The TCU Horned Frogs, boasting an 8-4 record overall and 6-3 in the Big 12, are set to face the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, who come in with a 10-3 record and a strong 7-1 in the Sun Belt, in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
This matchup marks TCU’s return to bowl eligibility under coach Sonny Dykes after a one-year hiatus, highlighted by a strong finish in the regular season where they won five of six games. Their most recent victory was against Cincinnati, which they triumphed over with a score of 20-13 despite the snowy conditions. However, TCU will be entering this bowl game without some key players; running back Cam Cook is in the transfer portal, while wide receivers Jack Bech and Savion Williams are sidelined due to injuries. This situation opens the door for fresh talents like true freshman running back Jeremy Payne and redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordyn Bailey to shine.
Historically, this is only the fourth occasion that a Power conference team will compete in the New Mexico Bowl, with previous appearances by Arizona and Washington State. Though TCU fans may feel a tinge of disappointment regarding their bowl selection, this game serves as an opportunity not only to prepare for the 2025 season but also to honor the contributions of senior players who were pivotal in the team’s journey to the National Championship two years ago.
TCU fans are acutely aware of the capabilities of teams from Group of Five conferences, given the Horned Frogs’ past experiences in leagues such as WAC, C-USA, and Mountain West. They have historically faced and defeated several high-profile programs, reflecting their growth and tenacity. TCU and Louisiana have yet to compete against each other, but the Ragin’ Cajuns have proven themselves worthy of this matchup by defeating Wake Forest earlier in the season, and they finished strong in the Sun Belt despite a narrow loss to South Alabama and a challenging conference championship game.
As both teams gear up for this exciting bowl clash, fans are left pondering which squad will emerge victorious and claim the hand-painted pottery trophy. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, giving both teams a chance to conclude their seasons on a high note.
With the prospect of new heroes emerging and a chance to celebrate the legacies of standout players, there’s plenty of hope and excitement surrounding this event. Fans should stay engaged and join in the discussion as the game day unfolds. Go Frogs!