Big 12 Spotlight: Injury bug bites Frogs defense early

We are only 60 minutes into the 2015 college football season and already have an intriguing storyline developing in the Big 12. The soap opera that is becoming the TCU defense could hold a key to whether or not the Frogs will be hopping into the national playoff picture come December 31st or a second tier bowl game.

As we saw in its 23-17 win over Minnesota, the defense appears to be in pretty good shape. Outside of an eight-play, 91-yard drive late in the game, the Purple Gang was pretty steady in keeping Gopher quarterback Mitch Leidner at bay. To attest to their effort, the Gophers were held to eight three-and-outs. Last year, TCU led the nation with 7.8 three-and-outs per game.

But this week coach Gary Patterson found out that middle linebacker Sammy Douglas shredded his MCL and will miss the rest of the season and defensive end James McFarland could miss significant time as well. Against the Gophers, Douglas played just two series and McFarland did not dress for the game as he is rehabbing a foot injury. Also, senior defensive tackle Davion Pierson did not make the trip to the Twin Cities due to an undisclosed injury.

But worry not about the Frogs, the next two games are against Stephen F. Austin and SMU, giving them time before their Big 12 opener at Texas Tech. And besides, if the Frogs' D can hold a Big Ten contender in check most of the game - even with just three returning starters in the lineup - that does bode well.

Additionally, coach Patterson said during his weekly press conference that the defense made "a lot of mistakes" but they were all correctable mistakes.

"We got a lot of formations from Minnesota that our guys weren't ready for and older guys do a better job of correcting that," Patterson said. "Even if we didn't handle something right, the next drive we were able to make adjustments. We've got to keep learning so we don't have to wait three or four plays to get it changed."

Must-watch game of the week

No. 19 Oklahoma at No. 23 Tennessee
Saturday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Is there anything better than Bob Stoops taking on an SEC team? Remember when he blustered about how the SEC was not as good as everyone thought and then he took his squad to New Orleans and beat Alabama? Well here's another chance for the SEC to cram some humble pie into Big Game Bob's grill. While Stoops is being mum on the subject this week, linebacker Eric Striker is taking the baton by saying, "I hope SEC players don't let it go to their heads because this is how you get beat. I look forward to it. Gas ‘em up. Bring ‘em back down to Earth." This promises to be fun.

Key Matchup: Oklahoma's skill players vs. Tennessee's back seven.

The big problem for the Vols is that their defense gave up 30 points and 557 yards to Bowling Green, including 433 through the air. Can you imagine how much Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield and his receiving corps are salivating over this one? Also, running back Samaje Perine will need to carry a bigger load to set the offensive tone in a hostile environment.

Under-the-radar game of the week

Rice at Texas
Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. ET (Longhorn Network)

This game would not have even been a blip on the radar under normal circumstances. That is, until the Texas was held to 163 total yards and eight three-and-outs in 12 offensive possessions at Notre Dame. Now, head coach Charlie Strong has taken wide receiver coach Jay Norvell and given him the play-calling duties and co-coordinators Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline were demoted. Look for the Longhorns to right the ship … or else.

Key Matchup: Rice QB Driphus Jackson vs. Texas defense

Driphus Jackson is an underrated dual-threat quarterback, who quietly had a solid season a year ago, throwing for 2,841 yards with 401 yards rushing while leading the Owls to a Hawaii Bowl win over Fresno State. While UT's offense was sick-kitten weak in South Bend, its defense wasn't much better, surrendering 527 yards and allowing the Irish to hold onto the ball for almost 40 minutes of the game. In addition, senior middle linebacker Dalton Santos is gone for the year after getting injured last week. Rice should be able to keep pace offensively, but quality of depth will be an issue in the second half.