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MOBILE ALABAMA BOWL HISTORY| MESSAGE BOARD 

Patterson to take TCU reins for bowl

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Gary Patterson will take over Texas Christian (No. 16 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 AP) a little sooner than originally planned.

The school said Thursday that Patterson, the defensive coordinator-turned-incoming head coach, will guide the Horned Frogs in the Mobile Bowl instead of predecessor Dennis Franchione.

Franchione left TCU to coach Alabama, but was going to lead the team into the Wednesday bowl game against Southern Mississippi.

Because Patterson already is familiar with the game plan, Franchione and athletic director Eric Hyman agreed that he should coach against Southern Miss. All the assistant coaches from this season will assist Patterson at the game.

"Having Gary coach the team is the right thing to do for TCU and for the student-athletes," Hyman said. "We were fortunate to hire a head coach in just seven days and we have been able to keep the stability and continuity in the program, making this an easier transition."

Franchione will be there as a fan.

"I care very deeply about the players and only desire what's best for them and for the university," he said. "I'll be a very interested observer at the game."




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