FORT WORTH - TCU football has one of the nation's best defenses, but Saturday's Big 12 showdown against West Virginia could present the Horned Frogs with their toughest challenge yet.

TCU (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) hosts West Virginia (4-3, 1-3) at Amon G. Carter Stadium for an 11 a.m. CT kickoff on ESPN2. The Horned Frogs are coming off a 17-6 victory over Baylor, while the Mountaineers outlasted Cincinnati 45-42.

MORE: TCU's Elite Defense Faces West Virginia's 38-Point Scoring Machine

Five matchups could determine whether Sonny Dykes' team builds some much-needed momentum.

TCU's Defensive Front vs. Michael Hawkins Jr.

West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. might be the most dangerous dual-threat player TCU has faced this season.

Hawkins has rushed for 749 yards and 14 touchdowns while throwing for 1,519 yards and 10 scores. Against Cincinnati, he erupted for 464 passing yards and three touchdowns.

TCU defensive linemen Markis Deal, Ansel Din-Mbuh and Zach Chapman must control the line of scrimmage while preventing Hawkins from escaping containment.

"He's a true dual-threat guy," Dykes said.

Former Horned Frog Cam Cook vs. TCU's Run Defense

Cook returns to Fort Worth as West Virginia's leading running back, bringing 833 rushing yards into the matchup.

The Mountaineers average 272.4 rushing yards per game, fifth nationally.

TCU, however, allows just 92 rushing yards per contest and limited Baylor to 54 last Saturday.

Keeping Cook contained would force West Virginia into more predictable situations and give defensive coordinator Andy Avalos additional opportunities to pressure Hawkins.

Jaden Craig vs. West Virginia's Secondary

This matchup strongly favors TCU on paper.

Craig has thrown for 1,694 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 282.3 passing yards per game.

West Virginia's secondary allows 310.1 yards per contest, ranking among the nation's worst.

Receivers Jordan Dwyer and Ed Small should find opportunities against a defense that surrendered 389 passing yards to Cincinnati quarterback JC French.

Craig must capitalize without forcing unnecessary turnovers.

Jeremy Payne vs. West Virginia's Run Defense

TCU's rushing attack remains a major concern.

The Horned Frogs average just 110 rushing yards per game, ranking 125th nationally. Payne leads the team with 429 yards and two touchdowns.

West Virginia allows 173.7 rushing yards per game, providing TCU an opportunity to establish offensive balance.

"We still have to get our run game going," Dykes acknowledged.

TCU's Third-Down Defense vs. West Virginia's Tempo

The Mountaineers operate one of college football's fastest offenses, averaging 497.1 total yards and 37.6 points per game.

TCU counters with a defense allowing just 264.2 yards and 12.2 points.

The Horned Frogs must communicate effectively, avoid substitutions at the wrong time and get off the field on third down.

MORE: TCU Faces Former Frog Cam Cook In Dangerous West Virginia Showdown

Saturday offers TCU an opportunity to prove its defense can contain an explosive offense while its own offense takes advantage of a vulnerable opponent.

If both units deliver, the Horned Frogs could turn a difficult first half of the season into a promising second-half run.