What a fitting way for the TCU Horned Frogs to end their season and last-ever conference game against the Oklahoma Sooners, then with an old-fashioned Big 12 shootout. The Horned Frogs put up over 500 yards of offense but failed to stop the explosive plays from the Sooners, leading to their defeat. Usually, I would break down the negatives and positives of this game, but for once, I want to talk about just the positives. Next week, when I release my “What did we learn” for the season, there will be plenty of negative takeaways, so for now, I want to focus on the bright spots.

While Josh Hoover missed some critical throws in the game, he finished with 344 yards in the air and four touchdowns to go with it. However, what I took away most was the young quarterback’s poise and decision-making. Hoover has shown flashes in his starts of being able to take his abilities and this team to the next level. With an entire off-season and his potential, the future looks bright for the Horned Frogs.

Emani Bailey isn’t Kendre Miller because I think Bailey has the potential to be better. TCU was down early and by a significant margin throughout this game, but Bailey still racked up 150 yards and two touchdowns. Bailey, like Hoover, will be back next season and could give the Horned Frogs one of the best backfields in the new look Big 12.

The offensive line

The O-line play has been a rollercoaster this season, but against the Sooners, the team gave one of their best efforts. Allowing only one sack on the game, when Hoover dropped back to throw 58 times, is impressive and a great showing from the group up front.

The effort

In what looked like would be a blowout early on, the team refused to give up. After a long and strenuous season, all you can ask for is that they give every play every ounce of energy the fans give them, and they did. You don’t have to be a fan of the result or how the season went, but you should love how the team never quit when it looked like they could have.