FORT WORTH, TX – TCU (2-1) will host the Texas Longhorns (3-1) this Saturday in Amon G. Carter Stadium at 11 A.M. for their first Big 12 Conference game. This will be the last of a four game home stand for TCU before they hit the road next Saturday for the first time this season.
The Horned Frogs are coming off a disappointing defensive performance last Saturday which led to a loss against their rivalry SMU, 42-34. TCU gave up 595 total yards of offense, 350 being rushing yards, and six touchdowns against the Mustangs. SMU’s run game was the difference maker in that game.
TJ Carter was asked in Tuesday morning’s presser about the issues TCU had with missed tackles on Saturday and how they are going to improve on that before Texas on Saturday.
“It’s nothing with technique or nothing like that, it’s all about wanting to and getting your man on the ground. They obviously came out and were more physical than us the whole game and I feel like that’s the reason they came out on top. This week is going to be no different, the more physical team is going to win.”
It’s no secret that Max Duggan had some issues completing passes last Saturday afternoon. He threw 16 for 28 for 276 yards for three touchdown passes. In Tuesday morning’s presser Duggan was asked what he needed to work on as a quarterback for the upcoming conference games.
“Hitting the deep balls. Individually that’s what I have to do better. Once you hit one it’s contagious.”
TCU has relied heavily on their run game this season with Zach Evans leading the pack. Duggan needs to utilize his wide receivers more and create some mojo between them because it looks like they are having a hard time getting into sync right now.
Duggan is 2-0 against Texas and was asked how he feels about heading into conference play.
“It means a lot, it’s the first conference game. It sucks that we lost a rivalry game to SMU but we gotta get back up. We can’t feel bad for ourselves because no one else does.”
“Nobody wants to win more than he does. He has to stop trying to be perfect and just throw the ball so someone can catch it.” Head Coach Gary Patterson stated.
Texas is entering this game 3-1 after destroying Texas Tech last week, scoring a whopping 70 points against the Red Raiders. Quarterback Casey Thompson threw an almost perfect game converting on 18 of 23 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns.
The Longhorns had 639 total yards of offense last Saturday. Their entire offense was involved, they had 303 yards rushing and 336 yards receiving.
The Horned Frogs have controlled the series winning seven of the last nine contests. Last season Duggan ran for a touchdown late in the game to pull out a 33-31 victory over Texas.
TCU is 7-2 against Texas in their last nine meetings and 2-8 the week prior to Texas in the last 10 years.
Kickoff is set for 11 A.M. and will be televised on ABC.
