Frog Report Card

Passing offense: C-
The TCU passing attack showed little cohesion behind senior Sean Stilley. He completed a paltry 11 passes on 26 attempts for 96 yards. He received little help from his receivers who dropped several passes for first downs. Senior wide receiver Adrian Madise’s absence due to injury did not make life any easier for Stilley.

Rushing offense: A+
Eighteen-year-old freshman Lonta Hobbs is not just playing with the big boys, he is dominating them. He rushed for 124 yards on 23 carries. Stilley lumbered for 39 more yards and blasted a Tulane defender on a block that enabled senior LaTarence Dunbar to cut across field and run for a 38-yard gain.

Passing defense: A
TCU’s pass defense sacked quarterbacks J.P. Losman and Derrick Joseph nine times. The two quarterbacks were scrambling for their life on most plays. Senior linebacker LaMarcus McDonald notched four sacks for the second consecutive game. Junior defensive lineman Richard Evans added three more sacks. Credit TCU’s secondary for allowing 168 passing yards and breaking up eight passes despite referees who were quick to throw the flag on even the slightest contact between receiver and defensive back.

Rushing defense: A+
Tulane running back Mewelde Moore managed a minuscule 15 yards on the ground against TCU’s run defense. TCU now leads the nation in rushing defense, allowing 56.2 yards a game.

Special teams: B
Redshirt freshman Zack Moore blocked a Seth Marler punt in the end zone that sophomore Cody McCarty recovered for TCU’s only touchdown. Senior Joey Biasatti was crucial in this field position battle. He punted seven times for a 41.9 average, including a 63-yarder that stopped at Tulane’s 1-yard line. Junior Nick Browne connected on three of five field goal attempts. His two consecutive misses could have provided a two-possession cushion for TCU. TCU’s kickoff defense is still suspect, allowing five returns for 148 yards.

— Jay Zuckerman