Opposition Report – TCU Horned Frogs

Photo CC:  Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE(Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE – US PRESSWIRE)

Red Raiders travel to Ft. Worth to face off against the Horned Frogs who also are looking for direction in a battle for Saddle Trophy.

The yoyo season thus far doesn’t seem to be getting any better as the Red Raiders push into the purple territory of Ft. Worth. With both teams at 2-3, the time is now to change the season’s direction. TCU realistically could be 3-2 or possibly even 4-1 right now. TCU played very competitively in its first three – losing by a combined 11 points to ISU and Kstate, yet pulling a win in Austin between the two and the Horned Frogs are 0-3 at home.

The Quarterback

Get ready to see Max Duggan run. With 61 attempts so far this season, I don’t see much changing against a Tech defense that has yoyo-ed this season. His 2.9 ypc is also pretty lackluster.  

His three touchdowns on the ground should give you a warning that the Horned Frogs aren’t afraid to use him close at goalline or when they need to make something happen –

The Sophomore from Council Bluffs has netted 1,000 yards passing on the season, completing just under 70% of his passes, with just one interception. 

Duggan does have some kryptonite, and it’s a big one – getting sacked. Duggan has received a lot of hits, requiring a lot of personnel shifts. If you are going to get to Duggan, Tech has to expose his holes upfront. 

Receivers

The leader of the receiving corp is JR Taye Barber, who comes into Saturday’s game with 24 receptions – which overwhelmingly leads the team. Barber doesn’t have large stats and hasn’t even gone over 100 in 2020. But he’s due, and Tech better be prepared to not be his first one of the year.    

When you see Blair Conwright, you might wish he was wearing scarlet and black. Conwright, an FR-WR from Lubbock’s Coronado High School, was never offered a scholarship from Tech coming out. How’s he doing now? See for yourself – 

Not exactly the news you want to hear. Being on the Freshman All-American watch list isn’t too shabby your first year in. The receiver’s mother even played for our very own Lady Raiders Basketball Team in the 90s. The pedigree was there, but the offer wasn’t. Think he’s got a chip on his shoulder?

Oh, and get ready Red Raider fans for the game coverage crew to remind you that “Conwright is from Lubbock and didn’t receive a scholarship from Texas Tech” on repeat. Over, and over, and over again…

The RBs

Coach Patterson said openly that he was expecting to establish the run. FR-RB Darwin Barlow comes in as the lead runner with 228 on the year on 39 carries.

 Joining Barlow is Zach Miller, Zach Evans, and Daimarqua Foster, all freshmen. Quite the group of young backs. 

The Defense  

Coming first defensively is FR-DE Khari Coleman. The 6’2, 224 lineman seems more like a DB with those numbers. But don’t let that fool you. The freshman has made a big impact over the last two games, recording a team-high two sacks. The quickness is there – just ask the Sooners. 

Better keep your eyes out on linebackers SR Garrett Wallow and Sophomore Dee Winters. Both backers come in 6’1-2, 230 range, and are the top tacklers for the Frogs. Together they have recorded 72 total tackles, with an INT each. Wallow, a preseason first-team All-Big12 selection is living up to the preseason hype.  

Special Teams

JR-WR Darius Davis has displayed he’s more than capable, returning a punt 67 yards midway first quarter vs Baylor. Tech special teams better not overlook him, the 5’9, 169 speedster is hard to find and hard to catch. Tech SP Coordinator Mike Tommerdahl knows any special team slips could cost the game, especially with Davis. 

Weaknesses 

The TCU Offensive Line is the first place I would go to disrupt their offense. The Horned Frogs play has been widely criticized and exposed at times, causing lineup changes that still haven’t proved long term. DC Keith Patterson should adjust and load those spots to get QB Duggan off-kilter early. Remember, he’s quick to run. Texas Tech’s defense is going to have to lead the way and Colombi needs all the opportunity he can get.

Agree? Disagree? Drop a comment below and let me know!