So this will be the best rush defense we have faced so far this year – ranked #1 in the conf vs the run (we’re #2). They’re #4 in pass defense efficiency (we’re #5). Their scoring D is #4 in conference (we’re #2), total D they are #3 (we are #4). They do a good job of getting to plays behind the LOS, ranking #3 (we’re #5) in TFL and #4 in sacks (we’re t-#2). They take it away just as much as we do (24 this season) however they have given it up. But I don’t think you can just assume they will always.
Some might not think much of Gary as a coach, but I think his defenses play hard, aggressive, and that teams does not quit. They will probably emulate what OSU did in terms of crowding the LOS, getting their tall DE’s flexed out a bit to deter some of Collin’s quick throws off audibles, and disguising who is coming – I expect them to execute it better than OSU. I also expect them to head hunt on defense when Collin runs it.
On offense, they are resourceful and opportunistic. Our safeties will have to play entirely better than vs. OSU because TCU will force us to commit people to the box to stop the QB/run game and that’s where we can get in trouble with big plays. Their QB can make plays with his feet which will give us trouble – hell, the 3rd string QB for OSU scrambled against our D extremely well. We absolutely cannot let this team get out to the early/easy leads/scores that we’ve allowed NT, KU, TT, and OSU to get.
TCU hasn't lost a game in November since 11/6/08 (@ Utah) and has only lost one other time in November since 2005.
In short – dogfight. I’m terrified.