Here’s five things to watch as TCU football travels to Kansas
TCU coach Gary Patterson doesn’t have an explanation.
He doesn’t know why his program has struggled playing at Kansas since joining the Big 12 in 2012.
“Really, I don’t know,” Patterson said this week. “If anything it’s about us. We need to play better. We have to control us.”
With that being said, TCU (3-4) is looking to lower its stress level this time around. And it probably helps that this year’s Kansas team has not stayed within striking distance of any game.
The Jayhawks are 0-7 and have been depleted by injuries, players opting out (including star running back Pooka Williams and starting linebacker Dru Prox) and COVID-19 protocols. In fact, KU had to postpone its game against Texas last week.
Patterson isn’t taking anything for granted, though, given how previous trips to KU have gone. The Frogs were on the losing end in their last trip in 2018, a forgettable 27-26 loss.
“It’s Senior Day for them,” Patterson said. “They’re trying to get a win because they play hard. You’ve got to give them credit, they play hard.”
With that being said, here’s what to watch going into it:
Establishing the run
TCU rushed for 319 yards against KU last season in Fort Worth. The Jayhawks’ rushing defense hasn’t gotten better.
The Frogs should try to establish the run early and often with one of the deeper running back corps in the Big 12.
Passing game
TCU’s struggles in the passing game have been well-documented this season. The Frogs rank eighth in pass offense among Big 12 teams, and have thrown just six passing TDs.
Max Duggan hasn’t thrown for more than 200 yards in three straight games. That should change against a KU pass defense that is allowing more than 250 yards a game.
Finding sacks
TCU had just five sacks in its first four games. The Frogs have 12 sacks in the past three games.
TCU’s defense should be able to continue establishing pressure on the quarterback as KU has allowed a Big 12-leading 33 sacks this year.
Patterson has been pleased with the growth he’s seen from his pass rushers.
“All the young guys are growing up,” he said. “I think just the confidence level [is improving].”
Takeaway time?
One area that TCU’s defense must improve is in the takeaway department. The Frogs have forced just six takeaways, which tied for the fewest among Big 12 teams.
KU should provide an opportunity to change that trend. The Jayhawks are tied for the most giveaways among Big 12 teams with 12. KU has turned it over multiple times in each of the last four games.
Defining success
Patterson has mentioned this season is already a success by simply playing more games than some expected amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Frogs have played seven games, and Saturday will mark No. 8.
A number of TCU players agree with Patterson.
“I feel like it’s a success,” junior running back Emari Demercado said. “A lot of people weren’t optimistic about the season and to be able to make it this far and still be playing, I feel is a great accomplishment for us.”
TCU is scheduled to play one more regular-season game against Oklahoma State on Dec. 5, and is in talks for a possible 10th game on Dec. 12 or the following week. TCU is hopeful to play in a bowl game at the end of the season too.
For now, though, Patterson and the program is just worried about getting through the eighth and ninth games.
This story was originally published November 27, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
