Frogs too much for Bears

WACO -- The Frogs used an eye-opening performance by backup quarterback Marcus Jackson to defeat Baylor on its home turf Sunday. Jackson, a freshman, was understandably nervous, but should not have been surprised he was used. For the past several years TCU has used two quarterbacks to pilot its offense. Performance has had nothing to do with it. Instead, Injuries have plagued the Frogs' backfield year after year. Former starter Tye Gunn enjoyed the distinction of being named the starter several times, only to go down at some point each season. His injury against BYU last year was the start of a special season for Ballard, who finished the season 8-0 as a starter.

This time, it was an apparent concussion that sidelined the TCU starter. (He will play in the home opener Saturday against California, Davis.) But Jackson proved his value to the Frogs, who also found themselves leaning on other backups, most notably tailback Aaron Brown. Starting for the injured Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill, Brown rushed for 49 yards. But his receiving skills devastated the Bears. Brown caught the 84-yard touchdown pass from Jackson that gave the Frogs a 10-7 lead and silenced many of the 42,733 fans on hand.

It would be tough for a freshman to lead TCU through a successful campaign. So much is expected of the team now boasting the second-longest winning streak in the country. Guiding the offense for 30 minutes is one thing, but when a freshman is called to be the focal point each week, it has to become tougher. Experience so early in his career against a Big 12 team will serve Jackson well. For now, though, he can learn from the sidelines. Ballard's leadership as a senior is too important to cast aside.