FORT WORTH (AP) - TCU was already facing a challenging task just by moving to the Big 12.

Things have gotten even more difficult for coach Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs in their inaugural season in one of the nation’s best conferences.

The two-time BCS buster is without its second-year starting quarterback and two proven running backs. And the Horned Frogs have already played 27 freshmen this season, more than any other FBS team.

When Casey Pachall (PAW’-hall) withdrew from school this week to enter an inpatient rehabilitation program, the quarterback became the latest of about a dozen players TCU has lost since last fall for various reasons. All could have been significant contributors this year.

The Frogs (4-1) have 15 true freshmen who have played, and only 11 scholarship seniors.

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