TCU preview: Kansas series has featured close games
TCU (3-2, 1-1) at Kansas (1-3, 0-1)
When, where: 11 a.m. Saturday, Lawrence, Kan.
TV: ESPNU
TCU is back in pursuit mode in the race for a Big 12 championship after last week’s 52-46 loss to Oklahoma, the defending league champion. The Horned Frogs seek to regain some traction in what appears to be a wide-open league race. The contest marks the Frogs’ first of two road trips outside the state of Texas during the regular season. TCU has won all four of its matchups against Kansas since becoming a Big 12 member but none of them by more than 14 points. Despite being heavy favorites the past two seasons, the Frogs squeezed out a 23-17 triumph last year in Fort Worth and a 34-30 escape in 2014 at KU. Lopsided statistics have not led to blowouts on game day in this series despite the Jayhawks’ combined record of 2-35 against Big 12 opponents during TCU’s tenure in the league.
Where they are similar
Category | TCU | Kansas |
Points allowed | 31.4 | 35.2 |
INTs thrown | 5 | 5 |
Sacks | 16 | 9 |
Tackles for loss per game | 6.6 | 9.8 |
Where they are different
Category | TCU | Kansas |
Scoring offense | 43.4 | 25.5 |
Total offense | 421.2 | 353 |
Notable recent developments
TCU is coming off last week’s loss to Oklahoma and has dropped two of its last four games, both against current Top 25 teams. The Frogs’ offense will be without two key starters in center Austin Schlottmann (foot) and receiver/kick returner KaVontae Turpin (knee). TCU’s tag-team kicker situation resulted in left-footer Brandon Hatfield handling all the placements in last week’s loss to Oklahoma. Kansas has had two extra days to prepare for this game following a 55-19 loss to Texas Tech on Sept. 29. The Jayhawks are 1-15 in two seasons under coach David Beaty, with the lone victory a 55-6 romp against Rhode Island, an FCS school, in this year’s opener.
Trends
TCU and Kansas have played close games on an annual basis since the Horned Frogs joined the Big 12 for the 2012 season, although the Frogs are 4-0 in those matchups. The largest margin of victory came in 2012 when the Frogs prevailed, 20-6, in Lawrence. TCU is 11-8 on the road as a Big 12 member and has seen five of its last eight road games in league play decided by seven points or less. TCU is 4-1 in those contests. Kansas seeks its first victory over a Big 12 opponent since defeating Iowa State, 34-14, on Nov. 8, 2014.
Key performers
TCU | Kansas |
LB Ty Summers (52 tackles), LB Travin Howard (43 tackles) | DE Dorance Armstrong (4 sacks, 6 TFLs) |
Aaron Curry, L.J. Collier, Tipa Galeai (2.5 sacks each) | WR LaQuivionte Gonzalez (23 receptions) |
RB Kyle Hicks (375 yards, 26 receptions) | WR Steven Sims (312 yards, 5 TDs) |
Significant statistics
TCU | Kansas |
Scoring (43.4) | Tackles for loss (9.8 per game) |
Passing yards (393.8) | Turnovers (13) |
Turnover margin (minus-1) | Turnover margin (minus-7) |
Defensive 3rd down % (43.5) | Defensive 3rd % 32.8 |
Jimmy Burch: 817-390-7760, @Jimmy_Burch
This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 11:44 AM with the headline "TCU preview: Kansas series has featured close games."