TCU wary of matchup against Kansas

TCU has not lost to Kansas during the Horned Frogs’ tenure as a Big 12 member. But the contests have been close each season despite the Jayhawks’ well-chronicled struggles in recent years.

Kansas (1-3, 0-1 in Big 12) has not defeated a Big 12 opponent since the 2014 season and holds a combined mark of 2-34 in conference play during TCU’s first four seasons in the league. But the Frogs have not defeated the Jayhawks by more than 14 points in any of the four meetings, including a 23-17 triumph last year in Fort Worth and a 34-30 escape in 2014 at KU.

The teams meet Saturday in Lawrence, Kan. (11 a.m., ESPNU) and the Frogs will be expecting the Jayhawks’ best effort.

“Any time we play Kansas, they always give us a good game,” defensive end James McFarland said. “KU always has a couple of fresh wrinkles when they play us. We know what to expect. We’ve got to be ready for it.”

TCU coach Gary Patterson said this year’s game may be tighter than usual because of the improvement by the Kansas defense.

“They’re a lot better on defense. They’re very physical and they’re playing hard,” Patterson said. “I see a lot of progress at KU.”

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 4:20 PM with the headline "TCU wary of matchup against Kansas."