TCU coach Gary Patterson isn't shying away from expectations. The Horned Frogs have been tabbed as the team to beat in the Mountain West Conference this season. They topped the league's preseason media poll after collecting 15 of the 24 first-place votes.

"We're just going to be the best team we can be," Patterson said. "We're very grateful for the confidence that people had who voted for us and how they put us. What we are going to try and do is live up to that."

Patterson admits he used to downplay the significance of preseason polls. However, sometimes his kids played that way.

And that's a scenario he'd just as soon avoid this time around.

"This group of kids we have this year has worked very hard throughout the summer and offseason to become a better football team," Patterson said. "For their sake, I hope it all comes true."

TCU's challenge will be taking the next step, and there's evidence the Horned Frogs are hopping in that direction. After the disappointing 13-10 loss at Utah on Nov. 14, they bounced back to knock off Air Force (44-10) and then previously undefeated Boise State (17-16) in the Poinsettia Bowl.

"I thought they showed a lot of character," said Patterson, whose team finished 11-2 overall and met Bowl Championship Series qualifying standards.

STRENGTHS: Defense. TCU led the nation in total defense (217.8 yards per game) and rushing defense (170.7 ypg) last season. And though the Horned Frogs return only four starters on that side of the ball, one of them is defensive end Jerry Hughes. The senior led the nation with 15 sacks last season and was tied for first with six forced fumbles.

Cornerback Rafael Priest is also back for his senior season. He earned second team all-conference honors after making 26 stops and breaking up 10 passes. Another player to watch is junior return specialist Jeremy Kerley.

WEAKNESSES: A lack of returning starters on defense. The seven who departed combined for 362 tackles last season. TCU's depth, however, is expected to cover the losses.

Passing offense isn't something the Horned Frogs rely on much. They ranked 72nd in 2008 with 201.1 yards per game. Junior quarterback Andy Dalton is a two-time bowl MVP, but he has thrown just 21 career touchdown passes and has been intercepted 16 times in 24 games.

If TCU is able to run the ball effectively, as usual, it may not matter.