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1. The 4-2-5, everyone.
The defense brought the wood today. They came into the day ranked 82nd in yards allowed and 87th in points allowed, yet gave up just over 300 total yards against the Longhorns. Yes, Texas offense can be one-dimensional at times and is still rebuilding, but it’s clear tackling was a priority this week during practice. Montrel Wilson was a beast today at linebacker and Denzel Johnson at safety seemed like he was all over the field. The defensive line with Tuaua back was able to create havoc on the Texas offensive line by getting pressure on Jerrod Heard on passing downs yet keeping him contained and unable to scramble for many yards at a time. The deep ball is still this defense’s kryptonite, but if the pass rush can keep up the pressure, they may be able to mitigate the damage somewhat against better opponents.
2. #TurpinTime
Kevontae Turpin is still awesome. Filling in for slot receiver Ty Slanina, he had 4 catches, 121 yards, and 3 TDs… in the first half. He added another touchdown grab in the third. On one of them, he just juked the shoes off of one of the Texas safeties, and after 5 games, he’s seriously making a case for the Freshman All-America team.
3. TCU’s Stars Continue to Shine
Boykin to Doctson is one of the most beautiful things in college football. Doctson just makes it look so easy. Aaron Green continues to get big chunks of yardage without breaking the big one, but we all know it’s just a matter of time.
4. Special. Teams.
Texas’ special teams make us all appreciate just how good TCU’s is, in particular Ethan Perry today. When his number has been called this season he’s been lights-out, and 4 of his 5 punts were downed inside the 20 today including one that rolled all the way to the 4. Legatron (Jaden Oberkrom) hasn’t been as unstoppable, but has been as reliable this year as ever, and the coverage teams have been fantastic; I can’t even remember the last time TCU had a kick or punt returned against them for a touchdown.
5. Goodbye, Records
With Josh Boyce in the house and Andy Dalton giving props via twitter, Boykin broke Dalton’s school record for career pass TDs and Doctson broke Boyce’s school record for receiving TDs. With at least 7 games left on the schedule, these guys have a chance to blow the covers off the record books.
Stat nugget of the day: Per FWST’s Carlos Mendez, TCU has had only one scoreless quarter this season, the second at Minnesota.