‘X-factor’ is how TCU coach Gary Patterson describes Texas QB Sam Ehlinger

TCU coach Gary Patterson didn’t waste time in assessing Texas’ offense. He knows how big of a threat Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger is.

“He will beat you with his feet,” Patterson said during his weekly news conference on Tuesday. “He’s a running back playing quarterback. He beats you with his feet. He’s won a lot of ballgames because of taking off, running draws, powers, quarterback stretches, all of those kind of things.

“We didn’t play him a year ago, so you’ve got to be ready. He’s the X-factor in their offense.”

The sophomore has flashed at times this season.

He’s completed 57-of-99 passes for 723 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. As Patterson stated, he’s also a running threat with 116 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries. Ehlinger led the Longhorns in rushing a season ago with 381 yards.

In Texas’ 37-14 victory over USC, Ehlinger threw for two touchdowns and rushed for one more.

When TCU faced Texas a year ago, though, Shane Buechele started at QB. Buechele had a forgettable day with more incompletions than completions (21-of-44) for 254 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

The Frogs defense ended up with seven sacks on the day, and held the Longhorns to just seven points.

It marked the fourth straight victory for TCU over Texas, and none of the games have been close. TCU has won by a combined score of 153-33 in that stretch.

The Frogs are looking to make history this year, too, with what would be a school-first five consecutive wins over Texas. They won four straight from 1935-38.

Patterson acknowledged that winning five straight is significant, but not for historical purposes. TCU is simply trying to rebound from a 40-28 loss to Ohio State last Saturday, and wants to start Big 12 play off right.

“You’re trying to be 1-0 in conference,” Patterson said.