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On the heels of a monumental victory over Notre Dame, in South Bend, the Sooners return to conference play this Saturday evening when they host TCU. Oklahoma is 8-4 all-time against the Horned Frogs with the most recent loss coming at the onset of the 2005 season.
TCU has been plagued by injuries this season but, despite a 2-2 record, they're still an extremely dangerous team as evidenced by their 31 fourth quarter points they scored on SMU last Saturday. The Frogs dropped the season opener against LSU and then fell short in their conference opener at Texas Tech. Their two wins on the season came against SE Louisiana and SMU.
Offensively they are scoring an average of 30.8 points per game which ranks them 7th in the Big Twelve and 66th nationally. On the ground, B.J. Catalon leads the rushing attack with a team high 214 yards and 5.8 yards per carry average on 37 carries. The TCU rushing attack grinds out 149.3 yards per game which is 8th in the Big Twelve and 82nd nationally.
"This focus this week has to be 10 times better than it was last week. We have to be even more focused than were against Notre Dame because we cannot let TCU come in here and beat us. We have to continue with the intensity, we have to continue to be humble and hungry and everything we are doing. So the focus this week has to be at an all-time high because we have to win this game and not have a letdown." - Linebacker Corey Nelson
Quarterback Trevone Boykin had his best game of the season last week against SMU with 228 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Even at that, TCU ranks 9th in the conference and 94th nationally with an average of 200 passing yards per game. Brandon Carter has been a favorite target this season. The one time Sooner commit has a team high 13 receptions for 156 yards and is averaging 12 yards per catch.
The TCU offensive line has allowed five quarterback sacks in 2013 and are helping the team to a 4.1 yards per carry rushing average.
On paper you'd have to think that this match-up favors the Oklahoma defense. The Sooners are 2nd in the Big Twelve and 6th nationally in scoring defense at an average of 12 points allowed per game. OU is the top passing defense in the Big Twelve at an average 169 yards allowed per game. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 48.6 percent of their passes against the Sooners and have thrown a combined six interceptions to two touchdowns.
Swapping sides of the ball, TCU has the Big Twelve's 8th best scoring defense (50th nationally) and are 8th in the conference against the pass (238 yards per game) and 3rd against the rush (115.8 yards per game).
"It is really important. Every week is important. We do not want to lose so we have to be focused and get back on our grind. Even if we win, whomever we beat, we need to keep trying until we get to the championship." -Offensive Lineman Daryl Williams
Safeties Chris Hackett and Elisha Olabode lead the team in total tackles at 24 each. Olabode did not play last week due to an injury and his status for this game is uncertain as well. Sophomore defensive end Devonte Fields is also questionable for Saturday's game as well.
Regardless of the personnel, this TCU defense will present a stiff challenge to Oklahoma's rushing attack and will bring a secondary that specializes in forcing turnovers. The Frogs have nabbed a conference high nine interceptions against opponents this season and will be looking to force Blake Bell into throwing his first pick of the season on Saturday.