Big 12 Report: Showdown with No. 4 TCU could define Longhorn’s Season

No. 18 Texas faces No. 4 TCU at home this week with a path to the conference championship on the line. Texas is looking to defeat a top five team at home for the first time since 1999. 

After last week’s win at No. 19 Kansas State, head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team, especially the defensive effort that limited the Wildcats to 139 yards rushing and forced two critical turnovers.  

This week, the Horn defense will face the tough task of corralling Max Duggan and the high-flying Horned Frog offense. TCU has scored at least 34 points in every contest this season.

Sarkisian called Duggan a, “really cool competitor,” and pointed out that the TCU signal caller is adept at creating plays with his legs as well as his arm. “He’s making all the throws to make,” Sarkisian said. “But yet he’s using his legs.”   

One of the keys for Texas to defeat TCU will be the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers. Sarkisian praised the game that Ewers played versus Kansas State and said that the young quarterback rebounded well from a lackluster performance against Oklahoma State. Sarkisian said that Ewers, “stood in there and really kind of controlled the game for us.”

While TCU represents a challenge, Sarkisian said that his team is looking forward to the test. “We’ve got more work to do,” he said. “Our guys recognize that. They’re hungry.” 

One of the elements that is sure to be a story this week is the role of former TCU head coach Gary Patterson on the Texas staff. Patterson serves as an analyst with the Longhorn defense. “We are lucky to have him on our team,” Sarkisian said. “For me, he’s a great sounding board.”

While Patterson’s role on the Texas Staff is certainly a great help for Sarkisian, his position is sure to take on greater significance as Texas takes on Patterson’s old team.

Around the Big 12

No. 4 TCU used a 21-point fourth quarter to defeat Texas Tech 34-24. The win improves the Horned Frogs’ record to a perfect 9-0. TCU was led by running back Kendre Miller who rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Texas Tech will look to even their record as they host Kansas next week.

Baylor outscored Oklahoma 38-35. Running back Sqwirl Williams paced the Bears offense with a career high 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The win improved Baylor to 6-3 on the season. The Sooners found plenty of offense but came up one defensive stop short. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns, but also tossed three interceptions that proved costly. The Sooners will face West Virginia next week while Baylor hosts No. 19 Kansas State.

Kansas continues to prove their fast start was no fluke, defeating No. 18 Oklahoma State 37-16. The win makes Kansas officially bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. The Jayhawks rushed to victory on the back of Devin Neal who posted 224 yards rushing and added 110 yards receiving. This was Oklahoma State’s second loss in a row. The Cowboys will try to get on track against Iowa State this week, while Kansas travels to Texas Tech.

The Iowa State Cyclones recorded their first conference victory this week, defeating West Virginia 31-14. The difference in the game was a strong second half effort that saw the Cyclones score 21 fourth quarter points to put the Mountaineers away. Iowa State will travel to Oklahoma State this week while West Virginia hosts Oklahoma.