Horned Frogs dance closer
MCT Campus
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Sports
"Obviously, if that team showed up every week, then we'd have no problem," he said. "But that's the problem; that team doesn't show up every week."
Patterson cited the Frogs' slow start at home against Colorado State in which the Rams led 6-0 after the first quarter. The crowd for that Oct. 17 afternoon game at Amon G. Carter Stadium was announced as 31,156, almost 20,000 fewer than the standing room only crowd Saturday night.
"It's a fun time here," Patterson understated. "I was really excited for the fans. It was truly a feeling of 'we're all here for one reason.'"
With two more wins the Frogs can win their first MWC title since '05 and make a case for the best season in the school's history.
"You have a chance to be part of history, something that hasn't happened here for 80 or 90 years," he said. "To me, it's kind of cool."
It's been 71 years, but who's counting? And "cool" doesn't quite do justice to their season so far.
QUOTABLE
"I have been a head coach for five years, and that is the best team I've faced. They are a solid team from top to bottom and we knew we were going to have to play our best to compete tonight. That did not happen." - Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who is 4-0 in bowl games, including wins against Alabama and Georgia Tech, and as a co-head coach against Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.
KEY STATS
3 _ Number of current Top 25 teams TCU has defeated this year by a combined scored of 107-45. The Frogs defeated No. 18 Clemson and No. 19 BYU on the road and No. 23 Utah at home Saturday. No. 3 Texas has defeated No. 12 Oklahoma State for its lone win.
4_ TCU is ranked No. 4 nationally in both offense and defense. The Frogs' offense is averaging 467.6 yards a game, including the fifth-best rushing attack with 252.1 yards a game. The defense is allowing 244.9 yards a game, including the sixth-best against the run (87.2) and sixth-best against the pass (157.7).
MOVING UP
The offensive line: Andy Dalton was never sacked and the Frogs rushed for 342 yards Saturday. TCU has gained over 300 yards rushing and compiled over 500 yards on offense during the last three weeks.
MOVING DOWN
The secondary: Utah freshman quarterback Jordan Wynn was able to connect with receivers for 219 yards, including 153 yards on four long pass plays of 31, 38, 50 and 34 yards.
Patterson cited the Frogs' slow start at home against Colorado State in which the Rams led 6-0 after the first quarter. The crowd for that Oct. 17 afternoon game at Amon G. Carter Stadium was announced as 31,156, almost 20,000 fewer than the standing room only crowd Saturday night.
"It's a fun time here," Patterson understated. "I was really excited for the fans. It was truly a feeling of 'we're all here for one reason.'"
With two more wins the Frogs can win their first MWC title since '05 and make a case for the best season in the school's history.
"You have a chance to be part of history, something that hasn't happened here for 80 or 90 years," he said. "To me, it's kind of cool."
It's been 71 years, but who's counting? And "cool" doesn't quite do justice to their season so far.
QUOTABLE
"I have been a head coach for five years, and that is the best team I've faced. They are a solid team from top to bottom and we knew we were going to have to play our best to compete tonight. That did not happen." - Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who is 4-0 in bowl games, including wins against Alabama and Georgia Tech, and as a co-head coach against Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.
KEY STATS
3 _ Number of current Top 25 teams TCU has defeated this year by a combined scored of 107-45. The Frogs defeated No. 18 Clemson and No. 19 BYU on the road and No. 23 Utah at home Saturday. No. 3 Texas has defeated No. 12 Oklahoma State for its lone win.
4_ TCU is ranked No. 4 nationally in both offense and defense. The Frogs' offense is averaging 467.6 yards a game, including the fifth-best rushing attack with 252.1 yards a game. The defense is allowing 244.9 yards a game, including the sixth-best against the run (87.2) and sixth-best against the pass (157.7).
MOVING UP
The offensive line: Andy Dalton was never sacked and the Frogs rushed for 342 yards Saturday. TCU has gained over 300 yards rushing and compiled over 500 yards on offense during the last three weeks.
MOVING DOWN
The secondary: Utah freshman quarterback Jordan Wynn was able to connect with receivers for 219 yards, including 153 yards on four long pass plays of 31, 38, 50 and 34 yards.
Article last update: 11/17/09 at 6:50 PM CST
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