Big 12 Power Rankings: K-State Re-Establishing Themselves in Conference

Nov 2, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Casey Pachall (4) celebrates throwing a touchdown pass with offensive tackle Aviante Collins (69) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. West Virginia won 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

8. TCU Horned Frogs

Record: 3-6 (1-5)

Previous Ranking: 7

Last Week: WVU 30, TCU 27 (Overtime)

This Week: at Iowa State

Next Week: at Kansas State

TCU is in danger of missing a bowl game for only the second time in the Gary Patterson era if they cannot sweep the rest of the season. That’s how brutal TCU’s overtime loss to West Virginia was last week, and why the Horned Frogs are likely going to be sitting at home come December.

Two things stood out in TCU’s loss. First, WVU’s Charles Sims rushed for 154 yard and touchdown against the Big 12’s second best rushing defense. If TCU isn’t going to play shutdown defense then winning games is something that just isn’t going to happen for the Horned Frogs. And it wasn’t like West Virginia was some kind of run-first kind of team, coming in ranked sixth in the conference in rushing yards per game and a scoring offense in the bottom third of the league.

Second, Casey Pachall completed 40-of-58 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns, an offensive explosion the Horned Frogs haven’s seen from their passing game all season. Of course, they could do noting in the running game with out the threat of Trevone Boykin taking off, resulting in only 60 rushing yards on 29 carries.

TCU can play the kind of defense necessary to slow down Big 12 offenses and compete for a conference championship, but the offensive struggles are very worrisome. How long will it take Gary Patterson to fix this or will he take off for a higher profile job before trying?