After defeating SMU 48-17 last week, TCU (2-2) looks to keep up its momentum against Oklahoma (4-0), who comes into the game after defeating Notre Dame 35-21.
Here’s who to watch for the game:
TCU
Sam Carter, Safety, Junior
Carter starred against SMU last week, recording five tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a touchdown. Carter’s breakout performance proves he is a player to watch for this weekend’s game against the Sooners. Oklahoma quarterback Blake Bell has completed 71 percent of his passes for 6 touchdowns and no interceptions this season. If Carter can disrupt Bell’s rhythm and capitalize on a few mistakes, he could end up being TCU’s hero once again.
Waymon James, Tailback, Senior
James has quietly been putting up solid stats this season, averaging over five yards per carry with three touchdowns. In addition, his rushing attempts have increased every game. The best way to attack Oklahoma’s defense might be on the ground, as its pass defense has been much better than the run defense so far this year. If James and the running game can get started early on Saturday, quarterback Trevone Boykin and the Frogs' offense may be able to fire on all cylinders for the first time this season.
Derrick Kindred, Safety, Sophomore
Head coach Gary Patterson has praised Kindred in recent weeks, saying that his size and speed allows the defense to play more man coverage and to disrupt the routes of opposing receivers. Patterson has also said that Kindred has the chance to be a special player in his defense. Kindred’s versatility could be a game changer against a potent Oklahoma offense, so look to see how he fits in alongside the likes of Sam Carter and Chris Hackett in the secondary.
Oklahoma
Blake Bell, Quarterback, Redshirt Junior
A junior out of Wichita Kansas, Bell is off to a tremendous start in 2013. Through four games in 2013, Bell has a completion percentage of 71.2 percent, and has thrown for six touchdowns and no interceptions. Having had the starting job taken away from him in week 1, Bell has had a lot to prove this season, and has proven to head coach Bob Stoops that he should be and will be the starter going forward. In his only two starts this season, Bell has thrown for at least two touchdowns and 200 yards, going for four touchdowns and 415 yards against Tulsa two weeks ago. In the third quarter against Notre Dame, Bell left the game with an apparent leg injury. He did return in the fourth quarter to finish the game, however, so it appears that Bell will be ready to go come Saturday.
Sterling Shepard, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
One man who has profited greatly from the return of Bell is sophomore wide receiver Sterling Shepard. In Bell's first game back against Tulsa, he made it very clear as to who was his favorite receiver was, connecting with Shepard eight times for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Shepard's eight catches were a career-high. While the case can be made that he performed well against a sub par team in Tulsa, his five catches for 83 yards and a touchdown against No. 22 Notre Dame are certainly noteworthy. Going forward, look for the Shepard-Bell connection to strengthen and grow as they continue to play together.
Aaron Colvin, Cornerback, Senior
Widely regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in college football, Aaron Colvin leads a very strong Oklahoma secondary in 2013. The Sooners are allowing 12 points per game, the sixth best average in the FBS. One of the reasons the OU secondary has been so impenetrable is largely thanks to the efforts of Colvin. In week 3, Colvin was sidelined against Tulsa after sustaining an injury against West Virginia, and his absence could not have been more noticeable. Tulsa Quarterback Cody Green threw for 226 yards and just a week later, after Colvin's return, Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Reese was held to only 104 yards, a statistical testament to Colvin's impact on the field. Should TCU take to the air on Saturday, it would be wise to not throw the ball anywhere near Aaron Colvin.
