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BYU football: TCU's defense ranks first in nation

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Unofficial BCS standings | 12:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
From espn.com:
1. Texas .990
2. Alabama .959
3. Penn State .885
4. USC .758
5. Texas Tech .726
6. Oklahoma .714
7. Oklahoma State .712
8. Florida .662
9. Utah .638
10. Georgia .612
11. Ohio State .591
12. BYU .573
AZ Cougar | 12:43 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Hope all of the Texas Cougars show up and make it a "home" game for BYU.

This is the game that our talented O-line will need to earn their pay and prove that they can establish the run. TCU's the best in the nation against the run only allowing Oklahoma 25 net yards rushing. TCU did, however, allow 411 yards in passing against the Sooners.

If BYU can establish the run, then it will break the will of the Horned Frogs, and cause them to doubt themselves. BYU has the O-line hosses up front to do it, now they need to get'r done!!!

THIS may well be the toughest defense BYU will face all year. Doing well at TCU will go a long way with the naysayers, pundits, and BCS elites.

GO COUGS!!!
TCU offense | 1:10 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
If TCU managed only 13 points against CSU, can it really expect to score enough points to beat BYU, without its starting QB even if the game is an overall defensive struggle?

This Utah fan says no.

BYU 20 TCU 10

Keep the streaks alive until Nov. 22nd. Go UTES!!!
Comments continue below
sorry | 3:41 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
The loss is inevitable for the kittens. They have only won games against teams that have losing seasons, in fact their closest game was against a team that has zero wins. Impressive, ha ha. I am not even close to convinced that they are contenders, but pretenders, they have earned that title and owned it for years. High expectations and low achievements is the BYU motto.
Go Cougars | 4:32 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Best of luck to the Cougars. I'll listen to the game sometime Friday afternoon here in China, a few hours after it ends. Thank KSL for its great podcast.

To be honest, I'm worried about this one, guys.
BlueBoy | 5:26 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
For a first-ranked defense, TCU sure bombed defensively at Oklahoma. Not buying it.
cougar fan | 5:26 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Isn't it a change that BYU is actually ranked higher in the polls than their #12 unofficial BCS ranking listed in the comment above. I imagine the AP and coaches polls will gravitate towards the BCS rankings in the next few weeks after the official BCS rankings start coming out. Hopefully a win at TCU can be forthcoming and that would likely help BYU's BCS ranking significantly. Good luck Cougars!
Texas Coug | 6:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I've got a few horned frog alums on my street and we have been jawing about this game for some time. I hope my cougs represent otherwise I'm going to be out a few loaves of homemade bread and a gallon of chocolate milk. But if they represent, I won't be mowing my lawn for a few weeks! I'll be at TCU and hopefully "rising and shouting" because we're scoring.....I have a feeling if the cougs win it will be by less than a touchdown and if TCU wins it will be by at least 17. Go COUGARS!
SO EXCITED | 6:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
What a great match-up opportunity for the Cougars. I don't see a problem outshining what the Sooners were able to do on the ground, as well as possibly through the air. BYU will rise to the challenge and break out their "A" game for this one, but the challenge is there for TCU to finally take the Cougars down. If the Cougar Defense comes to play, as they should, there will be smiles in Provo and some angst in Fort Worth and SLC. Go Cougars.
TX Cougar | 6:32 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
There will be a lot of us at the game cheering on the cougars!!!!!

Go Cougars!!!!!!!!!!!
Kind of funny... | 6:35 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
...that utah fans are so excited about the "mock" bcs rankings, even though everyone knows, including ute fans, that they are a joke and biased. Yeah, they give utah a better ranking so get excited ute fans because that's much more important than:

passing yards
rushing yards
total offense
points scored
points allowed
sacks given up
quarterback talent
rush defense
receiver talent
tight end talent
wins
offensive line

...all of which BYU is superior to utah. But hey once again these stats don't matter because it's all about the wins and loss's right ute fans? Hate to burst your bubble but the team who has the best qb play has won EVERY utah BYU game in the MWC. You might want to start worrying about stats utah, because BYU is hands down a better team, but only according to the facts (basically every statistical category this season)
Question | 6:37 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
At the end of the year which looks better to a national audience, an undefeated BYU team or a one loss to Oklahoma TCU?

Obviously there is a lot of football left to be played and neither scenario is likely to happen, but it is an interesting question.
TCU | 6:52 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

will help raising BYU's SOS. It's definitely toughest opponent by far. It will be the second toughest opponent of this year.

Good luck!
Re: Question | 6:37 am | 7:00 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

If OK works its way back up to the poll from 1-3, for example, then on BCS poll, a one-loss TCU will be better than undefeated BYU (and even undefeated Utah). TCU would have beaten both top-10 BYU and top-15 Utah.
The question is would that be enough for TCU to make BCS as the first one-loss team from non-BCS conference?

SoCalUtahFan
Re: Kind of funny... | 7:02 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008

You made me laugh. Thanks.

SoCalUtahFan
Bengel | 7:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Sorry said the Cougars have earned and owned the title of pretenders for years. Does that include the previous two years?
Sanity | 7:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BYU by 21 over TCU
BTW both Collie and Harline are still open! Just remember that my friends up north.
TCU Stingy Defense? | 7:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
You must be putting me on! Stephen F. Austin on the schedule?...Who is this silly sports columnist? The isn't any team in the MWC who can lay claim to any significant stats. The only game TCU has played to compare with BYU is New Mexico at New Mexico, a 26-3 win. That tells me BYU is in serious trouble, simply because the Y is not a good roadie team, and they don't run scores up on New Mexico, because of coaching ties with Bronco. If the Y cannot shake off their mediocre offense woes of the past 2 games, they will fall to a silly TCU team. The MWC teams are just like a lot of teams across the country.....they schedule nobodies, which does not help the attitudes of the players....that they have to suit up against good teams to improve. The MWC is a joke....including the Utes. However, I am a BYU and a Utah fan and hope for them both to be undefeated until after their showdown game on November 22.

BYU may get out of this TCU game by a whisker tomorrow. If the Y is serious about national consideration, they will blow out TCU.
Reality Check | 7:33 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I'm a lifelong Cougar fan so don't accuse me of being a big Yewt troll--I'm not.

But the fact is that BYU has struggled offensively (see UNM & USU) games and, even though the point total has been tamped down, struggled numerous times on third and long in the UNM game--they could not stop the "potent" UNM offense on numerous third and long situations.

I see this game as a big, and probably first real test, for BYU's "vaunted" offense and defense.

In the end, if I was a betting man (I'm not) I would bet money on TCU in this one. They have the means, motive (we've beat them two years in a row and are the defending champs) and opportunity (they're at home, we're not). TCU 24, BYU 14.
Re: Question | 7:44 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
That won't be an issue since in order to have an undefeated BYU team you would have a TWO loss TCU team!!
Kind of funny is hilarious... | 7:47 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Kind of funny...

You wrote, "once again these stats don't matter because it's all about the wins and loss's right ute fans?"

Yes, actually, it is all about wins and losses, as the most important statistic is points. Try convincing Sam Bradford and Oklahoma, not to mention the USC and LSU offenses otherwise.

BYU is a good football team. I hope the cougars can post a W against the most challenging defense they've faced yet this season. Good luck cougars.
danburtreynolds | 7:54 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
To TCU offense:

This is the same TCU offense that put up 26 on the road to NM vs the cougs 21 at home, while still holding the Lobos to 3.
RE: Unofficial BCS Standings | 8:03 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Keyword here is "UNOFFICIAL" because when this ranking really starts to count, after this weekend, it won't look like it does now. Either BYU will have lost to TCU and be out of the picture, or they will have beaten TCU which will move them ahead of the Utes.

So while it gives Utes joy to look at it today, don't get your panties in a bunch until Sunday. Then you can either start preparing for your loss to TCU also or start the justified gloating because BYU will either have gone down in flames or be ahead of you in the first "official" BCS rankings.
Hey Reality Check | 8:04 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Nice try Ute troll
Grant | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Hey "kind of funny.... "
quarterback talent
receiver talent
tight end talent....
Not statistics

and I'm a BYU fan
Confident | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
This game and the one against the Utes have been in the back of the minds of most Cougar fans from the beginning of the season...but so were Washington and UCLA...This is a chance for the Cougs to shine. It will be a battle royal, but the Provo team will out- perform. They will be focused. They will be united. They will win!
Dallas Fort Worth Herald: | 8:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Reports, "The search for TCU's offense continues as officials near calling off the search. It has been nearly two months since the TCU offense went camping at a near by lake in Dallas and has yet to be seen. Families and friends are deeply concerned not only for their loved ones but also for the team. One TCU mother reports, "My son plays linebacker and it's so frustrating going to games and just seeing defense. We want our offense to return home! If anyone has any information on their where abouts please let us know. I'm begging you!" Our hearts go out to the TCU team for their loss and we hope and pray the offense will one day return home safely. Until then the Eastside High school offense will continue to line up on the offensive side of the ball. The hearts and prayers of the Dallas/Fort Worth area go out to TCU's friends and family for this tragedy.
TCU will expose BYU & Hall | 8:18 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BYU's BCS hopes and Max Hall's Heisman hopes go down in flames Thursday night.

Oklahoma ripped TCU a couple of weeks ago... Oklahoma is an excellent team. BYU is no Oklahoma.

TCU's defense will smother BYU and expose to you BYU lovers what an overrated team BYU is and what an overated QB Max Hall is. Sorry Cougar fans, it's true. The rest of the country feels that way, after Thursday night we will all feel that way.
Mike Johnson Fallon NV | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BCS ratings are biased. But, they do determine who plays in a 14 million dollar bowl. The top 12 BCS shown in an earlier comment are the same as I computed using both human polls (Harris and USA Today and five of the six computers--Wolfe will publish his for the first time this weekend). What is important is that if both BYU and Utah keep winning, they should both be in the top 12 when they play and the winner certainly will be and that gives the winner a BCS bowl and the big payout for the team and the conference.

This will be a tough game for BYU. TCU may have been looking past Colorado State last weekend for this game. So, I do want to wish the Cougars good luck in this game. Sagarin's predictor ratings make TCU a 3 point favorite for this game largely for home field advantage. It could easily go either way and will be the best test BYU has seen so far this season. TCU is not a silly team. Just about every team in BCS conferences plays a Division I-FCS team like Stephen F. Austin.
Anonymous | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Don't you know defense wins games? it seems zoobies choose to ignore that fact.
re: Kind of funny... | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Dude are you serious? How can you compare BYU's stats beating Utah State, Wyoming, Washington and Northern Iowa with Utah's wins Michigan, Air Force, UNLV and Oregon State (that team that beat #1 USC).

BYU may be the better team, we'll see on the last game of the season.

But at this point comparing stats based on BYU's cupcake schedule thus far and Utah's BCS worthy schedule
Blow Out | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
The Cougars need to beat TCU by at least 35-10 to gain any respect. A 59-0 blow here would go a long ways to really getting and deserving a BCS bid.
positive | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
TCU will have their hands full with the Cougs! It is funny how everyone has their self inflated script of how BYU is supposed to win and when the games don't match their imaginary expectations, the Cougs aren't that good.

Here's reality. The Y is very good. Loaded with powerful backs, knock your teeth out linebackers, and a high powered offense. Will this be tough game? Sure! But these players can handle it and will. Go get 'em Cougs!
"sorry" is right... | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BYU hasn't proved anything. TCU is the first 'real' challenge they've faced this season. If they can't establish a running game and their defense can't keep TCU at or under 14 points, they're going to have a hard time scoring. With it's strength of schedule don't be surprised to see Utah ranked ahead of BYU, even with a BYU win over TCU.
Hollywood | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Definitely the game of the year and a very tough test. Maybe even tougher than playing at Utah to end the season. At least vs. Utah, the kittens will have a ton of fans present and get to sleep in their own beds.

Glad I don't bet. As a BYU fan, I'd probably have to wager against my own team. Based on the last couple of games, I see too many problems with the offense and defense to give me a lot of confidence for this game. Let's hope the Cougars have just been looking ahead to this game and prove me wrong.
Go Cougs! | 9:05 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I'm laughing at this article. Has anyone looked at TCU's scheduled which has allowed to get these defensive stats. I mean really, the only team they've played, they got trounced by 25 points. Thanks for not doing your homework D News reporters. I guess you must think the only paper read is yours.
TheHailstorm | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
To Sanity in Utah County ;
Are you still having your mother pin the lunch money on your shirt ?
What do those stellar history notes about Harleen and Coolie have to do with the game this week?
U.S. history is still being taught in 7 th. Grade right ? So is spelling.
Step into the reality world and remember it is THIS game that counts in college football. History is just that history.
I may be a challenge for you but step into the real world, visit with those that have a grip, and follow along in the ," what's happening now," world on occasion. It may help you some day when you grow up.
Re: sorry | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Just because BYU hasn't beaten a team that currently has a winning record means they're going to lose? What kind of logic is that? Two plus two does not equal five!
RE: Hollywood | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Nice try Ute troll. Now go back to your troll convention at RES.
Re: Kind of funny | 9:23 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Gloat all you want for now about stats. Fact is BYU hasn't played a quality team yet. Let's hear your tune Friday morning. Could be a very long night in TX!
put up or shut up time | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Time for BYU to earn it's ranking. Playing a tough defense on the road will do it. BYU will show itself as either contenders or pretenders on thursday.
RE: re: Kind of funny | 9:26 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
LOL, good one. Do you mean the unranked Oregon State team that you barely eeked the win against or the Michigan team that just lost to Toledo in the Big House? Perhaps you meant the Weber State team that makes the Utes have such a "BCS worthy schedule".

Friday will be a big day on these comment boards. Either it will be flooded with BYU "told ya so" comments while the Ute fans crawl under a rock or Ute "told ya so" comments with BYU fans under a rock.

It's still in the best interest of both programs for BYU to beat TCU...No matter which team you support or hate.
Eagle Tail | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Either you got it or you don't. Time to put up or shut up BYU. Win the game, my hat is off to your team. Lose the game, time for the arrogant few trash talkers to face reality. I'm tired of it.
To: Blue Boy | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Hey, Blue Boy:

You stated, "For a first-ranked defense, TCU sure bombed defensively at Oklahoma."

I hate to break it to you, but Oklahoma would put a lot of points up on BYU's defese as well. The TCU vs. OK game shows the disparity between the two teams. MWC teams would not compete with any team of Oklahoma's caliber.
Re: Re: Kind of Funny | 9:34 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Wow. Did I just read that the Cougars have a "cupcake" schedule while the Utes have a "BCS worthy" schedule? Give me a break. Neither team has played a top 25 team this year! (Except for Northern Iowa in their division, which doesn't count)
Don't give away your credibility to bias so easily. At the end of the season BYU will have played two top 25 teams (TCU and Utah) and the Utes will only play one (BYU) unless TCU upsets BYU. Hardly "BCS worthy" for either.
Regarding tomorrow's game, BYU's defense, not their offense, will determine who wins.
Motivation | 9:35 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BYU will be up for this game like they were up for the UCLA game. After beating UCLA 59-0, BYU was not nearly as motivated to play Wyoming, Utah State or New Mexico. Can you blame them?

BYU will be up for TCU, and will shine.

Another interesting stat: BYU has never lost a Thursday night game under Mendenhall and TCU has never won one.
Tarheel Ute | 9:37 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
BYU will need their A-Game tomorrow night, however they at least played at that level. TCU is No. 1 in the nation in total defense particularly against the rush. BYU will should have not problem getting up for the game, and TCU certainly now looks like their best competition to date.

BYU's offense can put doubters behind them with a good win against TCU Defense - regardless of the score - simply a win.

BYU 27, TCU 17

Utah - needs to demonstrate an A-Game performance. It worries me, regardless of the great start. Worthy efforts - but no dominance. Utah�s next true test may come next week at the Lobos. Just hope they are focused on CSU at home on Saturday.

Both BYU and Utah are one loss away from national and BCS irrelevance; for my part, I root for both Utah and BYU, I am hope it comes for BYU on the 22d.
Defense | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
The TCU Defense is good against against average teams. Holding New Mexico to 3 points isn't surprising, The Cougs even did that. But...TCU's defense has only played one really good offense (Oklahoma) and they got throttled (gave up over 400 yards passing). So, it seems clear that TCU has it's work cut out for them. I like BYU in this one 31 - 10.
no worries | 9:43 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
There is no need to worry about all the BCS polls (which are ludicrous) BYU is in the best situation possible. If they win out. They're in a BCS game. They don't need to worry about what anyone else thinks. TCU and Utah are good enough that it will make BYU's schedule better than any other "BCS busters'" schedule. i.e. Boise State and Tulsa.
UCLA ? | 9:44 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Why is everyone still saying that Washington and UCLA were tough games? Has anybody seen what these two teams have done this season and where they are ranked? TCU would beat both of these teams if they played. Cougar fans need to stop clinging to the UCLA game, because it is giving you a false sense of your fortitude. One post actually said that TCU would be BYU's "second toughest opponent this year."

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Bradley Wakoff, Associated Press

TCU's defense, shown here sacking Colorado State quarterback Billy Farris on Oct. 11, leads the nation in several defensive categories.

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