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Five Arizona Defensive Stars TCU Must Stop In Big 12 Showdown
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- Five Arizona Defensive Stars TCU Must Stop In Big 12 Showdown
(Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images)
FORT WORTH - TCU quarterback Jaden Craig has another difficult assignment Friday night, and Arizona's defense could make life miserable if the Horned Frogs can't protect their quarterback.
The Horned Frogs (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) travel to Tucson to face No. 24 Arizona (6-2, 3-2) in a matchup featuring one of the conference's most aggressive defensive units.
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MORE: Five Arizona Offensive Stars TCU Must Stop In Friday Showdown
The Wildcats have recorded 25 sacks through eight games, ranking among the nation's top 10 in sacks per game. They're also allowing just 18.9 points and 334.5 total yards per contest.
For TCU, five Arizona defenders present particularly difficult matchups.
Chase Kennedy | LB
Kennedy is the biggest immediate concern for Craig and the Horned Frogs' offensive line.
The senior leads Arizona with six sacks, including one in Saturday's 34-26 loss to Texas Tech.
Kennedy recorded 2.5 sacks against Northern Arizona earlier this season and has established himself as the Wildcats' most productive pass rusher.
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His versatility allows defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales to generate pressure from different alignments.
TCU can't afford to let Kennedy repeatedly disrupt Craig's timing.
Taye Brown | LB
Brown is the centerpiece of Arizona's linebacker corps and one of its most consistent tacklers.
He entered last weekend as the Wildcats' leading tackler and added five stops against Texas Tech, including two tackles for loss.
Brown opened the season with 11 tackles against Northern Arizona and has remained productive against both the run and pass.
His ability to recognize plays quickly could present problems for TCU running back Jeremy Payne.
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Malcolm Hartzog Jr. | DB
Hartzog enters Friday's matchup following one of his strongest performances of the season.
The former Nebraska defender recorded 10 tackles, nine solo, and broke up a pass against Texas Tech.
Hartzog's physical approach makes him dangerous against receivers working underneath coverage.
TCU tight end Kari Ashley and the Horned Frogs' passing attack will need to account for his ability to close quickly on the football.
Cam Chapa | S
Chapa gives Arizona another versatile defender in the secondary.
He recorded seven tackles and forced a fumble against Texas Tech, helping the Wildcats remain competitive despite surrendering 34 points.
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Chapa also has an interception this season and provides support against the run.
For Craig, identifying Chapa before the snap will be important when attacking the middle of Arizona's defense.
Dwight Bootle II | CB
Bootle delivered an impressive performance against Texas Tech, finishing with seven solo tackles, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.
His ability to contribute in coverage and against the run makes him an important part of Arizona's defensive structure.
Bootle could also play a significant role in limiting TCU's yards after the catch.
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The bigger concern for the Horned Frogs is Arizona's collective defensive production.
The Wildcats have recorded multiple sacks in five of eight games and are allowing opponents to complete only 56.4 percent of their passes.
Arizona has also been particularly difficult to score against inside the red zone, allowing points on only 14 of 20 opportunities.
TCU must establish its running game, protect Craig and avoid third-and-long situations that allow Kennedy and the Wildcats' pass rush to attack.
The Horned Frogs have enough offensive talent to challenge Arizona, particularly with Ashley emerging as a productive receiving option.
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But if Craig spends Friday night running from pressure, TCU could struggle to keep pace with Noah Fifita and Arizona's explosive offense.
For the Horned Frogs, the path to an upset begins with winning the battle up front.
