There will be no bowl game for the TCU Horned Frogs for the first time since 2004 this season.
But the Frogs (4-7, 2-6 in Big 12) are preparing for their final game of the season as if it were a bowl game. TCU hosts nationally-ranked Baylor Nov. 30 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
TCU head coach Gary Patterson said the Frogs still have plenty to play for.
"Our No. 1 goal is to give our seniors the best possible season we have," said Patterson, whose team is off this weekend. "We have two weeks to win one more ballgame. For the younger guys, it's about getting going. We've got to make up for not having those extra practices (for a bowl game) and all the things we need to do as far as getting in the weight room. It's business as usual."
Patterson said the Frogs will try and make the most of the bye week. The early part of the week will be spent focusing on Baylor and then later in the week TCU will try and focus its practices around work for younger players.
One area Patterson isn't concerned is his team's effort level despite the lack of a bowl bid. That was on display Saturday in 33-31 loss to Kansas State in which the Frogs fell behind 14-0 early.
"I can't ask any more of my football team," Patterson said. "Finally getting some guys healthy and getting some guys back in position that are playmakers. They gave us an opportunity the other night. I'm very proud of my team the way they fought. We're not happy right now because it's the first time in a long time we're not in a bowl game but we've got a lot of guys who wanted to win the ballgame bad."
