Gritty
Grit-ty
1. Containing, covered with, or resembling grit.
2. Showing resolution and fortitude

Coming into this season the defense was a big question mark for TCU. The unit lost linebacker Tanner Brock and defensive end Ross Forrest among others. How would this young group with only one senior starter respond? I would say they are doing just fine for themselves.

Some might ask why I feel this way. This TCU defense is giving up more yards and points per game than we are accustomed to seeing. In 2009 the Frogs allowed 233 yards per game, in 2010 they allowed 215 yards per game, and in 2011 opponents averaged 315 yards per game. This season the TCU defense is allowing 333.7 yards per game, an obvious increase. You would expect this since the level of competition increased by joining the Big 12, but let's look deeper into the numbers though.

Through nine games this season TCU has held every opponent but one under their season average for yards per game. The exception was Kansas. The Jayhawks average 354.4 yards per game and they had 380 yards against the Frogs. TCU held SMU to 150 yards, Baylor 149 yards, and West Virginia 142 yards under their season averages.

The Frogs defense has also held seven out of nine opponents under their season average for points per game. The two exceptions were Iowa State who averages 24.4 points per game and scored 37 on TCU and Texas Tech who averages 38.4 ppg and scored 56 in triple overtime.

On top of all that, TCU leads the Big 12 in interceptions with 16, two of them returned for touchdowns. The Frogs also lead the Big 12 against the run having only allowed 869 rushing yards total all season.

This defensive unit is gritty. That is the only word I can think of to describe them. They give it their all every weekend against some of the top offenses in the country. Yes, they give up yards. Yes, they will give up points, but that is going to happen in this league.

I am anxious for this week's game against Kansas State. I think TCU matches up well with the Wildcats. Gus Johnson will be in the house, I think I smell an upset brewing.


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