The bye week could not have came at a better time for both of these teams, as both are coming off tough losses; with TCU losing 41-3 to Kansas State and Texas Tech losing 27-14 to BYU.
Multiple players noted that during the bye week they went to head coach Sonny Dykes’ house for a barbecue and team bonding.
“It was important for us to meet up, its always good to spend time with your guys and bond,” said offensive lineman Willis Patrick.
He noted that even though the team sits at 4-4, it is important to finish strong and get to a bowl game.
If the Frogs want to make that bowl game, this week is a must-win with only four games left to be played.
Dykes liked what he saw during the bye week, and remains confident in his team.
“When you get your tail kicked like we did against Kansas State, it allowed us to address some issues we needed to address.”
Coming off the worst loss of the season, the Frogs look to get back on track against a team they’ve had success against recently. The Frogs have gotten the best of the Red Raiders, beating them in their last four matchups.
Texas Tech should not be taken lightly, though, as Lubbock has always been a tough place for teams to play. Earlier this season, the Red Raiders gave No. 6 Oregon a run for their money.
“I think we are about where we gotta be going into week nine,” Dykes said.
Look for the Frogs to get back to the basics this game after a disheartening offensive showing in Manhattan. Establishing a run game with Emani Bailey early in the game is vital for the offense, as that should open up the secondary for Josh Hoover to perform like he did against BYU.
In other quarterback news, Dykes provided a positive update on the health of Chandler Morris.
“Chandler is progressing well, he is one to two weeks ahead of schedule,” he said.
If Hoover can bounce back and continues to play well, it will be interesting to see how the position battle will play out later into the season.
As for the uniforms, TCU will be sporting the all-white look.
The icey-white uniforms may just have some magic in them.
These same uniforms were worn in the miracle last-second win against Baylor last season and during the Fiesta Bowl win against Michigan.
A win against Texas Tech would have the Frogs at 5-4, and additionally gives the Frogs a longer week to prepare for the No. 7-ranked Texas Longhorns, who they host next week.
“We gotta find our culture, our brotherhood,” said Bailey.
It’s now or never to find that culture and turn the season around for this TCU team.
Kickoff is set for Thursday 6 p.m. from Jones AT&T Stadium, and broadcasting on FS1.
