GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Texas Tech QB vs. TCU defense. It will be difficult to predict or scout this game as neither team has a definitive starting quarterback. However, whoever plays for the Red Raiders will face a challenge in moving against the Horned Frogs. TCU is surrendering just 303.6 yards per game, ranking 12th nationally in that category. Furthermore, the Horned Frogs allow just 3.5 yards per rush and 5.74 yards per pass attempt. Safety Innis Gaines is TCU’s defensive playmaker as he has 6.5 TFLs, an interception and six pass breakups.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Dakota Allen led Texas Tech with 12 tackles versus West Virginia. Like the rest of the Red Raiders, he came alive in the second half and came up with a crucial half a sack that added to Texas Tech’s momentum surge.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Alan Bowman left the West Virginia game late in the first half when he was hit by two Mountaineers in the upper body. Bowman was diagnosed with a partially collapsed lung and admitted to a Lubbock hospital, where he was observed until the following Wednesday. Kingsbury said there were no broken ribs and Bowman rejoined the team late last week.
–QB McLane Carter suffered a high ankle sprain in the first quarter versus Ole Miss and hasn’t played the last four games. Kingsbury said he doesn’t want to put Carter back in the game until he can fully push off the injured ankle.
–WR T.J. Vasher has a knee injury that kept him out of the West Virginia game. Kingsbury said on Monday that Vasher has been limited in practice and will be a game-time decision for the TCU game.
–RB Da’Leon Ward missed three games with a groin injury but returned to action against West Virginia.
–RB Tre King missed three games with a knee injury. He returned to action and carried twice for 16 yards against West Virginia.
–CB Octavious Morgan suffered a lower leg injury in the first scrimmage of training camp. It appears that he is out for the season, though Texas Tech hasn’t said that officially.
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