TCU-Texas preview: Stats, trends and keys to the game
TCU special teams vs. Texas special teams
The Horns Frogs should have the advantage here, with a solid kicking game behind Jaden Oberkrom and punter in Ethan Perry. The Longhorns have struggled in those areas. A missed extra-point attempt by Nick Rose cost Texas a chance at overtime against Cal two weeks ago. A botched punt Saturday doomed the Longhorns against Oklahoma State. One area of special teams that Texas could have the edge, though, is with returner Daje Johnson. He leads the conference in punt-return average (19.8) and is fourth in kickoff-return average (24.5).
Texas QB Jerrod Heard vs. TCU defense
It’s no secret the Frogs haven’t had the kind of defensive year people have grown accustomed to under head coach Gary Patterson. Texas quarterback Jerrod Heard would like to exploit the injuries and new faces. He has accounted for 907 yards in total offense in his first three starts. That’s more than the last six starting quarterbacks were able to do in their first three games.
TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson vs. Texas secondary
Even without Kolby Listenbee and an injured Ty Slanina, Doctson had a record-setting day last week against Texas Tech. Arguably the best receiver to ever play for the Frogs, Doctson (8.8 receptions, 148.2 yards per game) has been unstoppable at times. Texas is eighth in the conference in passing defense (276.8 yards) and ninth in pass defense efficiency.
Streaks
The Horns Frogs have won 12 consecutive games, the the second-longest winning streak in the nation (Ohio State, 17). TCU coach Gary Patterson has six winning streaks of at least 12 games since 1980, most in the country for any coach in the last 35 years.
TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin extended his streak of games with at least one touchdown pass to 19 against Texas Tech. That’s the longest active streak in the country.
Tarrant ties
Sevent players on the Longhorns roster are from Tarrant County, including starting offensive lineman Patrick Vahe (Euless Trinity). Defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway (Mansfield) returned a fumble for a touchdown last week against Oklahoma State.
The basics
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium (45,000)
Records: TCU (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12); Texas (1-3, 0-1 in Big 12)
Last week: TCU beat Texas Tech 55-52; Texas lost to Oklahoma State 30-27
Rankings: TCU No. 4 in AP; Texas not ranked
Series record: Texas leads 62-22-1
Last meeting: TCU won 48-10 in Austin last year
TV: WFAA/Ch. 8
Radio: WBAP/820-AM, KTCU/88.7-FM and KRLD/1080-AM; Sirius Ch. 84, Sirius Ch. 118 and XM Ch. 202
Forecast: 84 and sunny
Point spread: TCU by 15
This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 11:07 AM with the headline "TCU-Texas preview: Stats, trends and keys to the game."