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sportsTCU Horned Frogs

Gary Patterson says TCU players needs to bring their own energy with limited stadium capacity

Patterson said there is no advantage to playing at home -- players have to bring the energy like they do on the road.

The Horned Frogs were unable to get it done Saturday, losing 21-14 to Kansas State. TCU fell to 1-2, both losses decided by a single score.

With a bye week ahead of the Frogs, here are three takeaways from head coach Gary Patterson’s appearance during this week’s Big 12 teleconference:

Defense dictates plays

Sophomore quarterback Max Duggan took lots of hits against the Wildcats. Patterson said it isn’t that TCU wants him to keep the ball or give it away, but that the defense dictates what happens during the play.

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Patterson emphasized that all of his young running backs have been doing a good job of carrying the ball, but when reading the defense, Duggan sometimes is forced to keep to ball.

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He mentioned that Sunday’s practice was a light one as the team has played three very physical games.

Bring the energy

With a reduced crowd at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Patterson focused on the fact the Horned Frogs have to bring their own energy.

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Patterson said there is no advantage to playing at home -- the players have to bring the energy like they do on the road.

He said ultimately the team needs to find a way to win ballgames.

“We need one more point on offense and one less point on defense,” Patterson said.

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This can be done through finishing in the fourth quarter. Patterson said since both of the team’s losses were decided by one score, its record would look different if the Frogs were able to stop one more big play.

“Two weeks ago we finished and this week we didn’t,” Patterson said.

Andy Dalton and Cowboys win

Patterson said he felt bad for Dak Prescott, who suffered a compound ankle fracture and dislocation Sunday in Arlington. The Frogs recruited the former Mississippi State quarterback and Patterson said he was a great guy and that no one deserves what happened to him. He wished Prescott a speedy recovery and that everything works out for him.

Patterson also said he was happy for former Horned Frog Andy Dalton to get the opportunity to lead the Cowboys to a win against the Giants.

Find more TCU coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.