Any chance TCU coach Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs had of lying low and preparing quietly for their first Thanksgiving showdown against Texas has gone out the door.
That's what coaching speculation will do to you, although Patterson was quick to quell that Monday. According to reports, Patterson is either a frontrunner or a leading candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant job at Arkansas. The Razorbacks will replace John L. Smith once the season ends.
Patterson shot down Arkansas talk quickly Monday during the Big 12 teleconference.
"I don't think there's anything to that," Patterson said.
Even if there were, Patterson wouldn't be talking about it. He's trying to get TCU ready for the game at Texas.
It will mark the first time the Horned Frogs (6-4, 3-4 in Big 12) have taken over the Thanksgiving spot opposite Texas (8-2, 5-2) that had been occupied by Texas A&M.
Patterson is looking forward to the opportunity.
"For us you watch the A&M-Texas game for many years to have an opportunity to be part of that venue and knowing all the eyes of the nation are on you I think is a mark of finally where we've become as a program," Patterson said. "To get an opportunity to play against the University of Texas and their tradition and everything, that's why we got in the conference. I'm excited about it. It's a week and a half away. We're going to try and get prepared for it so we can make a good showing."
The Frogs expect to have redshirt freshman quarterback Trevone Boykin for the Longhorns. Boykin has been forced to exit two of the past three games, including a 23-10 loss Saturday to Kansas State, now No. 1 in the BCS standings. He hurt his shoulder in that game but returned. Patterson said Boykin would get the shoulder checked Monday but should be good to go against Texas.
