The Horned Frogs’ success stems from the experience of their top playmakers on both offense and defense. Here are four players that will have a large impact on the outcome of the game this Saturday:

Kendre Miller

Junior running back Kendre Miller has emerged as one of the premier backs in college football following the departure of star running back Zach Evans, who bolted for Ole Miss in the offseason. The Mount Enterprise, Texas, product rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first nine games as the starter.

Miller is currently averaging 6.59 yards per carry, which is the sixth highest in the FBS this season. For reference, Texas running back Bijan Robinson is averaging 5.88 yards per carry, 29th in FBS.

Quentin Johnston

The Horned Frogs have a projected top 10 draft pick on their offense in junior wide receiver Quentin Johnston. In PFF’s latest 2023 NFL mock draft, Johnston would be selected at No. 9 overall, and he would be the first receiver off the board.

The Temple, Texas product has hauled in 42 receptions for 650 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team in all receiving categories besides touchdowns.

Johnston’s status for Saturday’s game is unclear after he suffered an ankle injury early into the game against Texas Tech. He did not return to play in that game. If Johnston is able to play this Saturday, then he will continue to be quarterback Max Duggan’s favorite target and a potential game changer.

Derius Davis

Having a wide receiver that is also an electric punt returner can be a huge advantage for a team. That’s exactly what TCU has in senior wide receiver Derius Davis.

Davis, a receiver with elite speed, is the perfect complement to Johnston, who is more of as a contested catcher and precise route runner.

Last Saturday, Davis caught three balls for 36 yards and a touchdown. He was also able to return a punt 82 yards for another touchdown. Throughout the game, Davis was able to return three punts, averaging 31 yards per return and giving TCU much better field position.

Dee Winters

The Horned Frogs’ defense will be without captain and sack leader Dee Winters in the first half. The senior linebacker out of Brenham, Texas, was ejected early in the second half last week against Texas Tech for a targeting call.

The temporary loss of Winters is a huge hit to TCU, as Winters comes in with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, leading the defense in both categories by a significant margin.

Texas will need to take advantage of Winters’ absence while it can, as he will be fully energized and ready to go once he enters the second half.