TCU counting on defense to slow down Texas Tech
TCU has one of the Big 12 Conference’s most explosive offenses but don’t think for a minute that the Horned Frogs would be where they are at — or where they’ve been over the past few seasons — without their defense.
As is usually the case, it will be up to TCU’s defense to answer the call when the Horned Frogs host always-dangerous Texas Tech in a Thursday night special at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.
It was up to the defense to keep the Horned Frogs in the game in a 17-14 win over Iowa State on Sept. 29 in TCU’s most recent game, as the unit allowed the Cyclones just 198 yards of total offense, the second time this year TCU has held a team to under 200 yards.
The Horned Frogs have the Big 12’s top total defense, allowing 303.6 yards per game, and the top pass defense, allowing 178 yards per game. The run defense checks in at No. 4 (125.6 rushing yards per game). And at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, the defense has been far from perfect.
TCU prides itself on creating turnovers but didn’t produce any in losses to Ohio State and Texas. DE Ben Banogu made a game-changing play with a 47-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to help TCU beat Iowa State.
“That’s one thing we really take pride in is causing turnovers and being a nuisance to the quarterback and the offensive coordinator and the whole offense,” Banogu said.
“These past couple of weeks have kind of been tough, but for us to go out and create some turnovers and create some energy for the offense was really good.”
The Horned Frogs will be more reliant on their defense than normal on Thursday because quarterback Shawn Robinson could be limited after he sustained an injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder in the final minutes against Iowa State. If Robinson doesn’t start, backup Michael Collins will get the first snap for TCU.
TCU coach Gary Patterson has spoken positively about Collins all season and has encouraged co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Sonny Cumbie to try and find ways to get Collins more snaps earlier in games.
“He’s been good — I’ve been saying things about him ever since two-a-days. Patterson said about Collins on Monday. “He came in and handled himself (against Texas) in Austin. I thought he did a good job moving the football.”
