“TCU would never do that.” Gary Patterson, OSU’s Mike Gundy share thoughts on ‘fake’ injuries.
TCU football coach Gary Patterson did not waste any time.
Patterson was one of four coaches providing live commentary on ESPNU in the Coaches Film Room during the National Championship between Clemson and LSU.
The others were Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, Vanderbilt’s Derek Mason and Boston College’s Jeff Hafley.
Patterson predicted a trick play by Clemson early and sure enough the Tigers pulled one on their first play from scrimmage.
“They both like to put pressure on you, especially LSU. They’re going to push the ball,” Patterson said before the kickoff. “I think takeaways are going to be big a big deal in this ballgame. Who has the most possessions is going to have the best chance because they both can score.”
Patterson pointed out that LSU players were wearing their helmets during the coin toss. Clemson players had theirs off.
“You see one with the helmets on, they’ve never been here before,” he said. “I think they’re already trying to send a message. They didn’t come out to be nice.”
During the second quarter, the topic of faking injuries to slow a no-huddle offense came up when Clemson’s Tyler Davis’ apparent cramp stopped LSU’s rolling offense in the middle of a drive.
Patterson insisted TCU players would never do that. Gundy, who acted as a moderator of sorts, quickly added that none of the coaches were insinuating that Davis wasn’t really injured. Patterson eventually agreed that it could have been a legitimate injury. It didn’t matter anyway. LSU scored to take a 21-17 lead.
This story was originally published January 13, 2020 at 7:38 PM.
