In the days leading up to the 2016 Alamo Bowl, the Emerald will take a unit-by-unit look at Oregon and TCU, determining which team has the edge going into the showdown on Jan. 2 in San Antonio. Today, we’ll look at each team’s linebackers. 
Oregon
Oregon boasted a rather deep and experienced group of linebackers this year. On the inside, Rodney Hardrick and Joe Walker had combined for 156 tackles in 2014 and will undoubtedly eclipse that total after the Alamo Bowl. The seniors have combined for 154 so far this season, with Walker leading the team with 82. On the outside, Christian French, Tyson Coleman and Terrodney Prevot have combined for 22.5 tackles for loss.
All together, the unit has helped the defense become considerably better at stopping the run than in previous years. Although the stat sheet may say running backs averaged 4.8 yards per carry, it was clear this season that containing ball carriers was the Ducks’ strength on defense.
TCU 
Hurt by injuries at the beginning of the season, TCU was forced to start two converted safeties at linebacker in its contest against Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 12. Mike Freeze and Sammy Douglas were expected to be starting linebackers this season, however neither have seen the field since September. Douglas suffered a season-ending injury and Freeze left the team on a personal leave of absence.
Those filling in their shoes have experienced mixed reviews throughout the season, but have clearly improved as the year waged on. Exemplifying just that was freshman linebacker Ty Summers’ 23 tackles in the Horned Frogs’ win over Baylor. In addition, TCU, which runs a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, ranks fourth in the Big 12 in total defense, allowing 564.3 yards per game. Opposing rushing attacks are averaging 182.3 yards per game.
Advantage: Oregon
There’s a key difference between TCU and Oregon when it comes to this position: Experience. While TCU has certainly gotten production from first-time starters this year, the combination of guys like Joe Walker and Tyson Coleman appears to give the Ducks a slight edge.
Dec. 26: Offensive line preview
Dec. 27: Tight ends preview
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