Open GameThread: TCU vs. BYU

by sroufe on Oct 24, 2009 12:00 PM PDT

TCU Horned Frogs at BYU Cougars, Oct 24, 2009 4:30 PM PDT

Players to Watch: Offense - QB Andy Dalton is experienced and able to make plays with both his legs and his arm. His 152.2 current passer rating is good for 16th in the nation. RB - Ed Wesley is a young talented sophomore. Wesley has shined in limited action thus far in 2009, averaging over 5 yards per carry and making some nice receptions out of the backfield. Defense - DE Jerry Hughes is 4th in the nation in sacks per game (1.33) and 14th in tackles for loss/game (1.58). Hughes is a legitimate 1st round NFL draft pick next April and is the best defensive player in the MWC. LB Daryl Washington was a preseason all-conference selection and had two sacks and an interception against SMU a couple weeks ago. LB Tank Carder has probably the best football name on TCU's roster and the game to back it up. Carnder is averaging six tackles a game. Special Teams - WR Jeremy Kerley is 5th in the nation in punt return averages and 19th in kick returns. He returned a punt for touchdown last weekend against CSU in spectacular fashion and the play was the game's major turning point after the Frogs had a lethargic opening half.

Key Stats: TCU's rushing defense is ranked 8th in the nation (81 yards/game). BYU's rushing offense is ranked 43rd (163 yards/game). TCU's passing efficiency defense is ranked 21st (101 yards/game). BYU's passing offense is 11th in the nation (306 yards/game). The Cougars also rank 1st on third down conversions (64%), and the Frogs are ranked 5th in third-down conversion defense (27%).

Record Watch:
Dennis Pitta - Needs 23 receptions to become BYU's all-time leader in receptions...
Harvey Unga - Needs 278 rushing yards to pass Curtis Brown (3,221) and become BYU's all-time leading rusher...
Max Hall - Needs 1,148 passing yards to pass John Beck (11,021) and become BYU's 2nd all-time leading passer...he also needs 3 TD passes to pass Beck (79) and become 3rd all-time in that category...