#8 TCU at # 16 BYU

October 24th 7:30 ET

Line: TCU – 2 ½

The biggest game of the year in the Mountain West Conference features 6-0 TCU traveling to 6-1 BYU. The ESPN Gameday crew will be along for the festivities. Which mascot head will Lee Corso don?

Everything the Cougars do offensively revolves around stud QB Max Hall. Hall has had a stellar career with this season being no exception. The Senior signal caller has thrown for 2,069 yards with 16 TD’s and 10 interceptions. Senior TE Dennis Pitta is also having another fine campaign hauling in 34 receptions for 471 yards and 5 scores.

In 2008, the Cougars were dominated by the speed of TCU 32-7. BYU will have to run the ball to stay in the game which will not be an easy task. TCU’s defense is one of the best in the nation and will look to apply pressure on Hall and put the clamps on the Cougar running game.

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The Horned Frogs are led on offense by QB Andy Dalton. The 6’3” Junior is very efficient throwing only 3 interceptions on the season. TCU hangs their hat on the defensive end where DE Jerry Hughes roams. Hughes has 8 sacks in just 6 games. LB Daryl Washington is also a beast leading the team in tackles. On special teams, Jeremy Kerley is in a word, spectacular. His punt return last week against Colorado State was incredible.

Prediction: TCU’s defense has been incredible this season with their athleticism similar to that of Florida State, a team that blew the Cougars out in Provo. BYU has a slim edge on the offensive side of the ball but the TCU defense is a far superior to that of the Cougars. Max Hall will hang tough but the pressure of Hughes and the defense will be too much. TCU 23 BYU 13

By: Scott Dryden
DFN Sports Staff Writer