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Post-spring shuffle?: TCU lands at No. 6, Baylor at No. 2 in SI poll
Maybe Sports Illustrated isn't convinced Gary Patterson can get his defense up and running after losing a slew of starters, including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Paul Dawson and three-fourths of his secondary.
The TCU Horned Frogs are indeed a trendy pick to bump up to defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in preseason polls. Plus, it's not without warrant. TCU brings back Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Trevone Boykin and just about every other starter from last season's electrifying offense.
Even so, SI is giving bitter TCU rival Baylor the nod in its post-spring rankings, plopping the Bears in at No. 2 despite breaking in a first-year starter at quarterback Seth Russell. The Bears also bring back what should be a ferocious defense, especially up front, finally giving coach Art Briles, potentially, superior units on both sides of the football.
Rankings, however, mean little. The Horned Frogs weren't on anybody's radar a year ago and wound up 12-1 and No. 3 in the final Associated Press top 25. Their credentials were certainly good enough to earn a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff, but were excluded while sharing the Big 12 title with the Bears.
TCU and Baylor will again be the favorites to win the Big 12. Unlike last season when they met in Waco early in the season, and put on a thrilling game won on a late field-goal by the Bears, they won't meet until the final Saturday in November.
Get your popcorn.
(h/t Sports Illustrated)
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
