Everyone in the country will turn their eyes to Provo this weekend, as ESPN's college gameday showcases this weekend's only football game between ranked teams.
The no 8 TCU Horned Frogs come to visit the no. 16 BYU Cougars. The BYU football team is hoping to make up for their embarassing loss to TCU a year ago. In that game, the tables were turned. BYU was a top ten team believed to be headed for a BCS bowl and TCU spoiled their hopes. The cougars hope to return the favor this year in Provo.
Earlier this season many believed that the BYU football game against Oklahoma would be the biggest one of the season. After Oklahoma's turn of bad events that game isn't carrying as much weight any more. BYU needs this win in order to gain back some of the national recognition that has been lost after the Oklahoma mediocrity and the Florida State loss.
While many believe that BYU can't get into a BCS bowl game this year, there are people that believe that a dominant win againt TCU and a dominant win againt Utah could do the trick. It would probably also require a Boise State loss.
The game this saturday will be an interesting one. TCU has one of the best defenses in the nation and BYU has one of the best offenses in the country. Without a question, the game will hinge on BYU's defense. If they can shut down the TCU offense, BYU can win the game. If not, BYU can start playing re-run tapes of last year's game.
Last week against San Diego State, I think BYU saw one of the best offenses in the MWC. QB Ryan Lindley is an accurate passer and he has receivers that can catch the ball. TCU doesn't seem to have quite the offensive attack that SDSU had. They run a lot more than they pass. And BYU's run defense has been pretty solid this year. The gaps have been in the pass defense. Look for TCU to try to take advantage of BYU's small corners.
In the end, I think BYU has what it takes to win this game. I believe that if BYU can play solid defense and score early they will win the football game.
Prediction
BYU 34, TCU 28
