FACTS & STATS: Site: Amon G. Carter Stadium (44,008) -- Fort Worth, Texas. Television:Local. Home Record: Stanford 1-0, TCU 1-0. Away Record: Stanford 0-1, TCU 1-0. Neutral Record: Stanford 0-0, TCU 0-0. Conference Record: Stanford 1-1, TCU 1-0. Series Record: TCU leads, 1-0.
GAME NOTES: The Stanford Cardinal step out of league play for the first time this season, as they clash with the TCU Horned Frogs in Forth Worth this weekend. This game was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but was moved up due to possible effects of Hurricane Ike. The Cardinal have played two games already, with both coming against Pac-10 foes. After knocking off Oregon State, 36-28, at home to open the season, Stanford was quickly humbled in a 41-7 setback at nationally-ranked Arizona State this past weekend. With the recent loss, the Cardinal, who won their final game of the 2007 season, were denied their first three-game win streak since 2005. As for TCU, it was also in action this past weekend, disposing of Football Championship Subdivision member Stephen F. Austin by a convincing 67-7 score. The 67 points were the most scored in a game by the Frogs since a 68-0 win over Austin College back in 1932. It was a nice follow up for TCU, which opened the season with a 26-3 triumph at New Mexico. The Frogs and Cardinal met for the first-ever time last season, with TCU capturing a narrow 38-36 victory.
The Cardinal struggled on offense this past weekend, as they gained a mere 233 total yards in a loss at Arizona State. The team managed only 113 of those yards on the ground and that was a big drop off from the 210-yard rushing effort against Oregon State in the opener. Toby Gerhart paced the ground attack with 67 yards and a pair of scores on 16 carries. It wasn't the best showing, but not an awful one either for Gerhart, who went for 147 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the opener. After throwing for 91 yards and a score in the opener, Tavita Pritchard passed for 97 yards and two interceptions last weekend. He doesn't have the biggest arm, so avoiding turnovers will be key for Pritchard. As a team, Stanford committing three turnovers last weekend and that is far too many for an offense with few weapons.
Defensively, Stanford was manhandled by Arizona State, which racked up 472 total yards and five offensive touchdowns last weekend. The Cardinal allowed Arizona State to complete 27-of-36 pass attempts for 345 yards, while giving up 28 first downs. It was a similar effort to the opener when the Cardinal gave up 490 total yards, including 404 through the air. The defense also permitted Arizona State to convert 7-of-11 third down chances which helps explain why the unit spent over 34 minutes of the game on the field. On a positive note, Stanford did record a pair of turnovers and sacks in the setback. Kris Evans logged his second interception in as many weeks and he also paced the defense with nine stops. Pat Maynor also got involved, notching six tackles and his second sack of the season.
After being held to just 291 total yards in a win over New Mexico, TCU erupted for 525 yards against a lesser opponent in SFA last weekend. The unit amassed a whopping 320 yards on the ground, as the Frogs set a school record with nine touchdowns. Ryan Christian led the way with 67 yards and a score on 11 caries, while Jai Cavness added 59 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts. Joseph Turner also scored three rushing touchdowns, giving him four on the year. Quarterback Andy Dalton also got involved with 16 rushing yards and a score and that effort came one week after he led the team with 56 rushing yards and two scores against New Mexico. Dalton also completed 11-of-13 pass attempts for 131 yards, although he has yet to throw a touchdown through two games. Jimmy Young was his favorite target last weekend, pulling down seven balls for 104 yards. He also led the team with four reception for 44 yards in the opener.
Through the first two games, TCU's defense has been simply outstanding, holding each of its opponent under 200 total yards. Last weekend, the Frogs limited SFA to a mere 143 yards, including a minuscule three yards on the ground. The defense also forced four turnovers, a nice follow up to the three miscues it generated against New Mexico. Getting pressure on the quarterback hasn't been an issue either for TCU, which has registered eight sacks through the first two games. For the second straight game Steven Coleman came up with an interception, only last weekend he returned the pick 33 yards for a touchdown. After an impressive season-opening performance, Jerry Hughes put forth another solid effort with a sack and fumble recovery. In the opener, Hughes notched a sack, interception and forced fumble and recovery.
The Frogs have been stout on the defensive side of the ball and their ability to dominate in that area should help them defeat a Stanford team that doesn't have much to offer offensively. TCU's offense isn't all that prolific either, so expect a close game, but a victory by the home team nonetheless.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: TCU 24, Stanford 10
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 13th, 1:00 p.m. (et)
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