No. 2 TCU (0-0 overall, Big 12 0-0) at Minnesota (0-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
When: Thursday, 8:00 p.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Venue: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
TV/Radio: ESPN, Watch ESPN; Kool 108
Series: Series tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Sept. 13, 2014, TCU won 30-7 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Coach: Gary Patterson (15th season, 132-45)
National Championships: TCU (1); Minnesota (7)
INSIDE THE GAME
Marquee Opportunity
With the No. 2 team in the country coming to town to start the season during prime time, this game doesn’t need any extra hype for players, coaches, or fans. The chance to start the season with the type of upset this program hasn’t seen in years is something the Gophers have been looking forward to since January.
“Well, I think it soaked into our players as soon as the off-season started that we were going to open up with somebody that was either going to be No. 1 or No. 2 in the country, so I think our work habits were different,” said Kill.
Heisman Favorite
As of last week, Vegas had quarterback Trevone Boykin tied for the lead as a preseason favorite to take home college football’s most coveted individual trophy. The former wide receiver finished fourth in the voting last year after racking up 3901 passing yards, 707 yards on the ground, and 42 total touchdowns. The Gophers certainly know what to expect out of the dangerous Boykin.
“Boykin is a guy that’s got a very strong arm and he can throw BB’s out there, gets the ball out quick so he’s hard to sack, and he can run it as well as throw it,” said Kill. “And that’s probably the toughest thing is being able to keep him locked in the pocket and don’t let him get out of there and start running around everywhere.”
Fresh Faces
Six true freshmen debuted on the TCU depth chart; including two in starting roles. No. 25 KaVontae Turpin will handle the punt return duties while No. 34, Mike Freeze, will start at MLB for the Horned Frogs. Freeze was an early enrollee at TCU and earned praise from Gary Patterson during spring practice.
“Mike Freeze does some things naturally that you can’t teach,” Patterson told reporters. “And he was a safety in high school, never has played linebacker, so every day is a new day for him.”
Friend or Foe?
Longtime friends Jerry Kill and Gary Patterson have earned their respect in college football by their work ethic and ability to build programs. Thursday brings a chance for these friends to become rivals, something that has started to take place in the recent months off the field.
“Here about two or three weeks ago they needed something for their charity and his wife talked to my wife, but in the last month, no, we haven’t visited much,” said Kill. “I guess at all, really.”
Matchup to Watch
Minnesota offensive line vs. TCU defensive line — A deep and talented Horned Frog defensive line will certainly test the unique combination starting along the offensive line for the Gophers. The interior of the Minnesota line is composed of three players (LG Jon Christenson, C Brian Bobek, RG Connor Mayes) who combined for only one start last season for the Maroon and Gold. The Gophers’ biggest test along the TCU defensive front is senior defensive tackle, Davion Pierson. Pierson wreaked havoc last season against Minnesota. He anchored the line, clogged up running lanes, notched 1.5 sacks, and four tackles. He finished the year with 30 tackles—eight for a loss—and 3.5 sacks. To have sustained offensive success, Minnesota will have to neutralize TCU’s front four—which is no easy task.
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News reports that TCU’s defense, which lost six of its top seven tacklers from last season, could face even more turnover for the season opener. Patterson announced that the Horned Frogs will play Thursday’s game without two defensive starters. Late Tuesday evening, TCU released their depth chart which includes six players making their first start on defense.
Unlike TCU, the Gophers released their depth chart at a more reasonable time on Tuesday. A couple interesting tidbits: Lincoln Plsek and Duke Anyanwu will be out, giving Brandon Lingen and Nate Wozniak the start at tight end. Also, Cody Poock will get the start at mike linebacker over Everett Williams.
For those who love the X’s and O’s of college football, Grantland’s Chris B. Brown has an incredibly detailed article on TCU’s unique 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Take the time to read this article; it’s definitely worth it to help understand what the Gophers will be facing. With two potential starters out for Thursday’s game, it will be interesting to see the Horned Frogs’ ability to stifle the Gophers’ power attack.
Patterson had some nice things to say about his friend Jerry Kill and the Gophers. Carlos Mendez of the Star-Telegram reports that Patterson sees a bit of his 2014 TCU squad in the underrated Maroon and Gold. He notes that the Gophers played Ohio State as tough as any team all year, even Alabama and Oregon.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They tackle well in space — With freak athlete Trevone Boykin at the helm and a host of some of the fastest receivers Minnesota will face this year, the Gopher defense needs to be ready to tackle in the open field. Minnesota was able to cover the Horned Frog receivers last season.
“They run well, but we played with them last year, and I felt like we run with them fine,” said Tracy Claeys.
The longtime defensive coordinator went on to reiterate the importance of fundamental tackling in the open field.
“We can cover them, but if you don’t tackle them in space, all of a sudden one missed tackle that backs 15 yards, 18 yards and they make their way down the field,” said Claeys. “It’ll all come down to how we tackle. It won’t be whether we’re athletic enough to cover them.”
The Horned Frogs Win If…
They can replicate last year’s defensive performance — The 30-7 route last season was a wakeup call for the Gopher offense. The Maroon and Gold totaled just 268 total yards while turning the ball over five times and gaining just 99 yards on the ground. The Horned Frogs front swarmed the Gophers in the trenches, helping to force the key takeaways that turned the field. If TCU’s defense can be even half as good as they were at home last year against the Gophers, they’ll give their dangerous offense the ball and a short field to work with.
“We turned the ball over five times, and you turn the ball over five times, you’re not beating anybody,” said Kill. “There’s a lot of things that we can do on our own to take care of business to be able to have a good outing.”