The matchup between TCU and Oregon was thought to be a high-scoring affair between the two teams with prolific offenses. However, suspensions and injuries could take the air out of this game early. Both teams are hoping to end the year on a high note after failing to meet expectations as they meet in the Alamo Bowl.
The Ducks entered this season looking to replace Marcus Mariota who went on to win the Heisman trophy and then get drafted to the Tennessee Titans. They brought in transfer Vernon Adams. He struggled to start the year and then suffered an injury to his index finger. When he returned to play, the quarterback just was not what Oregon needed. He threw for 1,865 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was able to lead the Ducks to a late-season surge which could help push them to a win over TCU.
TCU will be playing without their star quarterback Trevone Boykin along with receiver Preston Miller. That was certainly not what the Horned Frogs had planned for this bowl game. Boykin who was a Heisman trophy candidate until the Horned Frogs lost was suspended for the game following an arrest for assaulting a police officer following a fight at a bar in San Antonio. This suspension ends his college career in his senior season. He finishes the season with 28 touchdowns through the first eight games. However, he tossed four interceptions in the loss to Oklahoma State. That plus an ankle injury ended things poorly.
It is unclear who will replace Boykin. Foster Sawyer, the highly touted quarterback was replaced in the game against Oklahoma after tossing three interceptions. Bram Kohlhausen stepped in as TCU came close to a win. Both quarterbacks have to hope that Josh Doctson can play after missing multiple games for a broken left wrist. It is unclear if he has been cleared to play in this matchup. His 132.7 yards per game will be needed against the high-flying offense of Oregon.
Expectations can be good or bad. This year they were the downfall of both Oregon and TCU who entered the 2015 season with the expectation that they would be contenders for the College Football Playoffs. Oregon was eliminated early after a loss to Michigan State and Utah early while injuries hurt the roster. The Horned Frogs were thriving until the final stretch of the year where they met their match against Oklahoma State. Now both team look to end things on a high note in the Alamo Bowl.
