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TCU Coach Sonny Dykes Shares High Praise for Duke Watson

UCF running back Duke Watson is drawing heavy attention from opposing Big 12 coaching staffs ahead of a matchup with TCU. Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes recently highlighted the transfer's explosive speed and big play capability, noting that his team must focus heavily on containment and tackling in space.

Watson currently paces his position group with 270 yards and three touchdowns across 27 attempts, leading the nation with an average of 11 yards per carry. This early success includes standout performances of 110 rushing yards against Bethune-Cookman and 177 yards in a comeback victory over Georgia State.

However, the ground game hit a major roadblock during Week 2 when the Pittsburgh Panthers held the star ball carrier to just 20 yards en route to a narrow five-point defeat. TCU enters the upcoming contest boasting a formidable run defense that surrenders only 79.3 yards per contest, ranking fifth across the conference.

That defensive pressure places a heavy burden on quarterback Keyone Jenkins as he prepares for his second career start following a 7-for-17 passing debut. Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper hopes to establish an early rhythm by utilizing a revamped wide receiver room featuring Monmouth transfer Josh Derry and freshman deep threat Tyren Hornes.

A more balanced offensive approach could ultimately unlock running lanes for Watson to generate more damaging plays against another stout defensive front.

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