TCU Not Overlooking Colorado State

With an epic battle coming up next week in Provo against BYU, one might forgive the Texas Christian Horned Frogs (5-0) for overlooking the Colorado State Rams (3-3) this Saturday.

After all, the Rams, after starting 3-0 with road wins over Colorado and Nevada, have lost their last three contests.

A closer look at the Rams' last three opponents (with two games on the road) reveals that they only have three losses between them, all to BCS conference schools.

An even closer look at the three games reveals that the Rams found a way to lose three winnable games.

Colorado State outgained BYU by 50 yards and won the time of possession battle.  However, two interceptions and a blocked punt helped BYU jump out to a 21-point lead and cruise for the rest of the game.

Against Idaho, the Rams jumped out to a 14-point lead and outgained the Vandals, only to find a way to let Idaho come back in the game and win 31-29.

Last Saturday, in frigid conditions, Colorado State led Utah, 17-3, with less than 20 minutes left in the game, only to see Utah come back and win 24-17.

Colorado State averages just over 370 yards per game on offense and gives up over 400 yards per game. TCU is giving up under 250 yards per game and averages over 200 yards per game both rushing and passing.

Colorado State will most likely go bowling again this year and have an outside chance of going 8-4, as the schedule gets much easier for the Rams after playing the last of the Mountain West's Big Three.

The Frogs are not looking ahead to BYU, as Colorado State is a very dangerous team that could find a way to keep the game close and competitive.

Even so, TCU should win this game easily, especially if the Frogs have nice weather after three consecutive bad weather games. TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson has never lost to Colorado State and the Rams are scoring just over eight points a game against Patterson's Frogs.

Look for the Frogs to be 6-0 next week when they travel to Provo for the battle to determine the Mountain West Conference champion.