By Jaylon Thompson

Texas is Football.

This is the general thought among many Texans in the “214”. The Dallas Fort-Worth area code is home to the Dallas Cowboys. The team draws the most attention as the city’s biggest attraction. People come from miles away to witness AT&T Stadium or “Jerry’s World” as we call it.

The lure of the Cowboys cast a shadow over the Dallas-Fort Worth sports teams. This leaves one team without shine. That team happens to be Texas Christian University.

TCU has been in the conversation for a national championship the last two seasons. Unfortunately, the team has played the role of a bridesmaid at their best friend’s wedding.

The Horned Frogs won 12 games last season and won the Big 12 championship. However, they had to share the title with Baylor University and were left sitting out of the College Football playoffs.

Many argue that TCU could’ve easily defeated eventual NCAA champion Ohio State in the national title game. Those same people point to lack of support for the Big 12 football conference.

In essence, they are correct. Many view the Big 12 as the weakest of the “Power 5” conferences that includes the Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coastal Conference, Pacific 12 and the Big 10. Many fans gripe is that TCU can’t choose every opponent they play.

This mindset isn’t lost on TCU coach Gary Patterson. Earlier this year, Patterson wondered if TCU had more fanfare and respect, they would’ve gotten into the playoffs. He compared his team to Texas and Oklahoma and stated that the selections came down to money.

Despite not being favored in the eyes of the College Football Selection Committee, the Horned Frogs plan on leaving no doubt this season. Patterson wants his bunch to build off of last season’s 42-3 blowout of Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl. He believes that his team gained something important and wants to show the nation.

TCU will have its chance this season. The team returns 10 starters on offense and Heisman hopeful Trevone Boykin at quarterback. Boykin will anchor the offense and try to eclipse the 33 touchdowns and 3901 passing yards he threw last season. He will have help on the perimeter in the form of Josh Doctson and Kolby Listenbee. Both were ranked as the top-10 recievers in the Big 12.

The defense is a concern for the team. They must find alternatives to the six starters they lost last season. The Horned Frogs will have time to gel as they open up a relatively easy schedule with Minnesota on Sept.3.

Regardless of how the defense looks, TCU will have to live up to its No. 2 ranking in the AP polls. Playing in a conference that doesn’t have a conference championship game puts them behind the proverbial “eight ball.”

There is no margin for error for the Horned Frogs. If they want respect, it will come by winning every game forcing their way into the national championship picture.