TCU will put the nation’s longest winning streak on the line Saturday when it hosts No. 22 Texas Tech in front of a sold-out crowd at Amon Carter Stadium.With their win last week, the Frogs extended their winning streak to 12 games, which is three games ahead of the winning streaks of West Virginia and Ohio State.
“Anytime you’re first in the country that’s special,” sophomore linebacker Jason Phillips said.
In order for that streak to continue, the Frogs will have to get past the tough Texas Tech Red Raiders, who are ranked No. 22 and No. 24 in the USA Today and Associated Press polls, respectively.
The game will be the first regular season match-up of teams ranked in the top 25 at TCU since 1984, when No. 12 TCU lost to No. 10 University of Texas.
This will be the first meeting between the two schools since the Frogs visited Lubbock in 2004 when the Red Raiders won 70-35.
The Frogs will enter this game riding a wave of confidence after opening the 2006 campaign with back-to-back wins, including a win over the Baylor Bears, another Big 12 opponent and former Southwest Conference nemesis.
TCU has won three straight games versus the Big 12, including wins dating back to last season’s opener at Oklahoma. The Frogs also defeated Iowa State in the 2005 EV1.net Houston Bowl to close the season at 11-1.
Both teams have shown a strong offense so far this season. Through two games, both the Frogs and the Red Raiders are averaging over 30 points per game. Tech is No. 9 in total offense, averaging 490 yards per game, and TCU is averaging 396 yards.
“We’re on the right track right now, we just gotta keep building, building, building our offense to be where we were last year and even better than that,” said Aaron Brown, running back.
The Frogs, averaging 184.5 yards per game on the ground, will have the edge rushing the ball in this week’s game, while the Red Raiders average just 120.5 yards.
The real test for the Frogs will come when Tech goes to the air. They led the nation in all passing categories last season except for touchdowns in which they were tied for No. 3 in the nation. Tech is also ranked No. 2 this season averaging 369.5 yards per game and have scored seven touchdowns through the air so far in 2006
In their first two games, the Frogs have allowed just one touchdown pass, but have allowed an average of 255.5 yards per game through the air.
But when Tech turns to the rush, TCU should have the edge when it comes to stopping the run. The Frogs are ranked No. 7 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing an average of 36.5 yards per game.
The Red Raiders will have their hands full trying to stop the Frogs’ rushing game. Tech’s rushing defense allows an average of 119 yards per game.
Even with the Frog’s defensive advantage, look for this to be a high scoring game that will test where the Frogs stand among the nation’s best.
“I’m sure it will be a thrill a minute,” head coach Gary Patterson said.
All stats taken from NCAA.com and the game press release from TCU Media Relations.
