TCU coach Gary Patterson shook up his starting lineup Saturday by inserting two players returning from injuries (center Austin Schlottman, cornerback Julius Lewis) and two others cracking the lineup via strategic tweaks (linebacker Sammy Douglas, receiver Daniel Walsh).
The fresh wrinkles did not result in a fast start, however. TCU lost a fumble and threw an interception in the opening period and left the first quarter facing a 14-3 deficit against No. 12 West Virginia.
Wide receiver/kick returner KaVontae Turpin (knee) dressed for the game and took part in warm-ups but did not play in the opening quarter. Others coming off injuries made significant contributions.
Schlottman (foot) started after missing the past two games because of an injury sustained Sept. 23 against SMU. Lewis, thought to be lost for the season at one point after a non-contact injury in the off-season, started at cornerback. It was his first appearance since he started in last year’s Alamo Bowl victory over Oregon.
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Douglas replaced Ty Summers in the starting lineup and Walsh received his first career start at receiver. The Frogs did have one first-quarter injury of note. Receiver Taj Williams left the game with help from trainers and favoring one leg after he was tackled awkwardly following a 27-yard completion on TCU’s third possession.
At the midpoint of the second quarter, TCU trailed West Virginia, 21-10.
Jimmy Burch: 817-390-7760, @Jimmy_Burch
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