MakingTheGrade
Compiled by Braden Howell and Brent Yarina

Quarterback: C+
Because of a leg injury Tye Gunn sustained early in the second half, both Gunn and Brandon Hassell saw significant playing time Saturday night. Neither signal caller played their best game against UAB, but they did combine to complete 50 percent of their pass attempts. Gunn completed 14 of 26 pass attempts for 136 yards while Hassell completed 4 of 10 for 57 yards. Each quarterback finished the night with one interception. Even though the final statistics were not that impressive for either quarterback, they kept the team in the game and managed the game wisely.

Running Back: A-
The Frogs running game was back Saturday after a mediocre performance last week against South Florida. Robert Merrill led the team with 90 yards on 16 carries, but it was Lonta Hobbs who made the biggest plays. Despite carrying the ball 16 times for only 55 yards, Hobbs had a pair of touchdown runs, including the eventual game winning score on a 10-yard run. Senior fullback Kenny Hayter made the most of each one of his carries. Hayter had 55 yards on four carries. Overall, six different Frogs carried the ball for 212 yards.

Wide Receivers: B
Reggie Harrell continues to assume the role of the team’s primary receiver. He has proven to be the most consistent and reliable option in the passing game for whoever is throwing the ball his way. Harrell found holes in the UAB secondary all game long Saturday, finishing with a career-high seven receptions for 89 yards. Freshman Cory Rodgers, who had three receptions for 41 yards, is assuming a larger role in the offense with every passing game. His big play ability has him on the field in many areas, whether it be as a receiver, out of the backfield or as a punt and kick returner. Eight different Frogs had a reception, giving the team 193 yards through the air.

Offensive Line: A-
The offensive line did a wonderful job against a physical and talented UAB defense. It opened up big holes for the running game all game long and only allowed one sack. Both Gunn and Hassell were provided with great protection, allowing each of them to find the open man downfield. On the ground, the offensive line paved the way for 212 rushing yards at an average of 4.4 yards a carry.

Defensive Line: B
The Frogs defensive line continued their dominance against the run, holding UAB to under 100 yards and running back Trey Chaney to 41 yards on 15 carries. However, quarterback Darrell Hackney ran wild against the Frogs, gaining 58 yards on just five carries. In addition, the Frogs only managed one sack against the Blazers, and it came against backup quarterback Chris Williams. After manhandling the linemen against USF, the defensive line looked like it lost a step against UAB.

Linebackers: A-
Josh Goolsby and Martin Patterson turned in a great performance against UAB. Patterson led the Frogs with 13 tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage, and it was Goolsby’s punishing hit that knocked quarterback Darrell Hackney out of the game. The linebackers again looked a little slow in pass coverage, but if they can start getting to the quarterback more consistently, it won’t matter.

Secondary: C+
The secondary held both UAB quarterbacks to under 50 percent completion percentage. However, the big play plagued the Frogs as Darrell Hackney shredded the secondary for 262 yards on just eight completions. The Frogs did have to overcome several key injuries to the secondary, but no matter who plays, the Frogs will not survive by allowing 32 yards a completion. A bright spot for the depleted secondary was Chris Peoples’ interception with 1:14 left in the game to secure TCU the victory.

Special Teams: A
Nick Browne continues to make his case as a favorite for the Lou Groza Award. He was successful on all four field goal attempts, including two from almost 50 yards, which was crucial because the Frogs struggled moving the ball at times. John Braziel also did a good job at pinning UAB deep in its own territory. He averaged just 36.4 yards a punt, but that’s because the Frogs were usually punting from around mid-field, and Braziel was able to get a couple punts inside the five yard line. On returns, Cory Rodgers came close but is still looking for a game-breaking return.

Overall: B-
In their last game before the initial BCS standings were released, the Frogs had one last chance to prove they belong among the nation’s elite. Unfortunately, they provided more fuel for the doubters. They are beat up and not playing up to their potential. They remain one of just five undefeated teams in Division I-A, but if they keep playing down to the level of their opposition, then a BCS bowl is definitely out of the question, and the Frogs will struggle to make the Liberty Bowl. You can only just get by for so long.
Compiled by Braden Howell and Brent Yarina