Brock gives credit for his day to Bears
For at least one game, the best of his injury-filled career, Marcus Brock was the go-to receiver TCU had searched for during fall camp.
The senior had a five catches for 47 yards -- both career-highs -- in the Horned Frogs' 27-0 victory over Baylor, including a 16-yarder on the game's initial play from scrimmage.
But the performance, he said, was more the result of the Bears' defense taking away the middle of the field and allowing receivers to roam with less coverage on the boundaries.
Still, Brock had matched his 2006 receptions total (three) in the first quarter and had passed it by halftime.
"Career night, most definitely," Brock said. "They were making us stretch the field a little bit. I'm not upset about it, and I'm glad we got in there and did a great job."
Picking back up
TCU senior cornerback Torrey Stewart made himself known to Baylor receivers in the second half on Saturday.
Stewart, who finished with six tackles, was challenged by Bears receivers in the third quarter and came up with key stops on two third-down plays.
"I feel a lot better about the three corners I have right now, plus [redshirt freshman] Alex [Ibiloye], who played on special teams, than I did a year ago," TCU coach Gary Patterson said. "I went in with three guys who never played a down in college football."
Patterson pointed out that Stewart, a senior who transferred last year from Holmes Community College, finished 2006 strong. He had three interceptions in the final three games, including a 20-yard return for a touchdown against Air Force.
Game 2 of 3 ahead
Gary Patterson said his team's three games against Baylor, Texas and SMU would be measuring-stick games in terms of recruiting.
Recruits can only commit orally right now, and the Horned Frogs currently have four, according to Rivals.com, trailing Texas (19), Baylor (16) and SMU (7).
"Some kids figure out that getting a degree, and winning a lot of ballgames, and getting a bowl ring, and winning championships is more important than going to a conference," he said. "Right now, I'm just going to love the guys that want to come here."
TCU played host to a large group of prospects on Saturday.
Briefly
Backup quarterback Marcus Jackson entered the game on the Frogs' fourth series, the first of the second quarter, but the sophomore couldn't get a first down in three plays. He returned for the final two drives. Coaches had said during fall camp that the backup would play early on in the opener.
Senior kicker Chris Manfredini hit field goals from 27 and 34 yards out after missing a 29-yard try to the right on TCU's first series.
Staff writer Trae Thompson contributed to this report.
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