TCU’s pass rushing duo one of the keys to upset Georgia
Pass rush has been the biggest question facing the TCU defense all season and at the most ideal time, the Horned Frogs have found the answer.
As they prepare for Georgia and Heisman Trophy finalist Stetson Bennett in the national championship game on Monday, the Horned Frogs will rely heavily on defensive leaders Dee Winters and Dylan Horton to continue their strong play.
Winters was named Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl with multiple tackles for losses and a pick six in the second half. Horton was dominant against Michigan with four sacks.
Those two are gelling together at the right time to give TCU a formidable duo in the front seven that can create havoc. Horton said it was his teammates that played a big role in his breakout game vs. Michigan.
“They were a great offensive line,” Horton said. “I felt like the most consistent thing was just the effort. My teammates doing their jobs just allowed me to make those plays.”
Horton’s effort was phenomenal against the Wolverines. He saved a touchdown on the Wolverines’ opening drive as he was able to catch up to J.J. McCarthy and knock him out of bounds on a long scramble. He then got the sack on fourth-and-goal to halt the scoring drive.
After not having a sack in the first six games, Horton has had 10.5 in the last eight including three games with at least two. As for Winters, he’s been productive all year and was TCU’s leading sack artist until this past weekend.
His teammates were pleased for him to receive national recognition after he balled out against Michigan.
“I was so proud of him,” Johnny Hodges said. “Putting that complete game together, playing almost every snap. Making plays, being willing to kind of get out of position. It’s awesome to see your friends and teammates play so well.”
Against a Georgia offense that is more explosive than typical years, it’s imperative that these two continue to play their best. Their jobs, particularly Winters, will be a tad bit different with a more versatile offensive approach by the Bulldogs compared to Michigan.
Accounting for star tight end Brock Bowers will be among the numerous duties Winters will have. Bowers is more receiver than blocker, but he’s just the tip of the iceberg of a deep tight end room.
“Yeah, Georgia has a very good offense,” Winters said. “They like to use their tight ends the majority of the time. And I think Bowers is a really good tight end that they’ll try to target against us. I think Coach (Joe) Gillespie does a great job setting up game plans for us to have success in the 3-3-5 and he’s been doing that.”
The 3-3-5 is a big reason both players have found their strides. It requires the defensive line and linebackers to be in sync constantly.
“As a three down (defense) we have to hold gaps a little longer,” Horton said. “It allows our linebackers to fill the gaps and make their presence known. Once they get in their routine of getting in the backfield as a d-lineman you get to work off them easier. Our plays come a little bit later.”
As Winters flew around the field constantly drilling Michigan players, Horton was in awe. He was also aware that his time would eventually come with the Wolverines having no choice but to account for his teammate.
“That was crazy, he had a great game,” Horton said. “He was all over the field, as a teammate I’m really proud of him.”
Winters likely feels the same way about his teammate. They’ll both be prouder if they can keep the momentum rolling in the title game vs. a solid Georgia offensive line that is anchored by numerous former five and four-star prospects.
Once again, the TCU front seven will have to hear about how they’ll be outmatched or unable to hold up against the physicality of the SEC champions. It’s nothing they haven’t heard before and Winters said the team will just add it the growing pile out doubts that have persisted all year.
“I would definitely say we used it all season,” Winters said. “I think our coaching staff does a great job just motivating us. But when you hear how you’re about to lose to a team or however many points you are going to lose by, it just fuels us as a team, I just said. And I think everyone takes it into consideration and it fuels them.”
Horton agreed with his assessment.
“Going into the (Fiesta Bowl) people didn’t think we were a physical team and we got to show that,” Horton said. “I feel like we surprised some people, but we have to keep that same mindset coming into this upcoming game.”
Horton and Winters have combined for 18 sacks this year, if they can get that number to 20 then it’ll be massive boost to TCU’s shot at being national champions.
This story was originally published January 4, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
