Football commonly focuses its attention on tradition, spirit, and competition, but against Air Force the common aspects were set aside to remember the 2001 terrorist attacks on America.

Head Football Coach Gary Patterson knew that the game was about more than just football, especially since it was the tenth anniversary. “You know obviously, my son was in the Armed Forces, I was at the Naval Academy… I understand why I get a chance to sleep at night,” Patterson said.

While TCU Fans were in Colorado to cheer for the Frogs, the memory of 9/11 stuck in their heads. TCU graduate Todd Dalrymple was happy to be in Colorado, not only to cheer on the Frogs but to celebrate the anniversary.

“I’m glad we got the opportunity to be here for that,” Dalrymple said. “It’s an honor to be here for our armed forces."

Dalrymple commented on how great it was to be at the Academy for the anniversary, and it is hard to really “hate” the opposing team.”

TCU graduate student Johnny Rogers was an undergraduate during the tragedy. He said it was great to be part of the bigger picture at Air Force.

“It is one of those things where we didn’t really know what was going on,” he said. “To be able to come up here on the 10th anniversary kind of made it a little bit special.”

While the main noise of football played in the background, fans paid close attention to the memories in the background.

"Obviously it is a great honor… it’s really great to think about that and see what air force is representing,” TCU fan Ben Price said.

Every game competition is the main focus but against Air Force fans and players remembered the bigger picture.

Patterson said, “I value what the Academy's about, what the armed services is about and what they do for us.”