When: Saturday, October 26th, 2:30 p.m., Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
Record: TCU (4 wins, 3 losses), Texas Tech (5 wins, 2 losses)
Last meeting: November 2, 2023
TV: FOX
university of texas sports
What’s the problem?
With the return of TCU running back Trent Battle, the run game is finding the success the unit had hoped for all season. Manager Sonny Dykes said Battle will likely be the starter due to his size and experience, but he is also pleased with the depth at the position. Josh Hoover was inconsistent, with mistakes and turnovers plaguing his performance. The improved run game allows the unit to move the ball downfield in a variety of ways without relying as much on passing.
TCU’s defense had its best performance against Utah, holding the Utes’ offense to just eight snaps inside TCU’s territory for -15 total yards. The Horned Frogs also limited Utah’s run game, which had been a clear weakness all season.
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When TCU has the ball
TCU’s offensive success against Utah came from a successful run game. Josh Hoover was inconsistent, recording two or more interceptions in three consecutive games. His decision-making and accuracy improved against Utah and will be critical against a struggling Texas Tech defense.
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) rushes as Houston linebacker Jamal Morris (25) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)
DT Emaurion Banks, the cornerstone of Texas Tech’s defense, suffered a season-ending injury in last weekend’s game against Baylor, giving TCU a huge advantage. The Red Raiders have two other defensive players missing this season, OLBs Dylan Spencer and Joseph Adire.
Dykes said the team is close to reaching its full potential. A solid run game and Hoover’s growth could give TCU’s offense the edge it needs.
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When Texas Tech has the ball
Texas Tech will enter the rivalry game after a tough loss against Baylor, with the Bears scoring 59 points against the Red Raiders, who were 0-3 in conference play. QB Behren Morton had one interception and two sacks in the game, but still threw for nearly 300 yards.
Texas Tech’s approach will be different Saturday because of TCU’s new defense. ILB Shad Banks, who was the cornerstone of TCU’s defense last season, is back on the field. Devine Diehl has emerged and was the driving force behind the Horned Frogs’ success last weekend against Utah.
TCU limited Utah’s run game, but Texas Tech presented another deadly rushing threat. That strength lies in RB Taj Brooks. Against Baylor, he had 131 rushing yards on 25 attempts. This season, he gained 804 rushing yards on 149 attempts and averaged 5.4 yards per carry with eight rushing touchdowns. In every game he played this season, he totaled over 100 rushing yards.
prediction
If the offense and defense play at the same level, TCU will have the upper hand in this game. Coach Dykes said he saw TCU play high-level football in the first half, but struggled to maintain that intensity in the second half.
With Texas Tech’s defense plagued by injuries, this is a chance for a questionable TCU team to prove itself against the Big 12’s top teams.
Prediction: TCU 28, Texas Tech 17
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