West Virginia vs. TCU: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

FORT WORTH, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: TCU Horned Frogs running back Darius Anderson (6) celebrates with offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom (68) and guard Austin Schlottmann (51) after a touchdown during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Southern Methodist Mustangs on September 16, 2017 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU defeats SMU 56-36. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – SEPTEMBER 9: Darius Anderson #6 of the TCU Horned Frogs runs the ball during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Keys for TCU

Gary Patterson had a perfect plan in place to slow down the high-powered Oklahoma State offense, and will likely roll out with a similar strategy this weekend.

The Horned Frogs held the ball for over 39 minutes behind running back Darius Anderson, who racked up 26 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns. After the Horned Frogs went out in front, Hill was mostly asked to throw only check-downs and short slants, and only made one bad throw on a second-quarter interception as a result.

Expect another heavy dose of Anderson on Saturday, as West Virginia ranks 120th in the nation with 5.9 yards allowed per rush and surrendered nearly 300 yards to Kansas’ Khalil Herbert. While Hill will need to be careful against a defense that has been forcing turnovers at a high rate over the past three weeks, he may be able to do some damage with his legs after the Mountaineers struggled to contain Virginia Tech’s Josh Jackson in the opener.

Crawford and backfield mate Kennedy McKoy are a tough challenge for any defense, so TCU’s speedy and athletic front seven will need to match its performance from the Oklahoma State game. Defensive end Ban Banogu and linebacker Travin Howard will look to take advantage of a West Virginia offensive line that has performed well yet is still a bit of a question mark after losing three All-Big 12 starters in the offseason.

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