Usually when a team loses one of it biggest on-field contributors, it's inevitable that the team will falter or miss a step. That hasn't been the case with this year's No.19 TCU (3-0) team.

Last week, the Horned Frogs were without the services of their starting quarterback and top two running backs ÷ and still went on to beat Vanderbilt 30-14. TCU could be missing those same players tomorrow at 7 p.m., when they take on the Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.

"We don't dwell on (injuries) very much," TCU head coach Gary Patterson said. "You either have kids that want to win games or find excuses not to play. A lot of the guys on the injury list are still practicing. You just have to go with it."

The Horned Frogs lost starting tailback Ricky Madison for the season in their win over Navy in week two, and have seen only limited action from their backup tailback, Lonta Hobbs, who had just five carries in last week's win. Missing their top two backs, TCU's rushing attack didn't miss a beat in the win.

In his first collegiate action, redshirt freshman tailback Robert Merrill ran for 119 yards on 29 carries to pace a 182-yard rushing day for the Frogs.

Merrill wasn't the only backup to shine for TCU last week.

Making his first career start, junior quarterback Brandon Hassell made a solid contribution, going 15-for-30 for 227 yards and a touchdown.

"Hassell has come on at quarterback and has really demonstrated an ability to run their offense," Arizona head coach John Mackovic said.

Hassell was filling in for quarterback Tye Gunn, who was injured in practice.

Patterson said Gunn would make the trip to Tucson, but would definitely not start. He said walk-on Kyle Krummer was taking the second-string snaps during this week's practice.

"We won't really know until Saturday before the game if Tye is going to play," Patterson said. "We have to see how he looks during walkthroughs. We have to remember that we were able to win without him and Lonta (Hobbs) both last week."

Besides getting solid contributions from their bench, TCU's defense has been another huge reason for the team's success.

Last season, the Horned Frogs finished as the No. 1-ranked defense in the nation, allowing just over 240 yards a contest. This year's crew isn't far behind.

TCU is currently ranked 31st in the nation in total defense and is holding opponents to less than 100 yards rushing a game ÷ a potential problem for an Arizona team averaging just over 100 yards on the ground.

"They play the run very tough because there are people close to the line all the time," Mackovic said. "They just feel if you have to pass that many times, the odds are in their favor to get some turnovers."

The Horned Frogs are also very successful at getting points off their opponents' turnovers.

TCU has forced eight turnovers in the team's first three wins, converting them into 35 points.