TCU Football: Keys to the Game, Week 13

Frogs travel to Norman on the verge of bowl eligibility

The TCU Horned Frogs are set for a date with the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners on Friday, with kickoff slated for 11 a.m. Coming off the back of a 42-17 victory over the Baylor Bears the week prior, TCU travels to Norman in search of their 6th win of the season, which would see them step into bowl eligibility.

But for the Frogs to generate a tremendous upset, they must execute on these keys to the game.

Win the turnover battle:

Statistically speaking, TCU holds a record of 0-5 when losing the turnover battle. Three of these losses have ended in one-score games. As a result, TCU is tied for 121st in the nation with a -8 turnover margin, while the Sooners are tied for 4th best turnover margin with +12. It is imperative that TCU takes care of the football in both the rushing and passing game.

Emani Bailey is really like that. pic.twitter.com/sv3g7g4LtX

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 21, 2023

Aside from Emani Bailey’s red zone fumble on the opening drive against Baylor on Saturday, it was a clean night for Josh Hoover and the rest of the team. While winning the turnover battle is crucial, it also means TCU must take advantage of Oklahoma turnovers, should they be presented. It is one thing to force a turnover, but it is another to score off those mistakes.

Spread the ball offensively:

Against Baylor, Jared Wiley broke loose for a career game with seven catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Coming off the back of that performance, TCU must expect Oklahoma to have a plan to nullify the tight end. It doesn’t mean TCU should target Wiley, but Hoover needs to be ready to spread the ball to his other receivers.

Jared Wiley and Josh Hoover have been named Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Players of the Week - Honorable Mention pic.twitter.com/sD4i6Wr0S0

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 21, 2023

J.P. Richardson had six receptions for 42 yards, and Jaylon Robinson hauled in three catches for 46 against Baylor. Not to mention, despite only getting two catches, Savion Williams put up 51 yards against the Bears. While Wiley ate up the majority of the targets last week, this week could be a whole new story.

What is great about this Frogs offense is that it has depth and Hoover has shown he can trust his receivers and spread the ball when needed.

Keep Dillon Gabriel in the pocket:

Perhaps the biggest threat to this TCU team is Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Coming off an upper-body injury against the BYU Cougars, TCU could have him right where they want him. 

The senior is having a tremendous season with over 3,200 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. While Gabriel completes an efficient 69.9% of his passes, he is also incredibly deadly using his legs.

Nov 18, 2023; Provo, Utah, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium / © Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The Sooner quarterback is not afraid to escape from the pocket. In fact, he’s done so 86 times this season for 337 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. His best game, rushing-wise, came in a 34-30 victory over the Texas Longhorns where Gabriel rushed for 113 yards.

For the Frogs to contain Gabriel to the pocket they will need to get push from their defensive line, who registered their first sack in the month of November on Saturday against Baylor. Pressuring Gabriel quickly will not allow him time to find his talented receivers downfield. Furthermore, if TCU can at least make him hurry his decisions, they will have a much better chance to win the game.

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