Here is a my recap of TCU’s loss to LSU on Saturday and my keys
to the game.
There was some concern with how the inexperienced TCU Offensive
Line would deal with one of the SEC’s best defensive fronts. How did TCU
respond? By throwing on 6 of their first 7 plays. Offensive play calling by TCU
was just that, Offensive. TCU ran the ball 25 times and passed 29. No attempt
to establish the run against a team playing without their top linebacker. When
TCU did attempt to run, they were pretty successful.
•
B.J Catalon 8 carries for 53 yards (6.5 per
carry)
•
Waymon James 6 for 33 (5.5 per carry)
•
Casey Pachall 2 for 16 (8.0 per carry)
This needs to change. By contrast, LSU ran 80 Offensive plays (46
runs, 34 passes) The ability to run the ball wears down a defense and causes
the linebackers to cheat up to stop the
run. This leads directly to my next point.
The LSU receiving tandem of Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry had
good stats but upon further review, the TCU secondary was pretty good. Here is
the breakdown:
•
Kevin White was the focus of much of the LSU
targeting but only gave up 4 receptions while defending 4 passes.
•
Jason Verrett had 3 passes defended while only
giving up 2 receptions for 18 yards.
•
Sam Carter only allowed a 20 yard TD to Landry,
although it was a 7 yard route and a missed tackle.
•
Chris Hackett allowed 2 receptions for 27 yards.
•
Elisha Olabode allowed 3 receptions for 46
yards.
TCU was playing a soft zone for much of the game. This was more
conservative than normally seen under Coach Patterson. Most of these passes
were in the zone just over the Linebackers and in front of the Safeties.
I fully expect this team to bounce back this Saturday when TCU
hosts Southeastern Louisiana at 11 am at Amon G. Carter Stadium. I fully expect
TCU to bounce back from this loss and show the rest of the Big 12 who they
really are. Expect 100 yard rushing games from BOTH Waymon James and B.J. Catalon.
