TCU Coach Sonny Dykes Shares High Praise for Duke Watson
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Duke Watson has become a star for the UCF Knights and has impressed other Big 12 coaches, who are game-planning against him.
TCU coach Sonny Dykes called Watson a "big play running back," with blazing speed that makes him dangerous in the open field.
"We're going to have to do a really good job of containing him, not let him get started and then find ways to tackle him when he gets in the open field," Dykes said during TCU's media availability.
Watson is leading the running back corps with 270 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries. He's averaging 11 yards per carry, leading the nation as he did as a freshman at Louisville.
Coach Scott Frost said the Knights would go as far as quarterback Alonza Barnett III takes them, but most of the team's success has been tied to the Louisville transfer's performance.
He ran for 110 yards and scored one touchdown on seven carries in a blowout win over Bethune-Cookman, and rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries in a second-half comeback win against Georgia State.
UCF faced the Pittsburgh Panthers in Week 2 and was held to 20 rushing yards by a historically great run defense. Pittsburgh neutralized Watson, and the team scored seven points in a five-point loss.
TCU presents the same issues as Pittsburgh. The program has limited opponents to 79.3 yards per game, which is fifth-best in the conference.
Limiting the star running back puts pressure on Keyone Jenkins, who's starting his second game, to stabilize the offense with his passing. He struggled in his debut last Saturday, throwing 7-for-17 with one touchdown.
Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper is aiming to balance UCF's attack against TCU. He wants to get the playmakers involved early and help Jenkins ease into his role during the season's toughest stretch.
The Knights have a revamped receiving corps, one capable of making backbreaking plays in the deep passing game.
Monmouth transfer Josh Derry lit the FCS with his speed, tallying 1,123 yards (14.78 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns on 76 receptions. He earned an All-CAA First Team honor for a stellar junior season.
Freshman Tyren Hornes has also been a favorable deep threat this season. His impressive spring and fall camp performances have earned him legitimate playing time in the first three weeks, and the trend could continue in conference play.
A balanced attack could reopen the rushing attack for Watson to make his backbreaking plays against a strong run defense. UCF will need its offense clicking on all cylinders to rely on its star running back when needed the most.
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