TCU vs. Utah

For two non-BCS teams it doesn't get any bigger than this: #10 vs. #11 in a battle not only for first place in the conference, but for possible automatic inclusion into a BCS bowl. That's the position TCU (9-1) and Utah (9-0) find themselves in tonight's prime time showdown in Salt Lake City. TCU has already dismantled #15 BYU 32-7 and their only loss was to #6 Oklahoma 35-10 early in the year. Though undefeated, Utah has had a number of close calls against the top teams on their schedules, including against Michigan 25-23, Air Force 30-23, Oregon State 31-28, and New Mexico 13-10. So who wins the game?

Offense: The two teams are almost identical:
Pts per Game: TCU 36.6, Utah 36.1
Yards per Game: TCU 408.5, Utah 405.3

TCU runs the ball more per game (224 to 185) while Utah employs the pass a bit more per game (220.3 to 184.5).

Defense: This isn't even close. TCU is the 3rd ranked scoring defense in the land, giving up only 10.8 points per game while Utah gives up a respectable 17.7 points per game. TCU also gives up more than 50 yard less per game on defense than the fighting mormons do.

Utah is playing at home, and is apparently wearing special black uniforms instead of their typical red home jerseys (Joseph Smith would have preferred white I'm sure). Hey Utah, that worked really well for Georgia earlier this year against Alabama!

Bottom line: running the ball and a good defense wins championships. TCU goes into Salt Lake City (aka No Fun City) and drops the defensive hammer on them in a 20-10 victory.