TCU Q&A: Run Defense Is Gary Patterson’s Pride and Joy

Thanks to Carlos Mendez of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram for giving us his insight of the TCU-OSU matchup this week.

1. Coach Gundy mentioned in his press conference that three coaches in the league are pretty set in what they do: Coach Stoops at OU, Coach Snyder at K-State, and Coach Patterson. While he must not be alluding to offensive strategy with recent wholesale changes, in your opinion what are some of the staples of Gary Patterson coached teams?

First, run defense. That’s Patterson’s pride and joy. He wants to stop the run almost as much as he wants to not allow points.

Second, speed. He believes in it everywhere, but especially the secondary, where he wants linebackers who can cover, corners who can keep up with verticals and safeties who can close on the ball.

Third, a good return game. Think Jeremy Kerley, and now think KaVontae Turpin.

2. TCU has a stable of playmakers with dynamic guys like Kyle Hicks, KaVontae Turpin and Taj Williams to go with dual-threat quarterback Kenny Hill. What are some of the keys to the TCU offense?

The Air Raid requires quick throws and accuracy. When Kenny Hill is protected and placing the ball well, this offense moves. Problem is, a bunch of drops have hurt, and Hill has 10 interceptions.

Last week, TCU worked in some designed runs for the quarterback, and it really paid off. Hill is a good runner, and when the defense has to account for him, things open up even more for Kyle Hicks.

3. The TCU defense is chocked full of impact players (Carraway, Texada, Denzel Johnson, Travin Howard) and the offense leads the league in playmakers per capita starting with guys like Kyle Hicks and KaVontae Turpin, who are some players the Cowboy fans may not have heard of that will shape the game this week?

Look out for a couple of receivers. John Diarse is a transfer from LSU in his first year at TCU. Big body, can take and deliver a hit, good hands. Ty Slanina is full speed after missing most of last year with a broken collarbone.

Came into the year with the most catches on the team. He’s a burner. On defense, end Mat Boesen, a transfer from Boise State. Second on the team in sacks despite not starting.

4. What matchup(s) interests you most heading into Saturday’s game?

James Washington vs. anybody.

5. What would you say are some strengths and weaknesses of this TCU ballclub?

This team is good against the run. Last week, Baylor had less than half its normal rushing total. The cornerbacks are fast, and Julius Lewis is a nice, physical tackler.

Kyle Hicks can play at receiver as well as he plays at running back. Weaknesses? The deep ball has been trouble. Getting off the field on third down has been trouble. And the field-goal kicking, although good for most of the year, really hurt in two games.

6. Something else Coach Gundy mentioned was that TCU is really a different team than it was a few weeks ago and that’s primarily related to getting players back from injury. Can you talk a little about how much injuries have impacted the season and if any impact players could be missing this week?

Three guys missed a lot of practice in fall camp. Linebacker Travin Howard, the leading tackler a year ago, had an emergency appendectomy the first week and it really slowed him down. Denzel Johnson, one of their most experienced safeties, had a foot problem in camp, and he’s just now playing his best of the year.

Ranthony Texada, a cornerback, missed 10 games last year with an ACL and was tentative on it for a while this year. They’re all playing better, and it’s helped the defense. And Julius Lewis, the other cornerback, missed six games recovering from an Achilles in January.

He’s been a bonus, because he was expected to miss the entire season. This week, everybody’s good to go except maybe a backup defensive end, Tipa Galeai, the player who collapsed on the sideline at Baylor and was taken to the hospital. He’s ok, but may need more time.

7. For the Cowboy fans hitting the road and heading down to the Metroplex, what would you recommend as some good gameday stops around Fort Worth?

Just hit anything along University or Camp Bowie. You’ll find something you like to eat or do. My go-to? Salsa Limon. That’s some flavor.