Oct 19, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; TCU Horned Frogs safety Bud Clark (21) intercepts a pass intended for Utah Utes wide receiver Luca Caldarella (19) during the fourth quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
After TCU's upset win against Utah last Saturday, many Horned Frog fans are questioning where TCU fits into the Big 12 rankings. TCU currently has a 2-2 conference record in a wide-open Big 12 and an overall record of 4-3. With how healthy TCU is right now in terms of depth, the Horned Frogs are primed to compete in any game they play, including their game this Saturday against Texas Tech.
While some view Texas Tech as a powerhouse in the conference, the Red Raiders have had their struggles on defense, as well. Texas Tech has the advantage in points/game, but they've also allowed more points on defense by quite a margin. TCU has allowed 27.43 points a game, and Texas Tech has allowed 36.14 points a game. Some injuries that the Raiders sustained earlier in the season have likely contributed to their struggles on the defensive side of the ball.
PT: #31 Ethan Craw, #97 Easton Black
PK: #34 Kyle Lemmerman, #99 Nate McCashland
H: #97 Easton Black, #31 Ethan Craw
LSN: #42 Brett Matiscik
KO: #34 Kyle Lemmerman
P: #31 Ethan Craw, #97 Easton Black
PR: #7 JP Richardson, #18 Jack Bech
KR: #13 Major Everhart, #14 Jordyn Bailey
Cooper McDonald headlines this week's TCU injuries. McDonald has 2.5 sacks on the season and has been flexible in his role on defense. Devean Deal will likely get the start for the Frogs this Saturday, coming off of a quality game vs. Utah last week. Even with Deal rotating in and out on defense, he's had a decent impact in blitz schemes, as he's had 4.5 tackles for a loss.
On the offensive side of the ball, the offense remains the same for the most part. But don't be surprised if we see more of Trent Battle as the junior averaged 5.6 yards/carry last weekend. Head coach Sonny Dykes said on Tuesday that the role Savion Williams had in the running game won't be a consistent trend in the offensive game plan.