Wyoming Cowboys vs. TCU Horned Frogs Preview

The Wyoming Cowboys (5-5) host the No. 4 TCU Horned Frogs (10-0) this Saturday at War Memorial Stadium at 12:00PM MT. Here is a preview of this Mountain West matchup along with a prediction.

When the Cowboys run:

Wyoming’s running game got back on track last week against San Diego State with 200 yards, but unfortunately for the Cowboys, TCU’s defense is on another level. With a front seven featuring two future high round draft picks in DE Jerry Hughes and LB Daryl Washington, Wyoming will be lucky to get anywhere near 100 yards in this game.

EDGE: HORNED FROGS

When the Cowboys pass:

TCU ranks sixth in the nation allowing only 157 passing yards per game, while Wyoming averages just over 200 yards per game passing. Cowboy QB Austyn Carta-Samuels did pass the ball for 246 yards last week, but TCU will make the Pokes one dimensional by taking away the run, making it that much harder for the Cowboys to move the ball through the air.

EDGE: HORNED FROGS

When the Horned Frogs run:

TCU has a rotation of RBs that have put up about 1,600 yards so far this season. This doesn’t bode well for Wyoming, who last week couldn’t stop San Diego State from running the ball even though the Aztecs only averaged 2.6 yards per rush heading into the game. TCU will run the ball early and often, making it a long day for the Wyoming defense.

EDGE: HORNED FROGS

When the Horned Frogs pass:

Even though TCU is a run-based team, QB Andy Dalton does a good enough job throwing the ball that the Horned Frogs are very balanced this year. Wyoming has not defended the pass very well this year and with Wyoming focusing primarily on the running game, TCU should be able to make some plays by throwing the ball.

EDGE: HORNED FROGS

Special Teams

If this game is somehow close, special teams could make the difference and that could help Wyoming. The two kickers, Ian Watts (WY) and Ross Evans (TCU), have comparable stats but Wyoming’s punting game has a leg up, with Austin McCoy ranking 17th in the nation in net punting using the rugby style kick. TCU is like Virginia Tech, though, and the Frogs are able to block kicks when needed, so this matchup is a draw.

EDGE: EVEN

Coaching

Dave Christensen is doing a great job with the talent he has this year, but Gary Patterson truly is a great coach and it is a minor miracle that TCU has been able to keep him for this long.

EDGE:  HORNED FROGS

Prediction

Crazy things can happen in the high altitude of Laramie, but nothing too crazy for a Wyoming team that is a 31-point 'dog. It will be all TCU all the time.

 Horned Frogs 43, Cowboys 10