2008 Final Dominance Ranking

Spreadsheets and Blogger don't get along easily, so if we find a better way to post this, we'll fix this and the '09 ranking post below. Meanwhile, here's the 2008 final Dominance Rankings.

1 Florida
2 Alabama
3 Virginia Tech
4 Boise St.
4 Southern California
6 Boston College
7 Penn St.
8 TCU
9 Texas
10 Cincinnati
11 Ball St.
12 Utah
13 East Carolina
14 Iowa
15 Ohio St.
16 Mississippi
17 Florida St.
17 California
19 Arizona
20 Oklahoma
20 Rutgers
22 Troy
23 Clemson
24 BYU
25 South Fla.
(#26 through 120 in the comment below.)

2008 Retrospective

The season is now relegated to the past tense; the Frogs have put up their pads and helmets. Before turning our attention to the next contests, the Wimple offers this perusal of the '08 season.

In April, the Wimple correctly fingered Oklahoma and Utah as the toughest matches for the Frogs; both proved the only red marks on an otherwise remarkable season-- and the latter only by the rottenest luck of all. The Frogs' defense racked up the best ranking in the nation, and the offense improved substantially over its '07 incarnation, setting a new school record for points. The complete package garnered TCU's highest AP final ranking in generations: 7th.

But at Oklahoma and Utah, points were not plentiful. Turnovers proved the culprit in Norman, and in Utah, a more general offensive malaise. While Joe Turner's tough running was absent in Salt Lake City, the Wimple wonders why Luke Shivers or Chris Smith was not tasked to tote the rock near the endzone in that fateful fourth quarter. Shivers performed that very deed admirably at other times this season; Smith was infrequently entrusted with the same.

Gary Patterson often credited superior senior leadership when asked to point out the source of this team's success. The rollcall of those seniors is a list of fantastic Frogs indeed: Matt Panfil, Giles Montgomery, James Vess, Cody Moore, Walter Bryant, Blake Schlueter, Justin Watts, and of course the more lauded Phillips, Henson, Coleman, Hodge, Brown, etc. Replacing these leaders will be a primary concern in 2009-- but that's fodder for a future post.

This year's Frogs went a long way toward pushing TCU into the top of the conference. Plainly Utah was destined for a higher position, but the Frogs are at least as likely as the Utes to move upward next season. This is a tremendous legacy for the '08 team, and if the '09 team lives up to its potential, its more remarkable story must begin with this year's successes.

Last, while generally occuring under the surface, the 2008 recruiting by TCU's coaches and players may prove to be their greatest legacy of all. Even ESPN is noticing. The future Frogs ($) that will sign on February 4 (some of whom are already enrolled) are substantially more talented than any previous class since the bad old days when TCU paid for bluechip recruits, and then paid for those payments with the walking death penalty.

Looking now to the Mountain West, the conference had a banner year. Troy Calhoun far exceeded my expectations with his very young squad at Air Force; Steve Fairchild made remarkable hay with his CSU Rams, as did Mike Sanford at UNLV, and of course Kyle Whittingham at Utah. The MWC both assembled a great pile of football capital, and cashed in on it in grandest style, with Utah's riveting crushing of Alabama in New Orleans, and to a lesser extent, TCU's and CSU's beating WAC teams in bowls. Wyoming and San Diego State disappointed-- the latter all the more when it fired Chuck Long, whose successor will reap the rewards of Long's very good work with the Aztec program.

In sum, the conference continues its rise. In 2008, it not only firmly planted itself as the best of the non-cartel conferences, but spent a year in considerably better limelight than the Big East, and even the ACC for stretches.

MWC > SEC

Remind me, Coach Saban: who's the team from the "real BCS conference"? Would it be the 13-0 team from somewhere out West that just beat the snot out of your pampered elite Crimson Tide? Or is it the wimps from Tuscaloosa who gave up with time still on the clock, after their QB went down for the... 6th (7?) sack of the day?

Ahh... how stereotypes suffer when the underdogs come out with better motivation, preparation, and coaching. In sum, one could call it a... quest perfected. Congratulations Utah, and Mountain West Conference.

Here's SMQ, Fiutak's gamenotes;

TCU 17, Boise State 16

Five years ago to the day, Boise State beat TCU in the inaugural Fort Worth Bowl, because the Frogs missed a field goal. Today, wearing Sam Baugh's 45 on their helmets, the TCU Horned Frogs beat the Broncos by 1-- and it was Boise that missed a field goal. It was sweet revenge in a squeaker of a game.

TCU played a typical game, holding Boise State to just 28 yards rushing, and holding the ball over 36 minutes. The Frogs' offense was sluggish at times, including throwing an interception each by Dalton and Kerley. Joe Turner and Aaron Brown ran for touchdowns; Dalton and Christian were key on their feet as well (Christian hustled not only for key yards, but to a key tackle after an interception). Hughes sacked Kellen Moore, Hodge had a game-saving interception, and the Frogs' defense generally stifled the Broncos very impressively after the first quarter.

The victory is TCU's fourth consecutive bowl win-- a Frog record-- and this senior class's 41st win-- another record. The Frogs finish the season 2-2 against top-10 competition. Rumors have it Boise State will be invited to join the Mountain West this offseason; the Wimple hopes this occurs.

Here's a highlights compliation-- watch it in high quality; AP; ESPN's recap video and a short interview with CGP; Watson's first impressions; CBSsports.com; FWST special; MM Frogs Pull Rank; Washington, Hodge turn up intensity; LeBreton: Frogs take risk, earn reward; SMQ calls the Frogs more NFL-like; CFN's Five Thoughts and Instant (and overblown, generally lame) Analysis; Frogs' D; BSU wanted perfection, TCU's D demanded it; Frogs rush by committee; SD Union Tribune lead; Spitblood;

TCU Football's Most Beautiful

Shannon, guest posting:
As a follow-up to this year's Players of the Year awards, I thought it would be nice (or just humorous) to give a nod to those young men who are beautiful both on and off the field. I won't list names, but as I was selecting those who would make the cut as "Most Beautiful", I noticed more than one outstanding player that isn't exactly easy on the eyes (most of the offensive line).

-

Let's get started.

5. Jeremy Kerley

I wish I had a better photo of this guy, becasue this one just doesn't highlight all his best features. In a word: cute-as-a-button.

4. Robert Henson

It's all in the eyes with this one. Oh, and what's more beautiful than a happily married man?

3. Aaron Brown

Luscious lips. Chiseled jaw. He's got a good thing going on and off the field.

2. Shae Reagan

It's hard to tell from this picture, but up close (yes, I've been lucky enough to be inches away from this guy) Shae has a chest as deep as it is wide. And he's got a darn cute face to boot.

And TCU's #1 Most Beautiful Football Player is...

1. Bart Johnson

I just call him Harvard Hottie.

Poinsettia

Calling TCU-BSU the best non-BCS bowl game, CFN's Matt Zemek says "When Ball State lost the MAC Championship Game, this encounter became the undisputed non-BCS conference blockbuster of the bowl season. Bronco coach Chris Petersen—after the masterpiece against Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl—has to be given a great deal of respect. He’ll have a tremendous game plan ready for the Horned Frogs, who—though 10-2—lost to Oklahoma in Norman and came agonizingly close to beating Utah in Salt Lake City. Had kicker Ross Evans not biffed two easy kicks (and Evans was a Lou Groza semifinalist, it should be noted), TCU—and not the Utes—would have won the Mountain West Conference and found itself playing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Given the fire-breathing nature of TCU’s defense, led by the overwhelmingly athletic Jerry Hughes, Petersen’s going to have to have to come up with something special.
"There you have it: It’s the brainy Boise boss against TCU’s talented toughs. Offensive creativity comes up against defensive dominance. Irresistible force, meet immovable object. Yum, yum, gimme some. Let’s get it on in San Diego!"

Mandel calls this the 5th best bowl of the season; TCU lost its only contest against Boise State in the inaugural Fort Worth Bowl. , by three points. Poinsettia Bowl officially invites TCU and Boise State. FWST lead. Hype is already sprouting: the matchup; Idaho scouts TCU; Idaho finds storylines; FWST reports Frogs eyeing Boise State in the film room. Broncos say TCU is the fastest team they've ever seen; Broncos report; ESPN's Schlabach calls this the 4th best matchup this bowl season; Graham Watson; Bowl thrilled; Frogs' D is best BSU's ever seen; Frogs prepare for fundamentally strong Boise offense, trick plays notwithstanding; LeBreton; BleacherReport previews the bowl, and calls it a lose-lose for TCU and BSU; Boise wants to blanket San Diego; Kerley's back at full speed; Spitblood analyzes TCU's and BSU's QBs, RBs, USAToday on Boise State; Collegesports-fans.com likes TCU by 7; TCU and BSU like mirror images;

In the Wimple's opinion, Boise State engineered the most spectacular ending to any football game in the history of the sport, winning the '07 Fiesta Bowl with these three plays:

Here's ESPN's Todd McShay's (oddly slanted) analysis:

MWC lands five bowl berths

Utah will face Alabama in the Sugar Bowl;
TCU will play Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl;
BYU plays Arizona in the Las Vegas Bowl;
Air Force matches up with Houston (rematch) in the Armed Forces Bowl;
Colorado State plays Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl.

18 Frogs '08 All-MWC

Defensive Player of the Year: Jerry Hughes.
First Team: Blake Shlueter, Jeremy Kerley (KR), Jerry Hughes, Robert Henson, Jason Phillips, Stephen Hodge
Second Team: Marshall Newhouse, Cody Moore, Matt Panfil, Stephen Coleman, Raphael Priest.
Honorable Mention: Andy Dalton, Jimmy Young, Marcus Cannon, Aaron Brown (KR), James Vess, Nick Sanders, Anson Kelton.

The 2nd Annual Wimple Awards

Last year the Wimple awarded several Horned Frog standouts for the '07 season. (awarded with what? ask you... With kudos, comes the answer.)

The 2008 Purple Wimple Player of the Year: Jason Phillips
This year's TCU team has an embarassment of riches; how do you pick just one of them for this award? Phillips led the team in tackles, gets credit for teaching Robert Henson how to watch film (and that from Henson, a short-list second for this honor, himself), is invariably the coach's first answer to why this year's team has succeeded so well, and the senior linebacker won't be around to pick next year. He'll be in the NFL-- perhaps a first day draft pick-- terrorizing offenses just like he's been doing for four years in the Mountain West.
Photo: M. Walters

Offensive Player of the Year: Andy Dalton
Statistically, the 2007 and 2008 Horned Frog offense was nearly identical, except in one glaring way: interceptions. In '07, the freshman Dalton threw 11 INTs and 10 TDs, and in the process, probably accounted more for 4 of the the Frogs 5 losses than any other player. Enter Andy Dalton, the sophemore. In 2008, prior to the bowl, Dalton has thrown for 11 scores, and only 4 interceptions, and one of those turnovers came as a forgivable hail-Mary pass for the final play in Salt Lake City. Add smart rushing (and 8 TDs with his feet) and Dalton's improvement under center accounts more much of the Frogs' improvement in the win column over last year.
Photo: M. Walters

Defensive Player of the Year: Jerry Hughes
What hasn't been said about Jerry Hughes' dream season? He's a finalist for much more prestigious awards than this one; he's been the step-up player the Frogs needed on the line; his best game was the Frogs' grudge match against BYU on a Thursday, to a national audience; at Utah, he commanded double teams on nearly every play. In short, Hughes stepped into the very large shoes that Chase Ortiz left for a Frog DE, and filled them to overflowing. Hughes will be the only returning starter on next season's front four, and will perhaps be the key defenseman to keep pressure off a new linebacker, defensive tackle and end.

Special Teams Player of the Year: Drew Combs
While the Frogs broke in two freshmen kickers, it was Drew Combs who modeled consistent performance for the youngsters. The senior never made Frog fans nervous as he lined up to for kickoffs.








Seniors of the Year: James Vess, Walter Bryant
Two seniors deserve particular recognition here, because they seem not to get it elsewhere. Walter Bryant turned in his best year in 2008, delivering one clutch catch after another. James Vess returned to the line after a year's suspension, and dominated. Vess's absence last year was palpable, and this year Jerry Hughes was always quick to credit Vess with attracting blockers and paving the way for his own success.
Photos: M.Walters





Freshman of the Year: Kyle Dooley
Sure to be unnoticed in next year's pre-season analyses of the Frogs will be Dooley's status as a returner at left guard. This walk-on freshman beat out two older players, including senior starter Preston Phillips, to guard Dalton's blind side this season. Dooley injured his knee late in the season, but will be an experienced-- and likely scholarship-- force on the interior line next season.
Photo: Texas Football/Jim Thompson


Can't Wait to See Next Year:
Turner, Hicks, Kerley, Washington, Bledsoe, Foltz, Dooley, Caveness, Carder, Broughton. . . just to name a few!

TCU 44, Air Force 10

The Horned Frogs ate Air Force for lunch on Saturday, topping the Falcons by almost 5 touchdowns. TCU held AFA to 161 yards-- its lowest this season; 113 of those yards came on two big plays.

Air Force likely returns to Amon Carter Stadium for the Armed Forces Bowl on New Year's Eve. TCU likely returns to San Diego for its second Poinsettia Bowl in 3 years; Boise State be TCU's opponent. The Broncos beat TCU in the '03 Fort Worth Bowl.

pre-game press: Frogs prepping for AFA; Frogs motivated for AFA; AFA calls TCU a tough test; FWST Monday notes; Denver Post notes; CGP's press conference FWST, excerpts; Calhoun's comments; CBS preview; Hughes a finalist for the Nagurski, Turner at full speed, Calhoun says TCU is NFL-fast; AFA has lots of Texans; FWST focus on DTs; LeBreton on senior night; AFA run v. TCU D; RockyMtnNews notes.
post-game press: FWST lead; tribute to seniors; FWST notes; RMN; DMN; Spitblood (beware the vulgarity)

photo: M.Walters

bowl chatter

TCU is just a few days into a very long break before its last game of the regular season. How shall we pass the time? By speculating about bowl bids, of course!

The early skuttlebutt puts TCU in either Las Vegas to face a mid-level Pac-10 team (Arizona or Oregon), or in Fort Worth to face a low-level Conference USA team (perhaps Rice). For the Las Vegas Bowl to pick the Frogs, it must not have the chance to pick Utah-- which means the Utes must win out and take the non-cartel autobid. The Wimple always prefers to watch the Horned Frogs beat a cartel team, so here's to the Las Vegas Bowl.

Link to this post in the future through the "BOWL" item on the schedule block on the left sidebar.

November 13 update: The MWC bowl picture is slightly less blurry. UNLV beat Wyoming lastnight, to go 5-6 with one game remaining at the very bad SDSU Aztecs. Wyoming is now the third MWC team to become ineligible for a bowl, joining the hapless Aztecs and New Mexico. Colorado State must win both of its remaining games-- New Mexico and at Wyoming to clinch eligibility. Best case scenario, UNLV and Colorado State win out, and the MWC finds bowl berths for a record six teams: Utah, TCU, BYU, Air Force, UNLV, and Colorado State.

Five conferences look unlikely to fill all of their tie-ins: CUSA (St. Petersburgh/New Orleans); Big 10 (Motor City/Champs Sports); Big 12 (Independence/Texas); Pac 10 (Poinsettia/Hawaii/Emerald); and the SEC (Independence/PapaJohns/Music City). Along with the Mountain West, the MAC, Sunbelt, and WAC will be vying to put a conference member into these slots.

November 20 update: Bowl officials are going on record with their preferences, in this or in that scenario. The Las Vegas Bowl has indicated it's not interested in UNLV, but wants one of the MWC's ranked teams; the Poinsettia Bowl says it wants Utah if the Utes fail to make the BCS. I see this to mean TCU goes to the Poinsettia Bowl if Utah wins on Saturday, and like BYU is going to Las Vegas for the... fourth year in a row?

November 22 update: Utah pulled it off; behind sensational performances from their D and Brian Johnson, they reached 12-0 this season, and will receive an autobid to a BCS game-- likely the Sugar or Fiesta. Elsewhere in the MWC, Colorado State topped Wyoming to become the conference's fifth bowl eligible team. UNLV lost to SDSU (who promptly fired their coach-- a regrettable move, methinks), ending its season with only 5 wins.

November 24 update: The MWC bowl picture is pretty clear now. Utah gets the non-cartel autobid; BYU and TCU will go to Las Vegas and Poinsettia (likely in that order). Air Force and Colorado State likely go to the Armed Forces and New Mexico bowls (likely in that order, as well.) Each team's opponent is very much unclear.

December 3 update: The BCS helped college football fans everywhere understand a nuance in the at-large eligibility rules, when it did not oust TCU from its "might pick 'em" list yesterday. The Frogs are outside of the cartel, and did not win their conference-- and now we understand that any top-14 ranked team is eligible for an at-large berth. This is nice news-- but there's precisely a 0.00% chance that a BCS bowl will pick TCU over the ticket-selling behemoths also elilgible, like Texas and Ohio State. But it's nice to know we're allowed to play the game.

Utah 13, TCU 10

The Horned Frogs paved the Utes' way one giant step closer to a BCS berth with a litany of mistakes-- most glaringly true freshman Ross Evans' two missed field goals late in the fourth quarter. Both of Evans' kicks capped failed bids to score only a few yards from the endzone. TCU extended the Utes' next drive with a pass interference penalty on a 3rd down. A couple plays later, Brian Johnson passed for a touchdown, and the Utes' first lead in the game. Down 3 points with less than a minute to play, Dalton drove the Frogs halfway down the field before throwing his second interception of the game. Then it was curtains for the game-- and for TCU's third attempt to jump over the brink of almosts, and jubiliant celebration for the blacked out Utes.

The Frogs have two Saturdays off, before concluding the season against Air Force, in Forth Worth.

Post-game press: FWST lead; Dalton pressured; bowls attending; CGP doesn't blame Evans; LeBreton; CGP staying at TCU, and ain't the type to leave; Graham Watson 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Dr. Saturday; Spitblood; DMN;

In the meantime, here's a theraputic visual for recovering Frog fans, and any aspiring kickers:

Waiting for Thursday

Thursday's game against Utah is as big a game as TCU has played since its revival in the late 1990s. Frankly, it's as big a game as TCU has played since the 1950s. Not since then has a late-season conference game meant as much as this-- a win in Salt Lake City tomorrow makes TCU the frontrunner for an autobid to the BCS, with only two off weeks and one game left to play.

The football stars do not align very often to create a matchup for cartel outsiders with this much riding on the outcome. In 2000 and '03 the Frogs confronted very similar situations, and lost each time. If TCU can pull off the win (bettin' money is split almost evenly), its strength of schedule and media notoriety very likely will push it ahead of Boise State, to lead the non-cartel teams that are eligible for a lucrative BCS bid. The leader gets the only autobid reserved for the cartel outsiders.

A win tomorrow night would mark a new height for the modern Horned Frogs, who have not ascended to eligibility for a January bowl since two-squad play began. (Ironically, it was TCU's last triumph over Texas in 1962 that provoked the 'Horns' coach to support the switch to two-squad play, hastening its arrival.) Gary Patterson's teams have camped out in the BCS rankings, but have never finished a season eligible for a bid. (Although under current rules, the 2000 and 2005 teams would have received the non-cartel autobid, which wasn't created until '06.)

Pregame Press: Kragthorpe says the Utes are lucky UNM ain't TCU; November is the Utes' defining month; SI looks at the four non-cartel teams still vying for a BCS bid; Utah-TCU winner likely will lead cartel outsiders in BCS poll; BCS elimination game; Brian Johnson is inconsistent; Utes' defense (6th nationally) shut down Lobos; Utes rise in BCS poll; BYU wants Utah to win; FWST on top defenses, lots of penalties, Kerley likely to travel; some Ute fans don't like the blackout; focus on Utes' D-ends; SLTrib notes; SportsIllustrated takes note, and says the MWC oughtta have two BCS bids this year; Stewey Mandel ranks both teams in his top ten; Gordon Monson calls the Utes overrated; SLTrib Wednesday notes; focus on McCain; quotes from Whittingham's presser; Patterson's; FWST's Wednesday notes; DMN on the non-cartel leaders' interest in each others' games;

a little shameless sentimentality from a Ute:

TCU 44, UNLV 14

TCU pounded UNLV in Las Vegas Saturday, adding both a fifth win to its own current streak, and a fifth loss to the Rebels' current streak. Andy Dalton threw touchdowns to three different Horned Frogs-- Justin Watts, Jimmy Young, and Evan Frosch. Luke Shivers, Aaron Brown, and Jai Caveness added scores on the ground. Jerry Hughes sacked the Rebel QB twice; Stephen Hodge once.

Joe Turner sat out much of the game due to a possible concussion-- and a likely critical absence for the Frogs' next game. All eyes turn to the Mountain West's premier matchup on Thursday in Salt Lake City, when the Frogs face the undefeated Utes. Between them, TCU and Utah bring 18 wins and one loss to the gridiron this season. Utah escaped Albuquerque with a 13-10 win over the Lobos.

The only teams ranked higher than TCU that lost this weekend were #1 Texas and #6 Georgia. The Mountain West's three ranked teams all won; Air Force also won, and will add to its vote tally. The Falcons are 6-2.

The eight touchdowns in Las Vegas:

Pre-game press: USA Today on MWC leaders' upset avoidance; LVSun preview; focus on Clayton; LVRJ Preview; FWST: Frogs getting long drives this year; Frogs get ready for UNLV; ESPN-StatsLLC preview; Sports Network; Rebel fans think TCU's headed for an upset; focus on Henson and Phillips.
Post-game press: LVSun blog and recap; LV R-J recap; analysis, notes; DMN lead; WFAA sportsblog; FWST Frogs good on third down; Mercedes Meyer's lead, notes;

TCU 54, Wyoming 7

TCU ate Wyoming for lunch on Saturday, despite being outgained on the ground and holding the ball for fewer minutes than the Cowboys-- both firsts this season for the Frogs.

Andy Dalton connected with Jimmy Young five times for 226 yards-- a school record-- and three touchdowns. Aaron Brown returned a kickoff to the endzone.

The game was poorly attended, but the win was enough to push the Frogs on spot higher in the BCS poll, matching their highest ranking since 2003-- 13th.

Utah tops the cartel outsiders on the poll at 10; if the Frogs can beat UNLV and the Utes beat New Mexico, the two winners will meet for a monster game in Salt Lake City on the 6th.

pre-game press: CGP focuses on Wyoming, not polls; Wyoming optimistic; CGP determined to prevent Wyoming from running all over TCU; matchup notes; AP; Watson; FWST notes.
Post-game press: FWST lead; FWST notes; FWST key performances; Jimmy Young's big day; DMN; Laramie Boomerang lead; CGP's Sunday notes.

photo: M. Walters

Poll Climbing

The Frogs rode their highly-touted Thursday-night victory over #9 BYU out of the dregs and into the sweet middle of all three major college football polls. AP and the coaches both ranked TCU at #15.

The BCS put the Frogs at #14-- the team's highest BCS ranking since November 8, 2005. TCU is one of a record six non-cartel teams to appear on this week's BCS poll. Utah leads them at #11; Boise State is #12. Tulsa, Ball State, and BYU are nos. 19-21.

Meanwhile, something tells me Utah fans might be looking beyond the mark.


The TCU-Utah game has sold out, and Utah is asking its fans to come in black. The question remains: whose funeral will they be attending?

TCU 32, BYU 7

TCU tore the Mountain West's script for the 2008 season to shreds on Thursday, clobbering BYU in Fort Worth. The Frogs played with more intensity, speed, and creativity than the Cougars, who seemed bewildered from the getgo. BYU's first drive collapsed after Daryl Washington dropped a would-be interception, Jerry Hughes sacked Max Hall, and then on the next play he fumbled the ball away. By the game's end, TCU had sacked Max Hall six times, four by Jerry Hughes.

In the first drive of the third quarter, BYU drove to TCU's 11 yard line, and then tried four consecutive pass plays to score. Three were batted away, and Nick Sanders intercepted the fourth in the endzone.

The Frogs showed offensive spark from the first drive-- featuring a 25-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton touchdown to Jimmy Young-- both player's first TD passes of the year. Jeremy Kerley took several direct snaps, netting 77 yards from them and leading the Frogs in rushing.

After shoving the Cougars off the mountain top, TCU must beat Wyoming and UNLV before it faces Utah-- likely for the conference championship, and perhaps for a BCS berth (see Mandel's story, below).

Here's a YouTube compilation of highlights:



Post-game press: Dr. Saturday; Stewart Mandel; Watson spotlight on Kerley; Watson mourns BYU's busted BCS hopes; Watson summary; radio interview; Watson's bewildered at halftime; Watson's morning-after thoughts; Hall takes the blame; TCU's D lives up to its billing; Kerley's direct snaps bewildered BYU; Kragthorpe: TCU beats BYU black, blue, and purple; Rivals write-up (subscription required); FWST focus on Dalton; FWST summary; FWST focus on Kerley direct snaps; Harmon's take; DMN focus on Hughes; Spit Blood's take (not for the sensitive); FWST notes; Sporting News's Five Things; BYU feels humble; Scout explores the consequences of this game.

TCU v. BYU pregame buzz

It's finally here-- the biggest game of the year, unless TCU wins, in which case the Utah game will morph into a bigger matchup.

Dare we predict the outcome? Not unconditionally. Rather, the Wimple predicts BYU will win of TCU can't figure out how to stop the Cougars from converting 3rd-and-long plays to its their tight ends. If the Horned Frogs do that, they'll keep BYU's offense off the field-- like they've done to almost every opponent they've seen this year-- and end another NCAA-leading winning streak in Fort Worth.

Pre-game press: spotlight on Daryl Washington; BYU gets film after UNM game; ACS is where winnings streaks come to die; Mendenhall on BYU's D; CGP on BYU's D; focus on the Frogs' D; Cougs good, but imperfect; FWST Wednesday notes; Max Hall is Danny White's nephew; AP says MWC has only 2 teams in contention for a BCS bowl-- BYU and Utah; CGP's weekly presser; BYU's O meets its match in TCU's D; SpitBlood's 10 things to consider; CGP says TCU must play better to beat BYU; ESPN on TCU's D; BYU's a stiff test for TCU; MWC champ and BCS spots go through ACS; turnovers are key; LeBreton: times have changed since SWC days; Frogs ready to win on a Thursday night; beating TCU would validate Hall's record; Deseret News gameday report; Rivals' pre-game report (subscription req'd);

TCU 13, CSU 7

It was cold, messy, wet, and ugly, but the Frogs will take it. Marcus Jackson led the Frogs to a second straight win over a conference foe, beating Colorado State. The defense shone bright, holding the Rams to eleven yards on the ground, and 199 total. The offense, however, was dismal. The Frogs had better return to earlier form by Thursday's show down with BYU-- or the show will be all Cougar.

Pre-game press: CSU runs well; Dalton might play; CSU preps for both TCU QBs; spotlight on Gartrell Johnson; CSU hopes to sell out; splotlight on Stephen Hodge, Dalton's status uncertain; spotlight on CSU's D.C.; CSU calls TCU the benchmark; two CSU injured players return; CSU hopes to topple TCU;
Post-game press: CSU misses upset; CSU comes up short; FWST lead; FWST notes; FWST knick knacks. DMN story; CSU coach throws clipboard after a missed pass interference; Daryl Washington and Anson Kelton pick up MWC weekly honors. Spit Blood's breakdown.

TCU 41, San Diego State 7

TCU renewed its winning ways after last week's loss to OU, beating SDSU for the fourth time in conference play. Marcus Jackson started his second career game, and after an unproductive 20 minutes, lead the remaining 40 with remarkable success. Jackson led five touchdown drives and contributed 131 rushing yards-- the team high-- in the effort.

Dalton did not play, due to a knee injury last week. His status for next week is questionable-- Coach Patterson said Dalton could have played today.

Colorado State appears ready to give the Frogs much stiffer competition than they have in the past.

Press: CGP's comments Sunday; Dalton's status; FWST review; FWST analysis; spotlight on Frogs' D; LeBreton on MJ; DMN; San Diego Union-Tribune; Spit Blood's analysis (queasy alert).