Records: TCU (4-0 overall, 1-0 Big 12); Kansas (5-0, 2-0)
Last meeting: TCU defeated Kansas 31-28 on Nov. 20, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas.
What’s at stake?
No. 17 TCU and No. 19 Kansas will clash this Saturday with their undefeated records on the line. With both teams set to face No. 20 K-State, Baylor, Texas and No. 7 OSU down the line, this game is crucial, as one loss can change the trajectory of a season and derail Big 12 Championship hopes.
Could the Horned Frogs or the Jayhawks make it all the way to the College Football Playoff? We’ve seen crazier things happen. It’s unlikely but as long as there’s a chance, the teams will continue to believe.
Let’s take a look at some history; the Horned Frogs, since 2012, have defeated the Jayhawks nine times, with their only loss in 2018. Disregard that, because let’s be honest, Kansas has undergone a complete and utter overhaul.
TCU and Kansas have entered into new eras, with the Horned Frogs led by head coach Sonny Dykes and the Jayhawks led by head coach Lance Leopold.
With ESPN’s College Gameday coming to Lawrence, the Horned Frogs and Jayhawks will have an opportunity in a high-pressure, electric environment to make a statement and cement their position at the top of the Big 12 Conference.
When TCU has the ball
For TCU, the game plan should be simple: keep doing what you’ve been doing. The Horned Frogs have done an excellent job spreading the football across the field, with an average of 11 players recording a reception per game.
In their dismantling of Oklahoma, the Frogs scored four 60-plus-yard touchdowns, including a 73-yard reception by wide receiver Taye Barber and a 69-yard rush by quarterback Max Duggan.
Duggan leads the FBS with a 202.18 passing efficiency rating and has zero turnovers. Against Cobie Bryant and the Jayhawk secondary, he’ll want to pass with caution, as turnovers could be the deciding factor in the ballgame.
Big plays will be important but the Frogs should not force anything, depending on the Jayhawk coverage. Duggan will have to stay cool under pressure, as the Kansas defensive line leads the Big 12 with 15 sacks. It’s worth noting that the Frog offensive line had its way with Oklahoma, who was the Big 12 leader last week.
If the passing game falters, the Horned Frogs can always rely on running back Kendra Miller to move the chains. Miller leads the Big 12 with an absurd 7.6 yards per carry and is averaging 96.5 yards per game.