HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE

Since the models creation, the nature of competitive sports has evolved, leading researchers to revisit and refine the factors to fit the present dynamic of sports.

In a meta-analysis of home-field advantage across various sports, Jamieson (2010) maintained the credibility of the model's components but added that different contextual factors, such as game type, season length and competition level, can influence it.

Jamieson's research found a correlation between playing at home and team success, with home teams winning approximately 60% of the time. 

In addition, he found that in higher-stakes games, such as playoffs, home teams won approximately 65% of the time.

These results emphasize that while the factors of Courneya and Carron's model remain relevant, their impact is not universal, and home-field advantage should be understood as a context-dependent phenomenon.

POINT DIFFERENTIALS

Win percentages offer a basic measure of success, but they don't tell the full story.

Point differentials, the margin by which TCU either won or lost each game, provide deeper insight into not just whether they won or lost, but how decisively they did.

From 2020 to 2024, TCU's average point differential at home was +12.03, while the average point differential for away games was -1.21.

This is a significant gap that supports the presence of home-field advantage.

In seasons where the team performed well overall, like 2022, the effect was even more noticeable, with a home point differential of +24.0 compared to +9.67 on the road.

Even in years with less overall success, such as 2021 and 2023, TCU still posted positive point differentials at home while struggling on the road.

In 2024, this trend continued. TCU’s home games showed a dominant +19.67 average margin, compared to a nearly neutral –1.0 away differential.

These results suggest that while team strength is clearly a factor, playing at home consistently helped TCU perform more decisively, especially when facing more competitive matchups or during less consistent seasons.

SCORING TRENDS

A clear pattern emerges when comparing scoring trends across the 2020–2024 seasons.

TCU consistently performed better offensively and defensively when playing at home.

At The Carter, the Horned Frogs averaged 36.1 points scored per game while allowing 24.1 points.

While on the road, the average points scored per game was 31.3, while points allowed increased to 32.5.

Overall, at home, TCU averaged scoring an additional five points, and an eight-point reduction in points was allowed.

The differences between these averages highlight the Horned Frogs measurable impact while playing on their home turf.

These trends continue to suggest that home-field advantage is prevalent. In the past five seasons, TCU has been controlling the game more effectively on both sides of the ball at home.

"PACK THE CARTER"

As much as the fans might feel the difference in an electric home environment, nothing is more important than how it impacts the players and everyone else on the field.

On October 15, 2022, the Horned Frogs were still undefeated. But that day, the game against Oklahoma State started to feel like this streak could end.

Luckily, after a second overtime, Kendre Miller ran it in for a TCU touchdown, keeping the win-streak alive with a 43-40 victory.

In this same game, TCU students set a new attendance record, which Coach Dykes spoke on after the game.

"Everyone stayed and believed in us. I think they were a big part of our victory today," Dykes said.

The players also feel a difference.

On Nov. 26, 2022, the Horned Frogs played their last regular season game, finishing the season out with a perfect 12-0 record, which had only been achieved twice before in 2009 and 1938.

After the 62-14 victory over Iowa State, quarterback Max Duggan commented on the support from fans.

"It helps us, we love when they show out and are loud," Duggan said.

A PLAYERS POINT-OF-VIEW

To further understand how playing at home is felt from the field, I surveyed a current football player at TCU.

His responses reflected a balanced but meaningful belief in the value of the home-field advantage.

The player noted that while team strength ultimately determines outcomes, playing at home provides a noticeable boost. He shared that he feels slightly more confident during home games and believes fan support moderately impacts performance.

Specifically, he highlighted several elements that create an ideal home atmosphere: a large student section, crowd noise, fans staying for the whole game and reduced fatigue from not having to travel.

Although he acknowledged that the most significant factor in winning is the team’s overall ability, he agreed that playing at The Carter offers a competitive edge.

This perspective mirrors key aspects of Courneya and Carron's (1992) model, reinforcing the relevance of both psychological comfort and external support in shaping home-field advantage from an athlete’s point of view.