TCU football looks to continue rushing success Saturday against Oklahoma State
TCU is 4-0 when it reaches the 200-yard rushing mark this season. The Horned Frogs are 99-8 when reaching that mark under Gary Patterson.
TCU will be looking to establish the run once again against Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Cowboys have the Big 12’s seventh-ranked rushing defense, allowing 162.4 yards per game.
As junior running back Emari Demercado said, “It’s important. When we establish the run, we’re pretty successful. If we’re able to establish the running game, it allows us to pass more then we’ll be a more explosive offense. That increases our chances to win much more — in any game, not just this game.”
With that being said, here’s five things to watch going into the game:
RB rotation
As stated, the running game has been a strength for the Frogs. Last week at Kansas, they had true freshman Zach Evans make his first career start.
Evans responded by rushing for 100 yards on 12 carries. Redshirt freshman Darwin Barlow ranked second in yards rushing with 83 on eight carries. Quarterback Max Duggan, Demercado, true freshman RB Kendre Miller and wide receiver Taye Barber also contributed to the season-high 337 yards rushing.
Coach Gary Patterson was pleased with the entire unit and didn’t seem overly concerned about who started and who didn’t. In fact, Patterson said he didn’t know Evans would get the start until the offense took the field.
“I was more worried about (Kansas wide receiver Andrew) Parchment,” Patterson said. “When you get to game time Evans, all the ones you have and plays you want to run, each one has their own certain plays they run and do. How we decided to start the game is probably why they decided to start Zach. Kendre has had a good year, Emari has been unbelievable in his role and Barlow has been unbelievable.”
Passing matters
TCU’s passing game remains a work-in-progress. Quarterback Max Duggan was just 3 of 11 for 96 yards at Kansas.
The good news is the three completions were all for touchdowns. But TCU knows it has to improve its passing attack as it is averaging less than 200 yards (192.1 yards) a game. It won’t be easy to get going against OSU, which has the third-best pass defense in the Big 12.
Improved pass rush
Defensively, TCU has made strides in its pass rush. The Frogs have 16 sacks in their last four games compared with five sacks through the first four games.
Sophomore Ochaun Mathis has turned it on of late with six sacks in the past three games. TCU has to continue finding ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Return game
TCU lost its top punt returner in JD Spielman to an injury earlier this season. At least Spielman was thought to be the top returner.
Junior Derius Davis continues to shine in the role. He returned a punt for a touchdown at Kansas, his second TD return this season. Davis is averaging 23.4 yards per punt return, which is second nationally and would break the TCU season record of 20.8 set last year by Jalen Reagor.
Fuller strength?
TCU has seen its roster depleted for a number of reasons, including players opting out, injuries and COVID protocols. The Frogs have taken the field at times this season with more than 30 scholarship players out.
But Patterson provided some optimism this week, saying as many as 14 players could return for this week’s game against Oklahoma State. Patterson didn’t mention names, although he would gladly welcome more depth.
