BCS Buster: Week 8 Preview

By KENNY FRANEK

Game of the Week - TCU @ BYU

The top defense in the MWC heads to Provo to clash with the top scoring offense. The Frogs give up a meager 13.7 points per game, while the Cougars average 38.6 points-per-game on offense. One has to give, but which will it be? For the record, BYU is giving up 22.7 points-per-game and TCU is averaging 33.8 points-per-game, so both are solid on both sides of the ball. The key match-up here will be TCU’s defensive line, starred by defensive end Jerry Hughes, versus the Cougar offensive line. BYU quarterback Max Hall has thrown 10 interceptions to date and can be forced into throwing errant passes when pressured. Hughes has eight sacks this season and is one of the best in the country at getting to the quarterback. If the Cougar offensive line can keep Hughes and Co. at bay, then he will have time to pick away at the TCU secondary, which is the weakest area for them on defense. If they cannot succeed in doing this, then it will be a long day for Hall and the Cougars.
Prediction: TCU 23; BYU 17

Other Games to Watch

Air Force @ Utah
Quarterback Terrance Cain and running back Eddie Wide will need to have big games against a good Falcons defense. Prediction: Utah 27; Air Force 14

Southern Methodist @ Houston
The only question here is: How many yards will Cougar quarterback Case Keenum throw for? Prediction: Houston 45; Southern Methodist 24

Idaho @ Nevada
Vandal running back DeMaundray Woolridge versus the Wolf Pack rushing attack of Luke Lippincott and Vai Taua is enough to make this an entertaining game. Throw in the fact that both are fighting for a share of first-place in the WAC and you got yourself a winning combination. Prediction: Idaho 30; Nevada 20

Central Michigan @ Bowling Green
The Dan LeFevour show is about to start, so in the words of T.O. “Get your popcorn ready”. Prediction: Central Michigan 33; Bowling Green 17

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box