College Football Nation: Frogs-Cougars 102409
Patterson's not worried about BCS rankings
October, 24, 2009
Oct 24
11:51
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- TCU coach Gary Patterson didn’t want to talk about the BCS after Saturday’s 38-7 shellacking of BYU.
He skirted three questions before finally addressing the elephant in the room and even then, he didn’t really use his press conference as a way to advocate the Horned Frogs for a BCS game despite their 7-0 record.
Patterson knows all too well that success can be fleeting.
“You guys have to understand, I stood on that sideline at Oklahoma and saw how high it was and listened to all the phone calls,” Patterson said reflecting back to 2005 when the Horned Frogs upset the Sooners during the opening game of the season and then lost to SMU in the next game. “And then I also stood on that sideline at SMU back in 2005. And I have not lost that really, really high and I have not lost that really, really low.”
Still, No. 8 TCU’s dominance over No. 16 BYU will not go unnoticed by the pollsters. From the opening kick, TCU took charge of the game on both sides of the ball and jumped out to a 21-0 lead before BYU scored a touchdown late in the first half.
And that was as close as BYU would get. The Horned Frogs defense stiffened, got to quarterback Max Hall and capitalized on his mistakes -- an interception and a fumble. BYU made silly penalties during TCU drives, which allowed TCU to turn stalled possessions into scores.
Patterson said earlier in the week that his team had been looking forward to the BYU game since the spring and that beating a ranked BYU team in a place where they haven’t lost a league game since 2005 should cause some movement when the BCS standings are released tomorrow evening.
“Chris Peterson and Boise have a good football team,” Patterson said. “Hopefully, this game counts for something because it was a ranked team and it was a team that was ranked in the BCS standings. But also, if it doesn’t change much, I don’t have any control over that. All I can control is trying to beat UNLV.”
But as Patterson continued he noted that his team wasn’t the only nonautomatic qualifying school that deserved some national recognition.
Patterson has acknowledged his respect for the Boise State program all season and even ran a play of Boise State’s during Saturday’s win -- the reverse play that set up receiver Jeremy Kerley’s 44-yard pass to Bart Johnson in the first quarter.
And after Saturday’s win, Patterson said there weren’t “a bunch of great teams” in college football this year and intimated that if Boise State and TCU go undefeated that both deserve spots in BCS bowls.
“If there was going to be a year, if we could win out and Boise could win out, you’d have two teams that are pretty good football teams, this one might be one of those years that this might get done,” Patterson said. “Obviously, that’s not how [the BCS] does things, but if we were to ever do things for the right reasons, maybe it might get done.”
PROVO, Utah -- TCU coach Gary Patterson didn’t want to talk about the BCS after Saturday’s 38-7 shellacking of BYU.
 | |
| Vladimir Cherry/US Presswire | |
| BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall and TCU coach Gary Patterson before TCU's 38-7 victory. Patterson did not talk about his team's chances at a BCS game. |
He skirted three questions before finally addressing the elephant in the room and even then, he didn’t really use his press conference as a way to advocate the Horned Frogs for a BCS game despite their 7-0 record.
Patterson knows all too well that success can be fleeting.
“You guys have to understand, I stood on that sideline at Oklahoma and saw how high it was and listened to all the phone calls,” Patterson said reflecting back to 2005 when the Horned Frogs upset the Sooners during the opening game of the season and then lost to SMU in the next game. “And then I also stood on that sideline at SMU back in 2005. And I have not lost that really, really high and I have not lost that really, really low.”
Still, No. 8 TCU’s dominance over No. 16 BYU will not go unnoticed by the pollsters. From the opening kick, TCU took charge of the game on both sides of the ball and jumped out to a 21-0 lead before BYU scored a touchdown late in the first half.
And that was as close as BYU would get. The Horned Frogs defense stiffened, got to quarterback Max Hall and capitalized on his mistakes -- an interception and a fumble. BYU made silly penalties during TCU drives, which allowed TCU to turn stalled possessions into scores.
Patterson said earlier in the week that his team had been looking forward to the BYU game since the spring and that beating a ranked BYU team in a place where they haven’t lost a league game since 2005 should cause some movement when the BCS standings are released tomorrow evening.
“Chris Peterson and Boise have a good football team,” Patterson said. “Hopefully, this game counts for something because it was a ranked team and it was a team that was ranked in the BCS standings. But also, if it doesn’t change much, I don’t have any control over that. All I can control is trying to beat UNLV.”
But as Patterson continued he noted that his team wasn’t the only nonautomatic qualifying school that deserved some national recognition.
Patterson has acknowledged his respect for the Boise State program all season and even ran a play of Boise State’s during Saturday’s win -- the reverse play that set up receiver Jeremy Kerley’s 44-yard pass to Bart Johnson in the first quarter.
And after Saturday’s win, Patterson said there weren’t “a bunch of great teams” in college football this year and intimated that if Boise State and TCU go undefeated that both deserve spots in BCS bowls.
“If there was going to be a year, if we could win out and Boise could win out, you’d have two teams that are pretty good football teams, this one might be one of those years that this might get done,” Patterson said. “Obviously, that’s not how [the BCS] does things, but if we were to ever do things for the right reasons, maybe it might get done.”
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- The chants of “Gary! Gary!” started to rain down from the smattering of TCU fans with about 8 minutes remaining in TCU’s win over BYU.
The cheers were for TCU coach Gary Patterson, who’s team handled its biggest test of the season to remain undefeated and in the hunt for its first-ever BCS bowl berth.
It was also a cheer for Patterson, who has figured out BYU the past two seasons, dominated them and essentially ended their seasons.
BYU was never in this game. From the opening kick TCU looked like it was better prepared and it wanted it more. While BYU did get some thing going on offense throughout the game, penalties and turnover stunted any chance of mounting a comeback.
PROVO, Utah -- The chants of “Gary! Gary!” started to rain down from the smattering of TCU fans with about 8 minutes remaining in TCU’s win over BYU.
The cheers were for TCU coach Gary Patterson, who’s team handled its biggest test of the season to remain undefeated and in the hunt for its first-ever BCS bowl berth.
It was also a cheer for Patterson, who has figured out BYU the past two seasons, dominated them and essentially ended their seasons.
BYU was never in this game. From the opening kick TCU looked like it was better prepared and it wanted it more. While BYU did get some thing going on offense throughout the game, penalties and turnover stunted any chance of mounting a comeback.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- BYU penalties have led to 10 TCU points in the second half and have built a 24-point lead for the Horned Frogs midway through the third quarter.
During TCU’s first drive of the half, it was a roughing the passer call that kept the Frogs' drive alive and led to a field goal. On the next drive, a pass interference led to a 75-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to receiver Antoine Hicks to make the score 31-7.
While BYU has had some success on the ground, it’s time for quarterback Max Hall to start airing it out. The BYU offensive line has had up well since the first half, so it’s going to be up to Hall to get his team back in the game.
PROVO, Utah -- BYU penalties have led to 10 TCU points in the second half and have built a 24-point lead for the Horned Frogs midway through the third quarter.
During TCU’s first drive of the half, it was a roughing the passer call that kept the Frogs' drive alive and led to a field goal. On the next drive, a pass interference led to a 75-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to receiver Antoine Hicks to make the score 31-7.
While BYU has had some success on the ground, it’s time for quarterback Max Hall to start airing it out. The BYU offensive line has had up well since the first half, so it’s going to be up to Hall to get his team back in the game.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- Not the way BYU wanted to start the half.
BYU quarterback Max Hall threw a pass behind running back Bryan Kariya, who reached back and popped the ball into the air into the waiting arms of linebacker Daryl Washington deep in BYU territory.
Ulitmately, TCU added on a field goal.
Before that, however, BYU was starting to have some success moving the ball. Harvey Unga was starting to find holes and the BYU offensive line is starting to give quarterback Max Hall more time to throw. While BYU has been on offense the last three drives, it’s had a lot of success moving the ball. The key now is getting it into the end zone.
PROVO, Utah -- Not the way BYU wanted to start the half.
BYU quarterback Max Hall threw a pass behind running back Bryan Kariya, who reached back and popped the ball into the air into the waiting arms of linebacker Daryl Washington deep in BYU territory.
Ulitmately, TCU added on a field goal.
Before that, however, BYU was starting to have some success moving the ball. Harvey Unga was starting to find holes and the BYU offensive line is starting to give quarterback Max Hall more time to throw. While BYU has been on offense the last three drives, it’s had a lot of success moving the ball. The key now is getting it into the end zone.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- TCU put BYU exactly where it didn’t want to be -- behind.
Joseph Turner ran in the game’s first score from the 4-yard line to give the Horned Frogs a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
What’s worse is that TCU made it look easy.
Quarterback Andy Dalton led the Frogs downfield passing and running and kept the BYU defense off-balance. He accounted for 59 yards of the Frogs 80 yards during that drive.
BYU quarterback Max Hall on the other hand, not so effective. He's already been sacked twice and the TCU defensive line is starting to key-in on the run. The Cougars went 3-and-out on the possession after the Frogs touchdown.
PROVO, Utah -- TCU put BYU exactly where it didn’t want to be -- behind.
Joseph Turner ran in the game’s first score from the 4-yard line to give the Horned Frogs a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
What’s worse is that TCU made it look easy.
Quarterback Andy Dalton led the Frogs downfield passing and running and kept the BYU defense off-balance. He accounted for 59 yards of the Frogs 80 yards during that drive.
BYU quarterback Max Hall on the other hand, not so effective. He's already been sacked twice and the TCU defensive line is starting to key-in on the run. The Cougars went 3-and-out on the possession after the Frogs touchdown.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- BYU spent the first drive doing exactly what it needed to do -- establish the running game -- but it wasn’t enough to foil the backfield efforts of TCU’s defense.
The defense sacked BYU quarterback Max Hall once and forced him into an errant throw. BYU’s best option, at least early in the game, looks to be Harvey Unga and the running game. Unga already has 20 yards in the game.
PROVO, Utah -- BYU spent the first drive doing exactly what it needed to do -- establish the running game -- but it wasn’t enough to foil the backfield efforts of TCU’s defense.
The defense sacked BYU quarterback Max Hall once and forced him into an errant throw. BYU’s best option, at least early in the game, looks to be Harvey Unga and the running game. Unga already has 20 yards in the game.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- BYU receiver McKay Jacobson will be a game-time decision for today’s game against TCU.
Jacobson, the Cougars’ best deep threat, has missed the past three games with a strained hamstring and was limited in practice again this week. Coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t rule out Jacobson’s return.
"I'd say 'possible.' No more than that, no less than that," Mendenhall said this week. "I haven't seen enough to upgrade his status."
The one thing that could hamper Jacobson return is the weather. The rain has been on and off and even if Jacobson is feeling better, the slippery field might become a hazardous situation for him.
BYU nose tackle Russell Tialavea is back for today’s game, but will not start. He is, however, expected to play.
PROVO, Utah -- BYU receiver McKay Jacobson will be a game-time decision for today’s game against TCU.
Jacobson, the Cougars’ best deep threat, has missed the past three games with a strained hamstring and was limited in practice again this week. Coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t rule out Jacobson’s return.
"I'd say 'possible.' No more than that, no less than that," Mendenhall said this week. "I haven't seen enough to upgrade his status."
The one thing that could hamper Jacobson return is the weather. The rain has been on and off and even if Jacobson is feeling better, the slippery field might become a hazardous situation for him.
BYU nose tackle Russell Tialavea is back for today’s game, but will not start. He is, however, expected to play.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
PROVO, Utah -- The rain has come and gone here at LaVell Edwards Stadium, but the gusting wind appears to be staying.
If the weather continues to be poor, that will benefit TCU, which has played more than half of its games in poor weather this season and come away victorious.
Here are my keys to tonight’s pivotal Mountain West matchup:
BYU
1. Get out early: Last year, BYU found itself in a big hole early, which caused the Cougars to throw the ball a lot. It wasn’t able to get into a good offensive rhythm and TCU was able to get a lot of pressure in the backfield. If BYU can get out to an early lead, it can get into its offensive gameplan and perhaps even force TCU out of its comfort zone and where quarterback Andy Dalton will have to pass downfield.
2. Establish the run: TCU has one of the nation’s best rushing defenses, so it will be important that BYU shows early that it feels like it can run the ball with confidence. BYU running back Harvey Unga has been tremendous this season and the Cougars will need him to have another good game to keep the offense balanced.
3. Limit the turnovers: Max Hall has 10 interceptions this season, but he’s been flawless in the past two games. The Cougars will rely on him not to be rattled by the pressure of TCU and make smart throws. Hall needs to get some confidence early to have an effective game.
TCU
1. Get to the quarterback: Disrupting the backfield is TCU’s thing, but it will be important to get early pressure on BYU quarterback Max Hall and give him flashbacks of last season. Jerry Hughes had four sacks against a good BYU offensive line a year ago and might have even more success against a piecemeal line that has been banged up all year.
2. Use Jeremy Kerley: One of the biggest keys to success a year ago was using receiver Jeremy Kerley in the Wild Frog formation. BYU has shown already this year that it struggles with a running quarterback and with Kerley and Dalton having the ability to run will create another weapon for the Frogs.
3. Don’t lose Dennis Pitta: If TCU can’t get to the quarterback, Hall is going to be looking for his security blanket in tight end Dennis Pitta for a big game. Pitta is the best tight end in the country and could create havoc for the Frogs if they allow him to run wild in the secondary.
PROVO, Utah -- The rain has come and gone here at LaVell Edwards Stadium, but the gusting wind appears to be staying.
If the weather continues to be poor, that will benefit TCU, which has played more than half of its games in poor weather this season and come away victorious.
Here are my keys to tonight’s pivotal Mountain West matchup:
BYU
1. Get out early: Last year, BYU found itself in a big hole early, which caused the Cougars to throw the ball a lot. It wasn’t able to get into a good offensive rhythm and TCU was able to get a lot of pressure in the backfield. If BYU can get out to an early lead, it can get into its offensive gameplan and perhaps even force TCU out of its comfort zone and where quarterback Andy Dalton will have to pass downfield.
2. Establish the run: TCU has one of the nation’s best rushing defenses, so it will be important that BYU shows early that it feels like it can run the ball with confidence. BYU running back Harvey Unga has been tremendous this season and the Cougars will need him to have another good game to keep the offense balanced.
3. Limit the turnovers: Max Hall has 10 interceptions this season, but he’s been flawless in the past two games. The Cougars will rely on him not to be rattled by the pressure of TCU and make smart throws. Hall needs to get some confidence early to have an effective game.
TCU
1. Get to the quarterback: Disrupting the backfield is TCU’s thing, but it will be important to get early pressure on BYU quarterback Max Hall and give him flashbacks of last season. Jerry Hughes had four sacks against a good BYU offensive line a year ago and might have even more success against a piecemeal line that has been banged up all year.
2. Use Jeremy Kerley: One of the biggest keys to success a year ago was using receiver Jeremy Kerley in the Wild Frog formation. BYU has shown already this year that it struggles with a running quarterback and with Kerley and Dalton having the ability to run will create another weapon for the Frogs.
3. Don’t lose Dennis Pitta: If TCU can’t get to the quarterback, Hall is going to be looking for his security blanket in tight end Dennis Pitta for a big game. Pitta is the best tight end in the country and could create havoc for the Frogs if they allow him to run wild in the secondary.
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TOP 25 SCOREBOARD
Thursday, 11/19
Final Colorado 28 12 Oklahoma State 31
Friday, 11/20
Saturday, 11/21
Final Florida International 3 1 Florida 62 Final Chattanooga 0 2 Alabama 45 Final Kansas 20 3 Texas 51 Final 4 TCU 45 Wyoming 10 Final 8 LSU 23 Mississippi 25 Final 10 Ohio State 21 Michigan 10 Final/2OT 11 Oregon 44 Arizona 41 Final Minnesota 0 13 Iowa 12 Final 14 Penn State 42 Michigan State 14 Final North Carolina State 10 15 Virginia Tech 38 Final 16 Wisconsin 31 Northwestern 33 Final 25 California 34 17 Stanford 28 Final 19 Oregon State 42 Washington State 10 Final Duke 16 20 Miami (FL) 34 Final San Diego State 7 21 Utah 38 Final Air Force 21 22 Brigham Young 38 Final Virginia 21 23 Clemson 34 Final Memphis 14 24 Houston 55 Final 25 Rutgers 13 Syracuse 31
TOP PERFORMERS
- C. Keenum Houston - QB
- 29-39, 405 yds, 5 tds
- vs MEM | Final
- S. Vereen California - RB
- 42 car, 193 yds, 3 tds
- @ STAN | Final
- F. Barnes Bowling Green - WR
- 12 rec, 197 yds, 2 tds
- vs AKR | Final
