BOISE STATE VS. TCU
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV: Channel 10
Records: Boise State 13-0, TCU 12-0
Boise St., TCU become coaching destinations
BOISE STATE VS. TCU
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV: Channel 10
Records: Boise State 13-0, TCU 12-0
Boise St., TCU become coaching destinations
THE SKINNY
Both of these teams have gaudy statistical numbers, as it should be with a combined record of 25-0. Boise State has the highest scoring offense in the nation, averaging 44.2 points per game. TCU is fourth at 40.7 points per game. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore leads the nation in passing efficiency but will be tested by TCU All-American Jerry Hughes up front and the Horned Frogs’ defensive style of using five defensive backs. On the flip side, Boise State will need to slow down the TCU running game. Some people believe TCU should have been in the national championship game because of the undefeated record and wins against Virginia, Clemson, BYU and Utah. A convincing win by TCU would only fuel that outcry. The Broncos had a memorable overtime victory over Oklahoma here in 2007, and they would love to duplicate that feat.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Kellen Moore. The Boise State signal caller has already broken the school record for passing touchdowns (39) and has thrown just three interceptions. Moore’s passing efficiency rating of 167.35 is tops in the nation. The sophomore has thrown five touchdowns in a game three times this season, a Boise State record. TCU’s defense is better than any Moore has seen, so his margin for error will be smaller than normal.
2. Jerry Hughes. The Texas Christian defensive end has 11 1/2 sacks on the year and is a handful for anyone trying to slow him down. Hughes also has 54 tackles, fourth best on the team. He is 2 1/2 sacks away from tying the TCU record for career sacks (31), which was set by Aaron Schobel from 1997-2000.
3. The ratings. In the history of the BCS, games involving non-BCS schools traditionally do not get good ratings. This is the first time two non-BCS teams face off against each other. Will the Cinderella vs. Cinderella story line capture the nation’s attention, or will the lack of an underdog to root for cause disinterest? Both teams are undefeated and talented, but this game may not be duplicated for a while if the buzz isn’t great.
BOISE STATE STARTING LINEUP
Offense
WR — Austin Pettis
LT — Nate Potter
LG — Will Lawrence
C — Thomas Byrd
RG — Kevin Sapien
RT — Garrett Pendergast
WR — Titus Young
TE — Tommy Gallarda
QB — Kellen Moore
RB — Jeremy Avery
FB — Dan Paul
Defense
DE — Ryan Winterswyk
DT — Billy Winn
DT — Chase Baker
DE — Shea McClellin
LB — Daron Mackey
LB — Aaron Tevis
CB — Kyle Wilson
S — Jeron Johnson
S — Winston Venable
S — George Iloka
CB — Brandyn Thompson
SCHEDULE
9/3 Oregon W 19-8
9/12 Miami (Ohio) W 48-0
9/18 @ Fresno State W 51-34
9/26 @ Bowling Green W 49-14
10/3 UC Davis W 34-16
10/14 @ Tulsa W 28-21
10/24 @ Hawaii W 54-9
10/31 San Jose State W 45-7
11/6 @ Louisiana Tech W 45-35
11/14 Idaho W 63-25
11/20 @ Utah State W 52-21
11/27 Nevada W 44-33
12/5 New Mexico State W 42-7
TCU STARTING LINEUP
Offense
WR — Jimmy Young
WR — Ryan Christian
TE — Evan Frosch
LT — Marshall Newhouse
LG — Kyle Dooley
C — Jake Kirkpatrick
RG — Josh Vernon
RT — Marcus Cannon
WR — Antoine Hicks
QB — Andy Dalton
RB — Joseph Turner
Defense
DE — Jerry Hughes
DT — Kelly Griffin
DT — Cory Grant
DE — Wayne Daniels
LB — Daryl Washington
LB — Tank Carder
CB — Rafael Priest
S — Alex Ibiloye
S — Tejay Johnson
S — Tyler Luttrell
CB — Nick Sanders
