FORT WORTH -- One year ago, TCU opened the season in Arlington against LSU. This year, they host Samford.
It's certainly not the same caliber of competition, but it's a chance for players to start playing real football again.
"If I could put it into words, I could, but we're just ready to go," said TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin.
Gone are all the players who were involved in the campus drug bust in 2012. Call it a clean slate and a new beginning.
"There is more of calmness and there has been more of a calmness on this football team since the very beginning," Patterson said. "I think there is more of an attention to detail."
During the off season, Patterson hired co-offensive coordinators to try and add a spark to the offense. The two are Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie.
The need for change has created competition at quarterback, starting with Trevone Boykin, who is starting his junior year. He has started 15 games under center, but has tremendous versatility, and can also be used at running back and receiver.
Also in the mix to start at quarterback this year is Matt Joeckel, who transferred to TCU from Texas A&M for his senior season.
A decision as to who the starter will be won't be revealed until kickoff Saturday night.
"On my sheet, there is one of them that was definitely the edge guy when it came to scrimmages, and that'll be the guy who'll run out on the field when we start," Patterson said.
"Me and Matt are probably like, I mean, we joke around all the time," Boykin said. "He's pretty cool. I'm learning things that he's done at A&M and he's come in and taught me."
"I'm going to prepare like I'm going to be the guy," Joeckel said. "I'm going to prepare like I'm going to play every snap, and I'm going to be ready when they call my name. I think I'll be ready."
In the last two seasons, Joeckel appeared in 13 games at Texas A&M. Boykin's experience has been much more extensive at TCU.
Head coach Gary Patterson said both will see lots of action this year.
