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Patterson's patience for trick plays grows with TCU's switch to spread
Gary Patterson's TCU teams used to be known for punishing defenses and run-of-the-mill offenses. That's all changed since he begrudgingly accepted advice to transform his trusted, but antiquated smash-mouth offense into a modern-day fireworks show.
The aerial assault the No. 4 Horned Frogs unleash virtually every Saturday, known as the "Air Raid" offense, has also spawned a trick-play section to the playbook that the old Gary Patterson wouldn't exactly consult unless absolutely necessary. Now that's changed, too.
So much so that TCU's very first play last week on the road against Texas Tech was a pass from a receiver. Not just any receiver, but a freshman, KaVontae Turpin.
"I’ve changed a lot in the last two years, to be honest with you,” Patterson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Then Patterson smiled and said, “I’ve never laid a guy down in the end zone.”
That's a reference to a trick play called last season against Oklahoma on a kickoff. Running back B.J. Catalon laid down in the end zone, camouflaged by the colored turf, then stood up, received the ball and picked up a sizable chunk of yardage (see video below).
"In this league, you have to steal chances,” Patterson said. “You have to steal opportunities -- if they’re there. And if they’re not, then you’ve got to be smart.”
Certainly the Texas coaching staff has been attempting to dig into TCU's bag of tricks for Saturday's Big 12 game in Fort Worth.
(h/t Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
