Greg McElroy explains why TCU will take a step back in 2023

As much as he hated to spread negativity about any team in college football, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy did pick one team in the national landscape that he expects to regress in 2023. That team? The College Football Playoff runner-up TCU.

By no means is McElroy predicting disaster for the Horned Frogs. Rather, he just doesn’t see Sonny Dykes making another run to the playoff in his second season with the program. TCU lost their star QB and wide receiver and also found themselves on the fortunate end in six of their seven one-score games.

McElroy is taking the Frogs to finish with a worse season in 2023 than they had in 2022, but make no mistake: he still has immense respect in the program. Check out his thoughts on what to expect from TCU this coming year:

Greg McElroy lays out case for TCU regression in 2023

“I’m gonna be honest with you, I think TCU comes back to Earth, not because of what we witnessed in the national championship game, that does not impact my evaluation of where the Horned Frogs are. But I looked back at just how many close calls and how many balls bounced their way in 2022. I have a very difficult time thinking that they’re going to continue to bounce their way here in 23.

“I believe in Chandler Morris, their new starting quarterback. I think he’s got tons of ability. I think he’s got tons of potential. But I also think he has tons of injury concerns based on what’s happened in previous years. He has had a difficult time staying healthy. He’s not a very big guy and he does take chances with his body. He’s got to be smart, he cannot get hurt. If he does, then their season could slip away very quickly.

“I also like some of the transfer portal editions. You look at Avion Carter, you look at Mason White, you look at JoJo Earle, you look at Avery Helm, you look at some of the other guys that have entered from the portal, they have some guys that can plug and play right now. But I also think there are a few guys on that list that maybe their expectations for them coming in and changing a position battle aren’t necessarily going to materialize.

“So I think Sonny Dykes’ team caught lightning in the bottle last year. They were one of the most exciting… one of the best stories we’ve ever covered in the sport. But I think it’s coming back to earth here in ’23. It’s difficult to sustain that level of success, especially when you had to win so many close games.

“And now, guess what? You’re circled on every single team’s schedule going into this upcoming season. I think they come back to earth just a little bit.”