Patterson discusses Saturday's game at UNLV
10/31/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 31, 2006
FORT WORTH, Texas -- TCU football coach Gary Patterson met with the media Tuesday as the Horned Frogs prepare for Saturday's nationally-televised (VERSUS) contest at UNLV.Included below are comments from Patterson at Tuesday's news conference.
How do UNLV's skill players match up?
"It will be the best skill players we've played since Texas Tech. On defense, you have transfers (cornerback) Eric Wright from USC, (safety) Tony Cade from Oklahoma and Mil`Von James, a corner from UCLA. Beau Bell, their linebacker, is among the national leaders in tackles. On offense, the quarterback (Rocky Hinds) is a great talent who transferred from USC. They've always had good skill players, and we have a lot of work to do to prepare for them."
You've forced seven turnovers in the last two games. What's created those takeaways?
"We've always talked about it. I'm fired up about our kickoff team causing two fumbles in the last two games. This means there's a lot of intensity going down the field, which I think sets the tempo for the game."
How do you evaluate your offense after the win over Wyoming?
"I thought our offense was more aggressive last week. For us to have a chance to keep winning, we have to keep attacking and try to take advantage of every weakness a team has."
On the success of TCU's pass rush against Wyoming ...
"They're more of a drop-back team than other opponents we've played. Teams have tried to get the ball off in less than two seconds, and it's hard to get any sacks when they are doing that. We were able to get into position where it was second or third-and-long, and we could play coverages that make them hold the ball longer."
On the recent play of Horned Frog defensive lineman Jarrarcea Williams ...
"It's what seniors do. JW was the fourth nose guard on the depth chart a year ago. A couple of guys then graduated. All of a sudden, he's a senior doing what seniors are supposed to do."
TCU had success against UNLV last season. Are you concerned about the team being complacent?
"Maybe if we were undefeated. When you're looking up in the standings like we are, there's no margin for error. To get to a bowl game, you have to win three or four of your last five games. There are six or seven teams in the conference who have a chance to go to a bowl game, and you only have four slots for sure. With BYU undefeated and the way they're playing, you have to try to be the second-best team in the league."
With a team-best 32 receptions, has wide receiver Quentily Harmon exceeded your expectations this year?
"I've expected it from him for three years, but the previous two seasons he's been injured. It's hurt him to not be as productive as he's been. He ran a 4.38 or 4.37 for the pro scouts, has great hands and runs great routes."
