TCU Football: Keys to the Game, Week 10
After a horrid 41-3 loss to Kansas State on Oct. 21, Sonny Dykes and the TCU Horned Frogs have had time to prepare for Thursday night’s game in Lubbock against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Show Up On Defense:
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Frogs’ previous game against Kansas State was its defensive performance. Their 19 missed tackles against the Wildcats equals the season-worst, previously set in the 45-42 loss to Colorado in week 1.
The defense can’t be flat or slow to the ball. The Frogs must apply enough pressure from the defensive line to hurry either of the two Red Raider quarterbacks, Jake Strong and Behren Morton. The more time Strong or Morton has in the pocket, the tougher it will be on the defensive backs and safeties to stay in coverage.
But even more importantly, when the receivers get the ball, the Frogs must prevent yards after catch–tackle low and hard, wrap the legs, and get your man down. The linebackers will have to quickly shut down any passes in the flat.
Slow Down Tahj Brooks:
The TCU defense will have quite the task on hand when Tahj Brooks gets the handoff for the Red Raiders. One of the best running backs in the Big 12, Brooks has eclipsed the century mark five times this season. He has amassed 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns, averaging 111.6 yards per game.
Averaging 5.5 yards per carry, Brooks is one of the most efficient backs as well. He also provides a catching option out of the backfield, which, although it may not be his strong suit, it’s a wrinkle of his game the TCU defense will have to prepare for.
Execute on 3rd Down and in the Red Zone:
One of the many issues this season has been 3rd down efficiency. Against the Wildcats, TCU went a mere 2 for 13 on 3rd down. Failing to execute on 3rd down has incredibly hurt the Frogs on offense, and, in turn, it forces your defense to be on the field much more than necessary.
Furthermore, red zone execution has equally hurt TCU as the Frogs have left points off the board and on the field simply too much this season. If the offense is unable to put points on the board, the defense is given pressure to perform near-perfectly to keep the offense within reach.
With how the season has played out through the numerous injuries and missed opportunities, the Frogs will look to this game as a must-win if they want a chance at a bowl game.
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