2* - TCU (-6.5)
The TCU Horned Frogs are currently ranked #15 in the Coaches Poll which is the team?s highest position since 1959. HC Gary Peterson has done a phenomenal job in Fort Worth but despite their success on the field and status in the polls, he still does not feel that the Frogs are getting their just due. Patterson told reporters this week that, ?I get tired of being treated like a stepchild in this state and in this town, and my kids do, too. I think (my players) deserve more respect than what people around here have given them.? I will say that I have to agree with him.
Cougar QB John Beck returns to play in this game after spraining both ankles against Boston College two weeks ago. The injury to his right ankle has required that he wear a soft walking cast and he did not play in the game against Utah State last week. ?I?m definitely still limited in my mobility, being able to run," Beck told the Salt Lake Tribune. "We?ve just got to try to get me back to running on my toes, because I haven?t able to do anything on my toes. Everything was flat-footed. I?m still moving around a little flat-footed out there." Not good news considering that BYU is starting redshirt freshman Ryan Freeman at center and due to significant injuries, two other starters on their offensive line will be watching from the sidelines.
The Brigham Young offense is averaging 30.8 points and 442.0 yards per game but those numbers are lopsided due to the games against Tulsa and Utah State and the team has not fared well in two losses against tougher competition like Arizona and Boston College.
TCU falls in the latter category and has allowed just 23 total points in their three games. Against pass-happy teams like Baylor and Texas Tech, TCU has been very strong defensively and it is difficult to imagine them melting down here. The offense will be bolstered by the return of running backs Robert Merrill and Lonta Hobbs who have been recuperating from injuries. BYU is beat up and will be playing on a short week while TCU has had nearly two weeks off to prepare for their division rivals. I see the Frogs covering this one in a game that should end somewhere close to 24-14.
The TCU Horned Frogs are currently ranked #15 in the Coaches Poll which is the team?s highest position since 1959. HC Gary Peterson has done a phenomenal job in Fort Worth but despite their success on the field and status in the polls, he still does not feel that the Frogs are getting their just due. Patterson told reporters this week that, ?I get tired of being treated like a stepchild in this state and in this town, and my kids do, too. I think (my players) deserve more respect than what people around here have given them.? I will say that I have to agree with him.
Cougar QB John Beck returns to play in this game after spraining both ankles against Boston College two weeks ago. The injury to his right ankle has required that he wear a soft walking cast and he did not play in the game against Utah State last week. ?I?m definitely still limited in my mobility, being able to run," Beck told the Salt Lake Tribune. "We?ve just got to try to get me back to running on my toes, because I haven?t able to do anything on my toes. Everything was flat-footed. I?m still moving around a little flat-footed out there." Not good news considering that BYU is starting redshirt freshman Ryan Freeman at center and due to significant injuries, two other starters on their offensive line will be watching from the sidelines.
The Brigham Young offense is averaging 30.8 points and 442.0 yards per game but those numbers are lopsided due to the games against Tulsa and Utah State and the team has not fared well in two losses against tougher competition like Arizona and Boston College.
TCU falls in the latter category and has allowed just 23 total points in their three games. Against pass-happy teams like Baylor and Texas Tech, TCU has been very strong defensively and it is difficult to imagine them melting down here. The offense will be bolstered by the return of running backs Robert Merrill and Lonta Hobbs who have been recuperating from injuries. BYU is beat up and will be playing on a short week while TCU has had nearly two weeks off to prepare for their division rivals. I see the Frogs covering this one in a game that should end somewhere close to 24-14.
