target, tallying 692 yards and four touchdowns. While the Bearcats’ offensive line has enabled them to average over 181 rushing yards per game, it has also allowed 18 sacks, indicating vulnerabilities TCU can exploit.
“We noticed they’re a big mid-zone team,” said TCU’s Nana Osafo-Mensah, highlighting their familiarity with similar schemes from Baylor and Kansas. “It’s going to be a really big week for us to focus on the technical parts of the offense.”
Cincinnati’s Defense: Corleone in the Middle
The Bearcats’ defense centers around star nose tackle Dontay Corleone, a former All-American. Corleone excels at disrupting the backfield and creating chaos for opposing offenses.
“He’s kind of your prototypical nose guard,” Dykes said. “When you have a big body like that who can knock the center into the backfield, it can really destroy the flow of your offense.”
Corleone, with 3.5 sacks this season, anchors a defense that has improved from 102nd in scoring defense last year to 70th. However, Cincinnati’s run defense remains a weakness, allowing opponents to average 166.2 yards per game and nearly five yards per carry.
The Bearcats’ linebackers, led by Jared Bartlett (59 tackles, 7.5 sacks), add depth, but the defense has struggled recently, conceding 30 or more points in four straight games.
TCU’s Opportunity
If TCU can neutralize Corleone’s impact and capitalize on Cincinnati’s struggles against the run, they have a strong chance to extend their streak of scoring 30+ points to five games. With their balanced offense and mental preparation for the cold, the Horned Frogs are well-positioned to secure their eighth win in the season finale.
The Horned Frogs understand the stakes and appear ready to rise to the challenge in what promises to be a tough, physical battle at Nippert Stadium.
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