TCU’s football coach says Frogs are prepping for both of Oklahoma’s QB options
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley didn’t sound like someone in a rush to name a starting quarterback for this weekend’s TCU game.
All signs point toward true freshman Caleb Williams getting the nod over preseason Heisman Trophy favorite Spencer Rattler following Williams’ performance on Saturday when he led the Sooners back from an 18-point deficit to knock off the Texas Longhorns, 55-48, in the Red River Showdown.
But Riley is the man who will make that decision and didn’t tip his hand during a Big 12 conference call on Monday.
“Just like any position, I think we’ll look at the game plan versus TCU, continue to evaluate these guys as they practice and go with who helps us the most,” Riley said. “I’m not looking at this as a hindrance. I’m looking at it like I’ve got two really good players in that room that are both high-level quarterbacks. I think it’s a great problem to have.”
As far as TCU is concerned, coach Gary Patterson feels preparation won’t change throughout the week.
“Really, they run the same offense,” Patterson said. “He [Williams] is a little bit stronger like a Jalen Hurts, so you’ve got to go back and prepare for anything they’ve done with more of the quarterback run game. They’re very similar.
“Coach [Riley] does a great job of putting you in mismatches anyways, so you’ve got to really prepare for all of it. They were doing it with the quarterback run game so that becomes a bigger part of their offense. But you’ve got to prepare for Oklahoma, not just the quarterback. They’ve got good players everywhere.”
Williams provided a spark for the Sooners’ offense on Saturday. With Rattler in the game, they averaged 5.3 yards per play. That number nearly doubled to 10.1 yards per play with Williams.
Williams finished 16 of 25 passing for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 66-yard touchdown run and was named the Big 12’s newcomer of the week.
Rattler, meanwhile, went 8 of 15 passing for 111 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He’s thrown an interception in four of the six games he’s played this season.
Patterson and TCU know what type of offense OU brings to the table regardless of who is the quarterback. Patterson is 0-5 against Riley in his career, and Riley has had a different starting quarterback each season.
In 2017, it was Baker Mayfield. In 2018, it was Kyler Murray. In 2019, it was Jalen Hurts. In 2020, it was Rattler. And now, it might be Williams.
“Lincoln has done a great job through the years, as a coordinator then as a head coach, of being able to play that,” Patterson said. “Not only does he fit [the game plan] to the quarterback’s strengths, but he also fits it to his personnel. You have to understand that you’re accountable to everybody on the field.
“When we do have success, it’s been because we do that. You’ve got to be accountable. If you have a weakness, or you’re in the wrong position, or your eyes aren’t in the right place, then he’s going to take advantage of you.”
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Norman.
