BYU football notebook: TCU turned tide on third downs

PROVO — Going into Saturday's game against TCU, BYU's offense led the nation in third-down conversions at 64 percent.

But it was the Horned Frogs who made the biggest third-down conversions of the game, and that played a role in their 38-7 whipping of the Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

TCU converted only 3 of 10 third-down conversions on the night, but they were crucial. The Frogs had two third-down conversions midway through the second quarter on a 24-yard catch by Jeremy Kerley and later on a 12-yard reception by Kerley, which led to a TCU touchdown that staked it to a 21-0 lead.

On the Frogs' first drive of the second half, after a BYU turnover, they converted a third-and-seven on a roughing the passer by Terrance Hooks. TCU eventually kicked a field goal.

Then, on the Frogs' next possession, came the back-breaker.

On third-and-8 from its own 10-yard line, BYU's Brian Logan was whistled for pass interference, giving the Frogs another first down. On the next play, Andy Dalton threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Antoine Hicks to give the Frogs a 31-7 advantage.

BYU's offense, meanwhile, converted on just 5 of 15 third-down chances.

"Things we're normally good at, we weren't good there," said Cougar offensive coordinator Robert Anae.

NO M.J.: BYU wide receiver McKay Jacobson (hamstring) did not play against TCU. The Cougars could have used him and his speed against the Frogs.

"McKay's a good player," said tight end Dennis Pitta. "He helps stretch the defense. We certainly missed him, but we have receivers that have done a good job for us all year. We just didn't get it done tonight."

Jacobson, who has been out since injuring his hamstring while stretching prior to the Utah State game, was listed as "possible" going into the game. The decision not to play him was made prior to kickoff.

"It was a play-it-by-ear thing," said Anae. "It just didn't click right. With a bye coming up, he needs to get it healed up so he can get back on the field."

CENTURY MARK: Cougar running back Harvey Unga rushed for 123 yards against TCU. It was his 14th 100-yard rushing game in his career.

FLAG-BEARERS: BYU backup quarterback Brenden Gaskins carried out the team flag prior to Saturday's game while Kelly Smith, a running back on the 1984 national championship team, carried the alumni flag. Smith scored the game-winning touchdown in the 1984 Holiday Bowl.

EXTRA POINTS: Announced attendance was 64,641, marking the 16th straight sellout at Edwards Stadium ... Representatives from the Fiesta Bowl, Poinsettia Bowl and New Mexico Bowl, as well as representatives from the Tournament of Roses, watched Saturday's game from the press box ... BYU is now 2-7 against ranked opponents under coach Bronco Mendenhall ... Saturday marked the Cougars' first homecoming loss since a 58-13 defeat against Colorado State in 2003 ... Saturday's loss also snapped BYU's 13-game Mountain West Conference home winning streak ... TCU is now 58-1 under coach Gary Patterson when allowing 17 points or fewer.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com