Utes and Frogs game has big BCS implications
It doesn't get much bigger than this.
Tonight's battle between 10th-ranked Utah (9-0) and 11th-ranked TCU (9-1) pits two teams pursuing Bowl Championship Series inclusion and Mountain West Conference title hopes. The stakes are high in a showdown that will be televised nationally on the CBS College Sports Network in front of what could be the largest crowd in Rice-Eccles Stadium history.
"This is what you coach for," said TCU coach Gary Patterson.
"I'm excited for our kids to have the opportunity to play on the big stage."
The college football world will be watching this one closely.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, however, is hoping to keep his team grounded.
"It's exciting to get our players in the national spotlight," he said. "But we have to approach it as business as usual."
Both teams sport strong defenses. TCU leads the nation in defending the run. The Horned Frogs are giving up just 38.9 yards per game on the ground. They're second in total defense (214.5 ypg) and third in scoring defense (10.8 ppg).
Defensive end Jerry Hughes headlines the Frogs' defensive effort. He tops the country with 14 sacks and is among the overall leaders in fumbles forced and tackles-for-loss.
"We have to devise a plan to handle him," Whittingham said. "They have great speed on defense. They're very similar to an SEC defense, speed wise. Every aspect of their defensive corps is strong.
"Pretty impressive."
Patterson, likewise, has respect for Utah's defense. The Utes are seventh in the nation in total defense (266.2 ypg) and third against the run (89 ypg). Defensive end Paul Kruger averages 1.61 tackles-per-loss, eighth-best in the nation.
"Defensively, you've got both teams coming right at you." Patterson said.
On offense, TCU and Utah enter the game as the top scoring teams in the MWC. Both average over 36 points per game.
"Field position will be huge in a game like this. Both offenses are in the top third of the league in just about every category," Whittingham said. "In my opinion, special teams and turnover margin will play a big role in this game."
Patterson has similar thoughts.
"It's all about field position and takeaways," he said. "Control the football, get first downs and don't turn the ball over."
If it does come down to the little things, like special teams success, Utah has the advantage of All-American kicker/punter Louie Sakoda. As usual, the senior is prepared to make a difference.
"I think it will definitely be a special teams battle," Sakoda said.
Time will tell. Obviously, there could be a lot of variables in a game like this.
Whittingham hopes playing in Salt Lake City is one of them."Being at home is a huge advantage for us whether we are in a short week or not," he said. "We have a great fan base, and it will be standing room only. The place will be packed."
EXTRA POINTS: The Horned Frogs can clinch at least a share of the conference crown with a victory. The Utes, meanwhile, can take sole possession of first place with a win. ...
It doesn't get much bigger than this.
Tonight's battle between 10th-ranked Utah (9-0) and 11th-ranked TCU (9-1) pits two teams pursuing Bowl Championship Series inclusion and Mountain West Conference title hopes. The stakes are high in a showdown that will be televised nationally on the CBS College Sports Network in front of what could be the largest crowd in Rice-Eccles Stadium history.
"This is what you coach for," said TCU coach Gary Patterson.
"I'm excited for our kids to have the opportunity to play on the big stage."
The college football world will be watching this one closely.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, however, is hoping to keep his team grounded.
"It's exciting to get our players in the national spotlight," he said. "But we have to approach it as business as usual."
Both teams sport strong defenses. TCU leads the nation in defending the run. The Horned Frogs are giving up just 38.9 yards per game on the ground. They're second in total defense (214.5 ypg) and third in scoring defense (10.8 ppg).
Defensive end Jerry Hughes headlines the Frogs' defensive effort. He tops the country with 14 sacks and is among the overall leaders in fumbles forced and tackles-for-loss.
"We have to devise a plan to handle him," Whittingham said. "They have great speed on defense. They're very similar to an SEC defense, speed wise. Every aspect of their defensive corps is strong.
"Pretty impressive."
Patterson, likewise, has respect for Utah's defense. The Utes are seventh in the nation in total defense (266.2 ypg) and third against the run (89 ypg). Defensive end Paul Kruger averages 1.61 tackles-per-loss, eighth-best in the nation.
"Defensively, you've got both teams coming right at you." Patterson said.
On offense, TCU and Utah enter the game as the top scoring teams in the MWC. Both average over 36 points per game.
"Field position will be huge in a game like this. Both offenses are in the top third of the league in just about every category," Whittingham said. "In my opinion, special teams and turnover margin will play a big role in this game."
Patterson has similar thoughts.
"It's all about field position and takeaways," he said. "Control the football, get first downs and don't turn the ball over."
If it does come down to the little things, like special teams success, Utah has the advantage of All-American kicker/punter Louie Sakoda. As usual, the senior is prepared to make a difference.
"I think it will definitely be a special teams battle," Sakoda said.
Time will tell. Obviously, there could be a lot of variables in a game like this.
Whittingham hopes playing in Salt Lake City is one of them."Being at home is a huge advantage for us whether we are in a short week or not," he said. "We have a great fan base, and it will be standing room only. The place will be packed."
EXTRA POINTS: The Horned Frogs can clinch at least a share of the conference crown with a victory. The Utes, meanwhile, can take sole possession of first place with a win. ...
