TCU is just one win away from qualifying for a bowl game.
The Frogs could claim their sixth victory Saturday when they face the No.11 Oklahoma State Cowboys.
“Bowl games are important not for just the game but because it means you won more than you lost,” TCU head coach Gary Patterson said. “It’s about keeping your job.”
Patterson said it doesn’t matter what bowl the Horned Frogs make.
“There’s not a bad bowl,” Patterson said. “We’ve been in 16 bowls in 18 years and I’d love to make it 17 of 19.”
Saturday marks Patterson’s 200th game as head coach.
“I’d rather get to 150 wins than coach 200 games but it’s hard to stick around at one place in college football today,” Patterson said.
With a 148-51 record as head coach, Patterson is two games away from surpassing Dutch Meyer who coached 201 games.
The Cowboys’ offense represents a significant challenge.
OSU quarterback Mason Rudolph has the fifth-most passing yards in the nation with 3384 passing yards to go along with 24 touchdown passes and just four interceptions.
“They’re probably the best passing attack in the Big 12,” TCU defensive end James McFarland said.
OSU wide receiver James Washington is second in the Big 12 and eighth in the nation with 1,132 receiving yards, wide receiver Jalen McCleskey leads the Cowboys in catches with 62 and wide receiver Jhajuan Seales averages 15.9 yards per catch.
However, Oklahoma State has allowed the most sacks in the Big 12, and TCU leads the Big 12 in sacks per game and is No. 2 in the country, averaging 3.78 sacks per game.
OSU’s defense ranks 72nd nationally in points allowed, 29.3 points allowed per game. The Horned Frog offense was red-hot when they thumped Baylor 62-22 earlier this month.
The Horned Frogs will likely lean on running back Kyle Hicks, who ran for a career-high 192 yards and five touchdowns against the Bears.
“He’s been stellar all season long and we depend on him,” TCU wide receiver John Diarse said. “Kyle has a nose for making plays.”
Hicks is one of five running backs in the nation with over 700 yards rushing and 300 yards receiving.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Amon G. Stadium.
