Texas Christian University's football team ranks as the WAC's stingiest defense in giving up passing yardage. The Horned Frogs have surrendered an average of only 153 yards per game in six outings this season.
Of course, that shouldn't worry BYU quarterback Steve Sarkisian and Company. Last week Tulsa, prior to its game against the Cougars, ranked as the WAC's top defense against the pass - even better than TCU's. Sarkisian proceeded to pick apart the Golden Hurricanes to the tune of 329 yards and five touchdowns through the air.Today, starting a 1 p.m. MDT, the 2-4 Horned Frogs (1-2 WAC) will attempt to slow down the No. 15 Cougars, winners of five straight.
TCU coach Pat Sullivan is, understandably, worried.
"No offense to anybody else we've played," Sullivan said, "but BYU looks like the best team we've faced this year."
The Cougars are, indeed, on a roll. After scoring only 17 points in back to back contests (a loss at Washington and a win over New Mexico), BYU has been on scoring rampage. The Cougars have averaged 48.5 points per game in their last four outings.
First-year Cougar running backs Ronney Jenkins and Brian McKenzie are starting to produce big numbers. Jenkins, a speedy true freshman, leads the team with eight touchdowns and is averaging 5.6 yards per carry (50 attempts for 278 yards). McKenzie, a junior college transfer, leads the team with 399 yards rushing and had 132 yards on 13 carries last week - marking the first time a Cougar had run for 100-plus yards in a game since '94.
As impressed with BYU's offense as he is, Sullivan is equally concerned with the Cougar defense.
"(BYU's) offense gets a lot of exposure by scoring a lot of points and they are certainly deserving (of the exposure)," said Sullivan, "but their defense is very aggressive and very physical. Their No. 46 (senior middle linebacker Shay Muirbrook) is a very good football player."
TCU, meanwhile, has struggled offensively. The Frogs average a league low 12.6 points per game.
"We're expecting another very tough game and being on the road makes it that much more difficult," said Cougar coach LaVell Edwards.
GAME NOTES: The game will be televised locally by KSL-TV (Channel 5). It will also be broadcast on KSL-Radio (1160 AM) . . . . The Cougars are a 16-point favorite . . . . The series is tied 1-1. TCU won the infamous "Bug Bowl" in 1987, 33-12, when thousands of crickets swarmed the field in Amon Carter Stadium. BYU beat the Frogs, 31-18, in Cougar Stadium in '88 . . . . Today will be the third consecutive Homecoming game for the Cougars. Two weeks ago BYU played UNLV in its own homecoming, last week was Tulsa's homecoming and today is TCU's.