BYU football: Gary Patterson has transformed Frogs into a Prince of a Program

PROVO — Over the past few seasons, TCU has established itself as a national power.

The Horned Frogs finished No. 7 in the national rankings in 2008 and No. 6 last season. Since 2008, TCU has posted a 29-3 record and the Frogs (6-0) are living up to great expectations again this season. They are ranked No. 4 in this week's Associated Press poll and have even received a first-place vote in both polls. As long it keeps winning, TCU could get a shot at playing for a national championship.

But coach Gary Patterson said he's not worrying about polls or bowls or anything but its next opponent — BYU. The Frogs and Cougars collide Saturday (2 p.m., Versus) at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

TCU boasts a 17-game home winning streak and is looking for its third consecutive victory over BYU.

A year ago, the Frogs claimed an outright Mountain West Conference championship and earned their first BCS bid, losing to future MWC member Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. That loss spoiled the Frogs' perfect season.

Because of that setback to the Broncos, TCU has had a chip on its shoulder.

"To get so close, to get to the BCS game — and lose — left a sour taste in our mouths," senior quarterback Andy Dalton told the Deseret News during media days in July. "That was our goal — to get to that game and win. But that wasn't the case. That's just extra motivation for us, to get back to that game and win it this year."

This marks the second consecutive year, and the fourth time in 11 seasons, that the Frogs have opened with a 6-0 record. In each of those four previous 6-0 starts, TCU has won at least 10 games. The Frogs have won 11 consecutive MWC games dating back to 2008.

"TCU looks very similar scheme-wise to what they've been the past number of years," said BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall. "They play with a lot of conviction, belief that they will have success. They're very physical and they're fast and athletic. So when you put all of that together with a good scheme, that makes them a good team.

"And when you have a quarterback that's had a lot of success as well, they carry themselves with a presence that they expect to win."

TCU is probably best known for its defense, and rightly so. The Frogs are No. 1 in total defense, yielding only 230 yards per game. TCU, which has led the nation in total defense the past two seasons, posted back-to-back shutouts the past two weeks against Colorado State and Wyoming. While defensive lineman Jerry Hughes has moved on to the NFL, Wayne Daniels has picked up the slack with 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles-for-loss this season.