The 2024 college football season kicks off with a tantalizing encounter as TCU football squares off against Stanford on Friday night at the historic Stanford Stadium. This contest marks the fourth all-time meeting between these two venerable programs. For the Cardinal, this will be their inaugural game as a full-fledged member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), a significant shift after nearly a century of affiliations on the West Coast. Meanwhile, TCU, fresh off a disheartening 5-7 season, seeks to reclaim its former glory. Just a year ago, they faltered against Colorado in their home opener and now face an ACC opponent away from the Lone Star State for the first time since 2009.
Stanford, anticipated to finish at the bottom of the ACC according to preseason prognostications, enters its second year under the stewardship of Troy Taylor. After a lackluster 3-9 season last year, the Cardinal aim to rejuvenate their fortunes. With a roster rich in returning talent, highlighted by the standout wide receiver Elic Ayomanor—who led his team with 62 receptions, 1,013 yards, and six touchdowns—Stanford has reasons for optimism.
On the other hand, TCU is eager to return to bowl contention after languishing with losing records in three of the past five seasons. The Horned Frogs, slated to finish tenth in the Big 12 according to preseason polls, face a challenging road ahead, particularly with Utah and Arizona entering the conference.
How to Watch TCU vs. Stanford Live
Date: Friday, August 30
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: fubo (Try for free)
Taylor’s Task: Resurgence at Stanford
Once a powerhouse under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, Stanford has recently grappled with a decline in performance, having won fewer than four games in each of the last five seasons (except for a 4-2 record in the COVID-shortened 2020 season). Troy Taylor, formerly of Sacramento State, has been tasked with revitalizing the program. His efforts are already bearing fruit, with Stanford’s 2024 recruiting class finishing 31st in the 247Sports team rankings. Notably, twelve recruits from this class have secured spots on the two-deep depth chart. Moreover, with 85% of last year’s production returning, there’s tangible hope for a turnaround despite preseason skepticism.
TCU’s Defensive Overhaul
In 2024, TCU’s defense will sport a fresh look. After a season marked by defensive struggles, the Horned Frogs parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie, ushering in former Boise State head coach Andy Avalos. Avalos, known for his 4-2-5 defensive scheme, aims to invigorate TCU football pass rush and bolster their sack numbers. Under Gillespie’s 3-3-5 alignment, TCU’s defensive linemen faced frequent double-teams, resulting in a middling sack rate of 5.7%. Watch for Notre Dame transfer NaNa Osaki-Mensah, who notched three sacks last season, to play a pivotal role. Additionally, former Nevada coach Ken Wilson has been brought in to oversee the linebackers.
Quarterback Quandary: A Tale of Two Signal-Callers
Quarterback play will be a key storyline. Taylor has a history of employing dual quarterbacks, a strategy likely to continue this season. Ashton Daniels is expected to lead, with Justin Lamson serving as a change-of-pace option. Stanford’s depth chart also features Elijah Brown, a four-star freshman and a highlight of the 2024 recruiting class. TCU counters with Josh Hoover, who started the last six games of the previous season, amassing 2,206 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Prediction: Stanford’s Upset Potential
Predicting the outcome of opening games is notoriously challenging due to the inherent uncertainties. However, Stanford, with its returning talent and potential for improvement, appears to be a compelling underdog. The Cardinal’s ability to leverage explosive plays, particularly through Ayomanor, could be the key to an upset. While TCU remains a formidable opponent, a Stanford victory should not be entirely surprising.
Pick: Stanford +9.5
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