TCU takes on Wyoming Saturday in Laramie. Here are a few match-ups to look for as the Frogs try for their fourth straight Mountain West victory:
Quarterbacks: Casey Pachall appears primed to break several TCU quarterbacking records. However, this game will come down to the running game most likely due to the weather in Laramie. Do not expect either quarterback to make a big splash in this contest. Brett Smith has been very consistent for the Cowboys and has kept from turning the ball over. Advantage: TCU
Running backs: Ed Wesley has made a great TCU backfield even better since he came back from injury. Raymond James also appears to be having a breakout campaign for the frogs. The ability to move the ball on the ground with the running game will be key to the frog success. Wyoming quarterback Smith can tuck the ball down and run. He is second on the team in rush attempts to Alvester Alexander. Ghaali Muhammad also averages six-plus yards per carry for the Cowboys. Draw.
Wide receivers: Cold hands and cold bodies are going to be all that the little skill guys are feeling in Laramie this weekend. There is no reason to pick against Josh Boyce since he seems to get his numbers each and every week. Junior Skye Dawson has also played better for the Frogs as of late then he dad at the beginning of the season. Wyoming is not afraid to spread the ball around, but they do not have the same talent as the Frogs on the outside. Advantage: TCU.
Offensive line: The offense of linemen will be the only ones in Laramie this weekend without sleeves on. The cold weather and high altitude may be an offensive lineman’s dream. The tale of the tape shows that both lines are equal in size but TCU's offense of line has been opening holes for the backs all season, and they have done an excellent job of keeping Pachall upright. Advantage: TCU.
Defensive line: Stansly Maponga will yet again be the best defensive lineman on the field this weekend. In a game where stopping the run game it will be so huge young defensive tackles Jon Lewis and Chuck Hunter must come up big for the Frogs. Gabe Napton is a force for Wyoming on the outside for Wyoming with five sacks on the season, but TCU will like up savvy senior Jeff Olson to slow down Napton. Advantage: TCU.
Linebackers: Tank Carder and Kenny Cain have brought great energy to the defense for the Frogs the last few weeks. Bringing down Wyoming running back Muhammad is not an easy task. TCU’s defensive linemen must keep the Wyoming offensive lineman off of the TCU linebackers. Keep the linemen off of Tank Carder and he will make plays all game long. Advantage: TCU.
Secondary: Jason Verrett, Devin Johnson and Jonathan Anderson have been difference makers for the Frogs as the season has progressed. If Wyoming's offense is halted through the air then no defense will be able to creep up and make plays against the running game. Luke Ruff leads Wyoming in tackles at the strong safety position. Draw.
Prediction: TCU is more physical and has better talent in the backfield so the Frogs are able to move the ball more consistently than the Cowboys. Wyoming may hang with TCU for a little while but ultimately the frogs will separate themselves. TCU wins 27-9.
