Phil Steele released his six favorite teams to beat their win total. TCU's win total is 7.5
Recent history shows that Gary Patterson always bounces back after a down year. Following a 4-8 season in 2013, TCU went 12-1 and just missed out on a College Football Playoff berth. After a 6-7 season in 2016, the Frogs climbed as high as No. 4 in the polls in 2017 before finishing 11-3. Last year TCU was one of the most injury-plagued teams in college football, losing 20 players for the season, including top defensive player defensive tackle Ross Blaylock before the season even started (16 others missed at least four games). TCU still managed to get to a bowl and finish 7-6.
This year TCU ranks among my top units in seven of eight categories, including ranking as my No. 19 offensive line and No. 15 defensive line. I have TCU as an underdog in just one game and have three games rated as a toss-up. Even if TCU lost all four, that still adds up to eight wins. I have the Frogs as a surprise team this year and expect them to stay healthier, which should result in more wins.