Frogs stay upbeat over chances of bowl game
A bowl game could await TCU if it wins its final two games -- a stretch that begins Saturday against UNLV -- and coach Gary Patterson said he saw the players' desire last week after losing at BYU.
The Horned Frogs (5-5, 2-4) have lost by a combined 18 points in their four Mountain West Conference losses. While there might be an overwhelming sense of frustration, no player has thrown in the towel.
Instead, they realize the importance of two games that could save the season.
"I think we're starting to play with that sense of urgency, and hopefully we will over the next two ballgames," Patterson said. "I saw it in their eyes in the locker room."
Patterson warns that UNLV won't be a pushover at Amon G. Carter Stadium, and the season finale at San Diego State will be difficult as well. He sees two athletic teams who are better than they were last season.
He still believes TCU is good enough to play in a bowl game, but there has been no margin for error. The MWC losses by three, three, seven and five points indicate that.
"We haven't been good enough," Patterson said. "That's where we are right now. When you've lost some of your warriors, you don't have much leeway."
Accountability rule
The bench will remain the destination for quarterbacks who throw interceptions, but Gary Patterson said the intent isn't to penalize either Andy Dalton or Marcus Jackson.
The message Patterson hopes to deliver is that the quarterbacks have an obligation to the team to not make poor throws that add to TCU's season-long turnover woes.
Dalton went to the bench in the third quarter against BYU after tossing an interception that set up a 3-yard TD drive for the Cougars. It wasn't a long banishment, though, as he relieved Marcus Jackson in the fourth quarter. Marcus Jackson has also been pulled for an interception, tossing one late against New Mexico.
"I think it's good for both of them," Patterson said. "It's an accountability to the whole team."
Briefly
The Frogs' defense ranks in the top 30 nationally in seven categories, including seventh in pass-efficiency defense. But they don't lead the conference in any of those rankings. TCU leads the MWC in net punting and punt returns.
BYU linebacker Kelly Poppinga is the conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against TCU. He had 17 tackles, one for loss, and an interception.
UNLV at TCU
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Amon G. Carter Stadium
Records: 5-5, 2-4 Mountain West; UNLV 2-8, 1-5
Radio: KMKI/620 AM, KTCU/88.7 FM
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