TCU-Texas Tech preview: Expect plenty of points
TCU (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) vs. Texas Tech (3-4, 1-3)
When, where: 2:30 p.m. ESPN2
TV: ESPN2
The teams have combined for more than 100 points in their last two outings, both won by the Horned Frogs. The total reached 107 last year in Lubbock, when the Frogs rallied for a 55-52 victory on Aaron Green’s 4-yard touchdown catch with 23 seconds remaining. TCU collected a school-record 82 of the 109 points scored in the teams’ 2014 meeting in Fort Worth.
In 2012, Tech prevailed 56-53 in a triple-overtime encounter in Fort Worth. So this rivalry has been the place to turn in recent years for offensive shootouts and both teams have the horses to extend that trend.
Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the nation in total offense (507.1 yards per game) and set an NCAA record with 819 total yards in last week’s 66-59 loss to Oklahoma. TCU is averaging 35.9 yards per game behind quarterback Kenny Hill, who ranks second to Mahomes in total offense among Big 12 players (357.1 average).
Where they are similar
Category | TCU | Tech |
Total offense | 497.7 | 640.3 |
Yards allowed | 418.9 | 532.7 |
Points allowed | 30.6 | 43.9 |
Penalties/yards | 60/77.9 | 69/85.1 |
Where they are different
Category | TCU | Tech |
Sacks | 27 | 10 |
Forced turnovers | 9 | 5 |
Rushing yards | 165.9 | 97.6 |
Notable recent developments
TCU is coming off a 34-10 loss to No. 10 West Virginia that marked the Frogs’ most lopsided defeat in five seasons as a Big 12 member. TCU is anticipating the return of WR/KR KaVontae Turpin, who leads the team in all-purpose yards (169.3 average) and was the team leader in receptions when he injured a knee Sept. 17 against Iowa State. Tech has lost its last three games, including a blowout against West Virginia (48-17) and narrow setbacks against Kansas State (44-38) and No. 16 Oklahoma (66-59). In last week’s loss, Tech and OU posted FBS records for combined yards (1,708) and combined passing yards (1,279). Mahomes set an NCAA mark for total offense (819) and tied the existing FBS record for passing yards in one game (734).
Trends
TCU and Tech, a pair of longtime Southwest Conference rivals, have divided their four meetings as Big 12 members since TCU joined the league for the 2012 season. Both are 1-1 in the other team’s stadium. Tech is 0-2 in games decided by a touchdown or less. TCU is 1-2 in such contests. In each of its victories, Tech has scored at least 55 points. In three of its four victories, TCU has allowed 23 or fewer points.
Key performers
TCU
DE Josh Carraway | 5.5 sacks |
DT Aaron Curry | 4.5 sacks |
DL L.J. Collier | 2.5 sacks |
DE Tipa Galeai | 2.5 sacks |
QB Kenny Hill | 327.1 passing yards per game |
RB Kyle Hicks | Leads team with 30 receptions and 582 rushing yards |
Texas Tech
QB Patrick Mahomes | 507.1 yards per game |
WR Jonathan Giles | 53 catches, 917 yards, 11 TDs |
WR Cameron Batson | 41 catches, 453 yards, 6 TDs |
LB Jordyn Brooks | 43 tackles |
Significant statistics
Individual
Category | TCU (Kenny Hill) | Tech (Patrick Mahomes) |
Passing yards per game | 327.1 | 473.3 |
TD-INT ratio | 13-9 | 26-6 |
Team
Category | TCU | Tech |
Def. 3rd conv. | 44.5 | 43.2 |
Turnover margin | minus-4 | minus-4 |
Jimmy Burch: 817-390-7760, @Jimmy_Burch
This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 5:03 PM with the headline "TCU-Texas Tech preview: Expect plenty of points."