2010 NCAA Football Predictions: TCU Will Run The Table and Return to The BCS

Last season, TCU was just seconds away from a possible BCS title game appearance as Nebraska seemed to have defeated the Texas Longhorns.

For about 30 seconds, TCU coach Gary Patterson saw his team headed to the BCS title game.

After the call was reversed, Patterson left his home and went for a long walk to think about just how close he had been to playing for a BCS title.

Sure, it remains unclear whether TCU would have finished at No. 2 in the BCS standings ahead of Cincinnati, but many BCS experts, including Brad Edwards of ESPN, had examined the data and concluded TCU had been just that close.

As it was, TCU finished the regular season 12-0 and garnered a BCS invite.

This season, TCU looks to return to the BCS and maybe even the title game.  After all, TCU returns most of its offense and most of its defense.

The key losses were on defense, as DE Jerry Hughes and LB Daryl Washington departed for the NFL.  Even so, TCU, which had earned the title of No. 1 defense in both 2008 and 2009, has largely advanced to a point where the defense is loaded with talent and reloads. 

Even Washington had only started one season and Hughes two and both had replaced major talents.

TCU's unusual 4-2-5 defense makes it difficult for opposing teams to prepare for TCU.  The attacking style of defense forces a lot of punts and three-and-outs.

On offense, TCU is guided by senior QB Andy Dalton, one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the nation.  Dalton's ability to run saved the Frogs last season in tough battle in stormy conditions at Clemson. 

Dalton's throwing ability allowed TCU to beat BYU on the road last season, even as BYU shut down TCU's powerful running attack.

TCU uses a running back by committee approach as it garnered a top 5 rushing attack last season.  While TCU lost one running back, the returning backs are quick and powerful.

Their receivers are not the primary targets of the Frogs' run-oriented attack, but are skillful and fast.

The 2010 schedule is promising. 

The season opens up Labor Day weekend with a battle with the Rodgers brothers of Oregon State at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  TCU also plays at nearby SMU and host Baylor.

In conference play, TCU has only one truly difficult road trip, to Utah late in the season.  TCU hosts BYU and Air Force and Wyoming.

Ultimately, TCU should finish the season 12-0 and in the top four in the country once again.  The biggest question for TCU is whether it will slide into one of the top two spots and get a return trip to Arizona in the pursuit of its third national title.