Brent Venables: TCU QB Josh Hoover is going to test Oklahoma 'in every way'

For the second season in a row, TCU has turned to a backup quarterback to lead their offense. Josh Hoover is not quite as experienced as Max Duggan was. But there have been signs of progress being made along the way, with a new challenge awaiting in Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Venables knowing Hoover is going to present a challenge, talking about some of the monster games the TCU quarterback has recently put up. Kendal Briles has been able to complement the pass game well with Emani Bailey as well, putting together a well-rounded offense.

“It’s going to test us in every way,” Venables said. “Quarterback is playing fantastic. Two 400-yard-plus games. I think he’s thrown for nine touchdowns and just been fantastic. Averaging 350 yards per game. He’s been fantastic. So, they’ve done a great job. They’ve got really good receivers. Running game has been really good.”

Hoover has thrown for at least 300 yards in the last three games. Saturday against Baylor was easily his best performance, going for 412 yards on 24 of 29 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. It’s the only win for TCU during the stretch as well.

Continuing to play well would help prolong Hoover’s development. However, the Oklahoma game could be the Horned Forgs’ last of the season. Currently sitting at 5-6, a win is going to be required to reach bowl eligibility.

Venables will be hoping against it, wanting his program can get back to having 10-win seasons. From his view, a massive test is on its way, and containing Hoover will be a big factor on Friday afternoon.

Oklahoma, Brent Venables still have hope for Big 12 title game

Heading into Thanksgiving, four teams are realistically fighting for two spots in the Big 12 Championship game. Of the bunch, Oklahoma will be the first one to play, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT in Norman against TCU. Kicking things off with a win would be the right start toward eventually playing in Arlington.

Kansas State and Oklahoma State are the other two-loss teams in the Big 12, with the tiebreaker currently in favor of the Pokes. They will play on Saturday against Houston and a win would have them in the title game no matter what.

Oklahoma needs their in-state rival to lose to have a chance. However, taking care of business against TCU is first on the to-do list for Venables. If they cannot get a win, there is likely not going to be a chance of playing on Dec. 2.