Read the arguments from Bleacher Fan and Loyal Homer about which game they believe is the best of this weekend.
It appears there is an attempt to change the guard in the Mountain West Conference. A conference dominated for so many years by the impressive Utah Utes program, complete with an undefeated run and unfair BCS treatment last season, is now being challenged by fellow strong MWC program TCU.
TCU is not just another non-BCS school spoiling the party. TCU is a legitimately talented team complete with plenty of professional prospects. But, this matchup is the weekends best for many more reasons than the obvious “check out the pro prospects.”
Utah is in the unfamiliar role of the spoiler. What makes this game so compelling, however, is that the teams matchup extremely well on the field.
Utah boasts a balanced offense which is ranked third in the conference. Balance, if not sexy certainly is effective. Effective, in fact, is an excellent word to describe Utah’s team this season. Utah has converted an effective 42 percent on third down. Utah has been effective in controlling the ball, keeping it for nearly 32 minutes per game. Utah’s 411 plus yards per game on offense is excellent – even effective – though it does not lead the conference or factor nationally.
TCU features an exceptional duel threat running attack this season with Joseph Turner and Edward Wesley. Turner has amassed 560 yards on the ground while Wesley accounts for 461 nine games into the 2009 season. The two have 12 touchdowns on the ground between them. The running attack is also balance with outstanding quarterback Anthony Dalton. Dalton has thrown 16 touchdowns in 2009 against just three interceptions while completing nearly 64 percent of his passes. Dalton has also completed passes to 13 different receivers, with eight of those receivers having caught touchdowns.
What is the point of providing a quick offensive breakdown of the Horned Frogs? The Horned Frogs are known as one of the strongest defensive teams in the NCAA year after year. In fact, TCU ranks fifth nationally in points allowed per game and ranks third nationally in yards allowed per game in 2009. This is the first season where it appears as though TCU has put an entire team together, with a balanced and effective offensive attack complementing the always strong defense. TCU is a legitimate BCS contender.
TCU may have a matchup advantage over Utah in the running game. While TCU has the second best rushing attack in the conference (behind the always interesting veer triple option from Air Force), Utah allows opponents 130 yards per game on the ground. It is a good thing games are not played on paper.
A key factor in TCU’s continued climb that few seem to have noticed nationally is that the Clemson Tigers, a team TCU defeated 14-10 in September, has played well since the loss to TCU. The Tigers have played so well that the team now controls its own destiny in the ACC. Win out, and the Tigers are ACC champions. TCU would love nothing more than a scenario where both schools win out. TCU’s strength of schedule continues to get stronger and stronger. Any slip up by the two leading SEC teams, Florida and Alabama, or a slip up from Texas, locks the Horned Frogs into the BCS title game. And, TCU deserves a shot.
If TCU wins on Saturday, a changing of the guard is complete and TCU will deservedly take its perch atop the conference, and gains deserved notice across the nation. Utah has the opportunity to fight off the challenger and, though the program’s one blemish (a non-conference, seven point loss to Oregon) will prevent a BCS appearance, at least reclaim the MWC crown. Both programs need this win not just for their own good, but for the good of the conference. Two teams with balance on offense and toughness on defense, plus plenty of conference and national title implications, will meet in the best game of THIS weekend.
