BYU offense vs. TCU defense

The Horned Frog defense has proved relatively stout on the early season, and particularly in stopping the run. TCU has yet to yield over 100 yards to an opponent and held both North Carolina’s and UCF’s top rushers to under 60 yards gained on the ground, which makes the challenge for the Cougar’s very productive ground game likely the most formative to date. TCU has been good, although not particularly as dominant in defending the pass, and the Cougars will almost assuredly pose the biggest threat through the air that the Horned Frogs have faced to date. We like the improvements made by quarterback Bear Bachmeier, along with the emergence of Legend Glasker and Kyler Kasper, giving the Cougars the edge.

Edge: BYU

BYU defense vs. TCU offense

TCU has been able to chew up yardage, but has proven unable to complete drives against FBS opponents due to turnovers and penalties, among other factors. The Horned Frog throw game has proven production although the running attack has proved quite ordinary through the first four games played this season. The Cougars, meanwhile, have proven to be dominant in defending the pass and the run, but as a slow-starting unit in that regard, which could pose a problem on the run. Still, given the two weeks to prepare, along with the overall talent and playmaking abilities, the edge goes to the Cougars when TCU has possession of the football.

Edge: BYU

Coaching

Sonny Dykes is a proven coach who can develop teams to play at top levels, which includes a berth into the College Football Playoff back in 2022. Hard times have fallen on the Horned Frogs since, however, but even so, Dykes and his staff are generally highly-regarded and will have their units ready come Saturday. BYU, meanwhile, again poses a lot of experience and know-how, and given the two weeks to prepare, the edge goes to BYU on the coaching front.

Edge: BYU

TCU will win if …

The Horned Frogs have been the victim of biting themselves in the foot in losses to both North Carolina in Ireland to begin the season, and to UCF last week. Turnovers and poor decision making during 4th-down situations have beset TCU in both losses, and should it learn to fix these tendencies, it could pose a problem for the Cougars while providing a win for the Horned Frogs. Also, there’s been reports of extra team meetings and significant readjustments in preparation for the Cougars, and should these changes bear fruit, TCU’s talent could rise to the occasion and provide for a big win.

BYU will win if …

BYU has proven very good in running the football, and if it continues to gallop for well over 100 yards, it should come away from Fort Worth with a win. Doing so may prove problematic with the loss of right tackle Andrew Gentry to injury, and TCU has proven very good in defending the run, although matching the production shown so far this season needs to continue. BYU also needs to overcome the elements, and Saturday’s game looks to be very rainy, which could complicate matters. Should BYU run the football effectively and endure the elements, then a win should come their way.

Prediction

This is a game where BYU’s two weeks to prepare in coming off of a bye should prove a deciding factor. We feel it will benefit the defense especially, and particularly edge players like Isaiah Glasker and Nusi Taumoepeau, who both have dealt with nagging injuries since the start of the season. Both should have some extra giddy-up after the bye week which could prove a big benefit. We also like the composure and strides shown by Bear Bachmeier and the Cougar passing attack which should provide an edge and ultimately a win come Saturday. But TCU is talented and a bit desperate for a win, which should make any win BYU takes away closer than most fans are anticipating.

BYU 24, TCU 21