Well, TCU lost the game tonight, and, as a default result, Utah ended up with a win. 95% of the game played out like I thought. TCU moved the ball up and down the field, getting nearly 450 yards against Utah's "dominant" defense. Utah's offense struggled almost the entire game, having to punt 8 times, and going 4 for 15 on 3rd down. Utah tried to turn it over, with two fumbles that they recovered and two passes that should have been intercepted, but managed to put a goose egg up there in the turnover column. BUT...when a TD drive was needed, Brian Johnson answered the call, and Andy Dalton could only get two field goal attempts, both of which missed wide right (technically, the first one bounced off the left upright and skidded over to the right of the right upright). You definitely have to give Utah credit for making the game-winning drive. But, you definitely have to give TCU credit for making it possible.
They had the ball inside field goal range 4 times without scoring a single point. The two missed field goals were already mentioned, and then there were the TWO times TCU's QB ran backwards to avoid pressure and ran right out of field goal range while still getting sacked. 12 points missed out on, at least, in a game where even 6 would have put the game out of reach. Instead, they got 0, and lost by 3. (On a side note according to their season averages they should have scored two TDs and a field goal and come away empty only once in those four possessions: 27-13, very close to my prediction. I have to say something to save face after hitting Utah's points scored on the nose but missing TCU's by 24)
The biggest play was: the ill-advised pass thrown by Andy Dalton with 26 seconds left in the first half. Utah returned the interception 37 yards and ended up with a field goal out of it. He eats the ball: no field goal, 10-10.
What I [re-]learned about Utah's defense: they make plays at critical times, on third down, in the red zone, at the close of halves and quarters, etc. However, they aren't as good when it isn't crunch time and they can't handle big, fast receivers (nobody left on the schedule has those, in fact, no one on the schedule until now has had those except TCU-and Michigan but they didn't have anyone to get them the ball).
What I have been saying about Utah's offense all season that is still true: they make plays at critical times, in the fourth quarter, mainly. They aren't good when it isn't crunch time.
What can you say about Louie Sakoda: he is AWESOME at all times during the game, except crunch time. He is the anti-Utah in that regard. His two fourth quarter punts gave TCU field position (net on those two punts: 30 yards) so that they could miss two chip-shot field goals and not put the game away and end up losing.
How I feel about Utah after moving to 10-0: I still believe that Boise State is a better team than the Utes are. They play four quarters, regardless of the opponent. Their defense has played one bad quarter the entire season, where Utah seems to have a bad quarter per game. Their offense took a little time to gel early with the frosh at QB, but they have been putting the hurt down early in games recently. People argue that they haven't played anybody. I don't care. Just watch the team play: they may be playing horrible teams, but they make it look like they are playing air. Utah has struggled against some teams that are as good as teams that Boise State has dominated.
What I think about the BCS: Utah is as close to a sure thing as there is. They have San Diego State. No need to say anything about that game. Then they have BYU, whose offense plays right into the hands of Utah's defense (precision and timing-pressing the receivers and having ends that bat balls down), and whose defense plays right into the hands of Utah's offense (no contain upfront to keep the game between the tackles, DBs that play 15 yards off the ball, and, of course, no speed except at one outside linebacker position). I hate to spoil my prediction about that game (except for that little shoe-in comment earlier), so I'll just give you a little taste. The only shot BYU has in that game is to get ahead early (score in the 20's in the first half) and keep the pressure on in the second half. TCU got ahead early but, again, had 4 scoring opportunities after the quick 10 and didn't keep the pressure on by actually adding any points. BYU will not be able to come from behind against Utah. As far as BYU's offense is concerned: Utah will take away the receivers on the outside so it will be up to Pitta and Andrew George to have big games, and Unga coming out of the backfield. They also need to run off-tackle, to where the speed-rushing D-ends used to be as they fly around the edge towards the QB.
Best part about the TCU loss: this offseason, the tackling dummies will have U's on them instead of Y's.
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