In the next few months or so, we expect the discussion of expansion and adding a championship game to be a hot topic in the Big 12 and college football rankings. Many people feel that TCU head coach Gary Patterson makes a very good point when he notes that the expansions will make things easier for TCU, however, he remains in favor of the league as it stands. During a recent teleconference with reporters, Patterson says that even though it’s very tough, he still “like the model that we have now.†The league hasn’t taken action on expansion, and the ten teams remain in place for at least another year. In the same teleconference, other head coaches’ expresses support for the current model, which includes that round-robin schedule and a no championship game.
When Texas Coach Charlie Strong, along with Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, were asked about their stand on the looming issue, did not weigh in on the merits of the issue, but they expressed their acceptance with the current system. “I don’t know how it would be that positive,†Coach Stoops said about the championship game. Other head coaches didn’t voice strong opinions, but it seems that trust the “judgments of the Big 12 leadership.â€
Patterson Remarks regarding J.W. Walsh
Speaking about Walsh, Patterson seemed to be a fan of Denton Guyer’s favorite son. Walsh, a former Oklahoma state quarterback, joined TCU as an assistant coach last winter, and though he seemed to learn under Co-offensive Coordinator Doug Meacham, Walsh is a hard working young man who fits in, and bring lots of Big 10 experiences in the league, according to Patterson. Walsh has played for four years at Oklahoma State and has got an impressive history in the Big 12.
The QB Competition – It’s Not Settled Yet
Even after months of expecting to succeed Trevone Boykin, Kenny Hill a former Texas A & M quarterback still hopes that he will, as he and Foster Sawyer will have to be evaluated, at least in part, by the leadership they will show in summer. “I think it’s for the better, that both of them to work through see who will take the leadership through the summer month,†Patterson said. “That’s what we did two years ago with Trevone, we put the same offense in him, all the way up about a week before the first game… I don’t see that changing now.â€
When asked to compare them, Patterson said, they are both athletes, with each one of them with own uniqueness, and there is no way to know who will take the leadership, at this point.
Spring’s Impression
Patterson said that the linebacker and receiver position is where his hopes lie on to heading into summer and credited Isaiah Graham a freshman receiver to be “One of the greatest surprises†of the spring practice as well as Kyle Hicks for emerging as a leader. Travin Howard and Montrel Wilson have experience in both positions, and Patterson noted that he is very confident in them.
Patterson also noted how he has been impressed KaVontae Turpin work at H-back, who last year caught eight touchdown passes as a freshman, including a Big 12 record four in the game against Texas. Turpin is also listed as the punt and kickoff returner.