Last season, the Frogs, coming off of two straight home victories, went on the road to Laramie, Wyo., to face the Wyoming Cowboys.

The Cowboys proceeded to shock the Frogs and pull off a 24-21 upset.

“When we played them last year, they had two weeks to prepare and embarrassed us,” head coach Gary Patterson said.

The Cowboys rushed for 232 yards in that contest, including two 100-yard rushers. The Frogs have allowed 168 yards rushing in eight games this season.

But Patterson also noted that it wasn’t just the defense that played poorly in Wyoming last season.

“They intercepted us three times,” Patterson said of his offense last season. “We played terribly and got beat.”

Although the Cowboys come into the game with a 2-5 record, Patterson said the team is solid both offensively and defensively.

“They have two excellent running backs, and their defense is senior-oriented,” Patterson said. “They are very good and know what they are trying to accomplish.”

Junior defensive end Jerry Hughes, who leads the nation in sacks with 11, has been instrumental in the Frogs’ No. 1-ranked defense, the coach said.

“I don’t think anyone could imagine the consistency he has had this year,” Patterson said. “He’s having as good of season as any in the history of that position at TCU,” Patterson said.

Patterson said he has encouraged the team to approach Saturday’s game with the same level of intensity as previous games against BYU and Oklahoma – something he said is necessary if the Frogs are to win their second Mountain West Conference title.

“This week is when you worry – coming off a big win and trying to bottle up any attention they have left from all the distractions,” he said. “We have to find a way in the next four weeks to give our kids a chance to win a conference title.”

Sports Editor Billy Wessels contributed to this report.