I've been anticipating this game since halftime of the UCLA whipping. People have been critical of BYU's schedule to this point, which is understandable. Well, here is a road game against a good ranked team. BYU has another chance to shut up their critics again.
BYU's Offense vs. TCU Defense
This is strength against strength. BYU is 16th in total offense while TCU is 1st in total defense. TCU's main strength is against the run. BYU will have to pass to set up the run. TCU will likely put 7-8 in the box to nuetralize the run game. Also, they typically isolate their corners 1 on 1 against opponents recievers. They will likey double up on Pitta or George. This means BYU will have to attack through the air to backs and recievers. Look for Collie to have another big game and for Reed to make 4-5 key catches. Also, the backs will likely catch some dump offs. If Hall can connect with his recievers early, TCU will be forced to put in another DB or play zone. Then Unga can get some more runs. TCU will need to pressure Hall, which no team has been able to come close to. I see BYU scoring between 21 and 38 points. BYU has the right kind of offense to score against TCU, as they have shown the past 3 seasons. TCU has struggled against passing teams who protect the QB well. TCU is great at getting off the field and controlling the clock. BYU will have to convert on 3rd down and have long scoring drives.
TCU's Offense vs. BYU's Defense.
TCU is 39th in the nation in total offense and BYU is 31st in total defense. However TCU isn't balanced at all. They are 13th in rushing offense and 97th in passing offense. TCU is successful when they control the clock, convert on 3rd down, and run to set up the pass. I don't see them being successful against BYU. BYU won't give up big plays. They will force TCU to go the entire field on them. No team has been able to run the ball well on BYU this season, and the Frogs will have to. Bronco has set up this team to limit points, and they are currently #1 in the nation in scoring defense at 10 points a game. TCU will score between 0 and 17 points.
Intangibles
For TCU to be successful, they must win the intangibles. They must protect the football and force turnovers. They must limit their penelties and hope for BYU to have plenty of them. They must play sound in the special teams. This will be difficult. BYU has been great at making plays on special teams this year and is #3 in turnover margin this year. TCU must win that battle.
I see a statement game for BYU. BYU starts fast and cruises to victory. Gary Patterson will melt down. BYU wins this game 34 - 17. Go Cougars!
2 comments:
Good point about the clock. BYU needs to keep the ball with long sustained drives. Our running attack is key for this to happen. If BYU can stay balanced, TCU will have to get timely turnovers to stay in it. This is a perfect test for BYU right now. If we can beat them going into the first week of BCS rankings, we'll be set. If we lose, we're most likely going to the crapy vegas bowl again.
Scott any thoughts about tonight's game better luck going blowing next year, BCS bowl games Utah 2 BYU O. And you can't blame it on Crowton anymore.
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