Kenny Hill needs strong bowl game to keep his job at TCU

TCU quarterback Kenny Hill went through a roller coaster 2016 season. He needs to play well in the bowl game just to have a shot at his job in 2017.

TCU’s high-flying offense took a step back in 2016. The Horned Frogs’ passing game was inconsistent at best under junior Kenny Hill. His turnovers were the biggest cause for the Frogs’ struggles. He threw for more than 3,000 yards but just 15 touchdowns to 13 interceptions on the season. He was even worse if you factor in some of his losing performances.

In games against West Virginia, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech Hill threw for just 474 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also completed just 60 percent of his passes in comparison to Boykin’s 65 in 2015.

Hill certainly provided a strong threat on the ground all year with 537 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his decision-making was woeful in the passing game. Luckily for him, backup Foster Sawyer didn’t set the world on fire with his play either, but the starting quarterback should be worried about incoming freshman Shawn Robinson.

The DeSoto signal caller won the Texas 6A state championship over the weekend with an impressive showing. He was cerebral during his entire high school career racking up nearly 14,000 total yards and 143 total touchdowns. His size, arm and athleticism make him an attractive option next year. Gary Patterson and the coaching staff can get a head start on the future if he’s ready to go, but redshirting Robinson and starting a veteran is much more stable.

Patterson’s never been known to make too many controversial moves. He usually sticks with his veterans. The only freshman quarterback to be TCU’s opening day starter during Patterson’s entire tenure was Andy Dalton, and he was a redshirt.

The way Hill could put these job rumblings to rest is winning the Frogs’ bowl game in style.

It won’t clinch the job

A 7-6 season and a solid bowl game wouldn’t clinch the job for next year, but it would help. Patterson is used to a much higher level of success, but a win over a strong Georgia defense would do wonders for his confidence and the coaching staff’s.

The Bulldogs are in the top 15 in terms of yards allowed per game and within at least the top 40 in the rest of the defensive categories. The weapons in this offense are certainly enough to help him succeed. It’s all up to Kenny Hill whether he can come through for the Fort Worth faithful or not.