Max Duggan’s the key to TCU snapping losing streak to Kansas State
TCU has dropped three straight games to Kansas State and four of the last six dating back to 2016.
There’s been a pretty common thread in nearly every recent matchup between the two programs and that’s been the ineffectiveness of the Horned Frogs’ offense.
TCU has scored 20 points once in six tries. The Wildcats deserve plenty of credit for how they’ve been able to slow down a unit featuring plenty of talented players, but it’s also indicative of the offensive struggles that began to plague the end of the Gary Patterson era.
If there’s anything that should give Horned Frogs fans confidence in snapping the losing streak, it’s the offensive approach of Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
The Horned Frogs lead the country in explosive plays offensively and are near the top in yards per play, scoring and total offense.
The biggest sign of growth is the play of Max Duggan, who has historically struggled against the Wildcats.
Let’s run through a quick refresher of how the Wildcats have done against the senior quarterback.
2021: The Wildcats rolled to a 31-12 win by sacking Duggan four times and holding him to just 73 yards on 9 of 13 passing. Duggan was benched in the second half and Chandler Morris was only marginally better. Morris went 9 of 14 for 111 yards. Duggan was also dealing with a nagging foot injury that impacted his effectiveness.
Patterson resigned a day later.
2020: It was a strange game in a strange year as TCU outgained Kansas State across the board, but trailed 21-6 before a late touchdown in the fourth quarter got them closer. Duggan was sacked three times and only passed for 154 yards while completing 19 of 31 passes.
2019: Duggan had 115 yards on the ground with a touchdown along with 132 yards through the air. It was probably his best game, but Kansas State still prevailed 24-17.
When you take a look at those numbers and compare them to what Duggan’s done in 2022, it’s night and day. It feels safe to assume that Duggan should top 200 passing yards for the first time in his career against the Wildcats.
While there was some concern that Duggan was banged up at the end of Oklahoma State, Duggan said he’s fine which means he should also be a factor in the run game along with Kendre Miller.
It’s the best defense Duggan has faced this year, but that works both ways as he’s the best quarterback the Wildcats have faced. Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel feasted with 330 yards, four touchdowns and 61 yards on the ground. The crazy thing is Gabriel left some points on the field and could’ve had an even bigger day if he connected on a few more plays.
If Duggan can produce similarly then the odds of TCU snapping the losing streak sky rocket. He has an improved offensive line that features a midseason AP All-American in Steve Avila plus elite playmakers like Quentin Johnston and Kendre Miller.
Add in the quarterback friendly system of Dykes and there’s all the makings of Duggan finally figuring out the Kansas State defense.
This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
