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Frogs
emphasize offensive chances
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor
After Saturday’s upset loss at the hands of then
3-6 East Carolina, the Frogs (8-2, 5-2 Conference USA)
know that overlooking 3-8 Memphis is not a wise option.
It
was one of the main points that head coach Gary Patterson
brought up in his weekly press conference.
“This
is a very talented Memphis team coming into town,”
Patterson said. “I said it three weeks ago and
I still say it: These last two ballgames (including
ECU) are going to be two very tough ballgames.”
While
their record doesn’t appear to show much talent
on the squad, Patterson said that is not the case, and
pointed to turnovers as the main downfall of the Tigers
this season.
Despite
the Frogs’ success with running the football, Patterson
pointed out that the Frogs must rely on it even more
to win Saturday.
Patterson
quickly pointed out though that the team must take advantage
of opportunities to score, and piling up yards doesn’t
necessarily get it done.
“Just
like in the last two ballgames, Tulane and East Carolina,
(in) total yardage we basically doubled both teams,”
Patterson said. “We barely came out with a win
on one and didn’t on the other. It still comes
down to you have to score points when you get down there.
It’s not going to change this week.”
Unselfish play
Despite
his 675 yards rushing this season, Patterson said Lonta
Hobbs will once again not start at running back. He
said the decision is due to chemistry and the respect
that Hobbs has for junior Ricky Madison. Patterson said
Madison has played a big role in helping Hobbs get ready
to play, by helping him with questions he may have and
getting him mentally prepared.
Dunbar
doubtful
Senior
wide receiver LaTarence Dunbar more than likely will
not play Saturday due to an eye injury he suffered against
East Carolina Saturday. Patterson said Dunbar has his
eye completely covered, and the fear is that a hit might
make the eye come out of place. He said the rest of
the receivers and seniors will have to pick up the slack
for Dunbar.
Thanksgiving
plans
Patterson
said the team will have a morning workout Thursday.
Afterwards, all players within “reasonable distance”
could go home for the day, and return Friday. He said
players that are not on the traveling squad will be
allowed to go home, and come back on Saturday. Patterson
also said the team will hold its own Thanksgiving dinner
at 12:30 p.m., and is welcome to family of the players
who are staying at TCU for the holiday.
d.r.gillham@tcu.edu
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