Gary Patterson’s TCU defense & what it means for Texas

Really well done piece at SB Nation by Ian Boyd.

Quick takeaways:

1. Patterson’s observation that Texas is more veer-oriented than a true read zone offense is a really good one. Which is ultimately why I think Sam Ehlinger is the starting QB.
2. Patterson using triple option from the spread as a game planning and teaching tool for his defense is interesting stuff. He’s teaching his defenders how to deal with pass/run conflict and what their default should be if confused. Paralyzed defense is doomed defense.
3. Kingsbury’s quote about TCU dialing into what the offense wants to do (Tech only scored a field a goal against them last year) should be obvious for Texas fans. Over the last four games, Texas has averaged 8.25 points per game against the Horned Frogs and not scored more than 10 points in any one of those contests. All four games were pretty much over by the mid-2nd quarter. No one left the stadium wondering who out-coached who in any of them.

I’ve long been critical of the Big 12 as a demographic, talent and destination dead end (and I’m right), but the conference remains competitive despite those deficits because so many of its members currently feature all-time best head coaches (KSU, OSU, TCU) and young coaches (ISU, OU, BU) that are amongst the most dynamic and innovative in football.

It’s a coach’s league. If you can’t match X’s and O’s and lack overwhelming talent, you’ll get coached right off of the field.

**

I don’t think TCU takes a step back on defense in 2018, but they could very well struggle a bit on offense. Find out why:

Smashwords

Apple

Amazon