Patterson meets with the media to discuss the Lobos
11/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 7, 2006
FORT WORTH, Texas -- TCU football coach Gary Patterson met with the media Tuesday in the John Justin Athletic Center.Included below are excerpts from the news conference as the Horned Frogs prepare for Saturday's game at New Mexico.
Does New Mexico provide a challenge for you with all it presents offensively?
"They do. They work out of a two-back set which causes a lot of problems. Every week has a unique challenge, and this week is no different. They do a lot of trick stuff on offense, so there's a lot of preparation that goes into it for us."
Is this your first time back to New Mexico since you coached there (1996-97)?
"It's my first time back since 1997. I have a lot of good friends there. Through the years, I've had people stay in touch with me wherever we have been. New Mexico is special because it was my first chance to be a Division I defensive coordinator."
What have you seen from the New Mexico quarterback (Donovan Porterie)?
"He's from the state of Texas and a great player. I like quarterbacks who can make plays with their feet, and he's athletic and throws the ball well. The team rallies behind him, and that's the key."
The TCU offensive line has only allowed nine sacks this season. How much have they improved?
"We've never given up a lot of sacks. If you look in the conference, we're among the leaders in total offense. The key is we haven't gotten the ball in the end zone when we've been in the red zone."
Can you talk about the progression of TCU tight end Shae Reagan?
"He's stayed healthy and made some big catches and big plays. Shae has also made progress with his blocking. When you move from quarterback to tight end, you don't have to stick your head in there very much. He's exactly what we thought he'd be when we recruited him. He has a big body with tremendous ability who can run like a wide receiver."
How far has TCU safety Marvin White come in a year?
"He has improved a lot from a year ago when he was second-team all-conference. He's been very good at being a leader, making plays, understanding the defense and what people are trying to do to him. He's what a senior is supposed to be. The same could be said about Jarrarcea Williams on our defensive line."
