Gary Patterson always says all you have to do “Win by one”. Well, they did exactly that on Saturday afternoon in Lawrence defeating Kansas 24-23. This was by far the most frustrating game the Frogs have played this season, but on par with how games against Kansas have gone since TCU joined the Big 12 in 2012. The two teams combined for twelve penalties and eight turnovers, including three more fumbles that were recovered to retain possession. Sloppy play from the defense and poor execution from the offense for TCU almost lead to their demise. In all fairness, if Kansas had a competent kicker (Wyman missed three field goals in the 4th Quarter) they would have won the game. Here’s what stood out in this one.
The Defense Was Better
The tackling was maybe the worst of the season, but overall, they played pretty well. They forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by Nick Orr, one by Travin Howard and a forced fumble by Mat Boesen. Josh Carraway had three sacks on Kansas’ final drive. Travin Howard had 15 tackles and Ty Summers added another 12. They are starting to force turnovers, which is a huge key to the success of this defense, but the offense didn’t convert the turnovers into points. If they had, we are probably looking at this game completely different. What still needs to be worked on is the open field tackling. The three biggest pass plays given up (67, 32, 23) were all on WR screens, and one of those was an illegal pick play that wasn’t called. They aren’t getting beat deep and are getting pressure. They just need to clean up the fundamental stuff and they have a week to let their brains rest. They play best when they don’t think, they just play.
Kyle Hicks is TCU’s Best Weapon
My biggest issue every week is Kyle Hicks not being more involved in the offense early. In the first quarter he had four carries for 10 yards. Another four carries for 16 yards in the 2nd quarter. Something happened at halftime, because the first four plays were runs, three by Hicks for 23 yards. 3rd quarter total, four carries for 22 yards. Through three quarters Hicks had 12 carries for 49 yards, three runs called back from holding penalties. Then he broke out in the 4th quarter with six carries for 66 yards (31 on the final drive), with three rushes of 10+ yards. He finished with 18 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. They need to establish the run with this team to be successful. It all begins and in this case, ends with Hicks.
The Offensive Line Was Bad
Kansas came into the game with nine sacks in four games, yet managed three against TCU. Both tackles, Aviante Collins and Joseph Noteboom were beat consistently all afternoon. Collins was beaten badly by Dorance Armstrong Jr. who destroyed Kenny Hill and forced a fumble in the 1st quarter. Armstrong Jr. had two QB pressures and a tackle for loss. Joseph Noteboom struggled with Cameron Rosser, who had two sacks and four tackles for loss, while Noteboom was called for holding three times. Matt Pryor had a personal foul penalty and Cordel Iwuagwu had holding penalty as well. Kenny hill never looked comfortable and his sub-par play was likely due to the poor blocking he received.
Kenny Hill Was Awful
We saw the worst Kenny Hill since October 18, 2014, when he was 17-26 for 138 and an interception against Alabama. Coincidentally, this was his last start in an Aggie uniform. Against Kansas on Saturday, Hill finished 17-32 for 206 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions and three fumbles (one lost). Some of his throws missed receivers by more than five yards. Two of the interceptions were terrible decisions by Hill, one hit his receiver in the chest and bounced off. The fumbles were due to pressure from the edges, but two were avoidable. His accuracy has been suspect all year, but Saturday was another animal. I’ve been hard on Hill all year and this didn't make me feel better, but I noticed his throws didn’t have as much zip on them and his motion looked off. I wonder if that early hit he took from Armstrong Jr. messed up his shoulder and he was playing injured all game long. I commend his toughness if he got injured, but he was hurting his team with his poor play. They also didn’t attempt any deep throws, adding to my speculation that something is up with his shoulder/arm.
TCU Has Found It’s Kicker
Brandon Hatfield has done enough to warrant being the guy going forward. He drilled the game-winning 34 yard field goal, the biggest kick of his life. Although he missed on a 37-yard attempt in the 1st quarter, his kicks have looked good all year. Hatfield is now 5-6 on field goals and 7-7 on extra points on the year. Johnathan Song was supposed to be the guy, but halfway through the season, Patterson may feel comfortable giving Song the redshirt and keeping that year of eligibility.
