TCU vs Utah: Why Utes Will Get Revenge Against Horned Frogs

The biggest game on the schedule in college football this weekend is the game between the No. 3 ranked TCU Horned Frogs and the No. 5 ranked Utah Utes.

The latest college football odds as posted by online sportsbooks have the Horned Frogs listed as five-point road favorites over the Utes. This is a very pivotal game in which both teams can make their claim on the BCS Championship game with a win.

The Horned Frogs have been ranked in the top five all year long and boast impressive victories over Baylor and Oregon St. Quarterback and fifth-year senior Andy Dalton, should get a few Heisman votes as he is the leader of a consistent offense.

The strength of this TCU team is a menacing defense that has allowed an impressive 16 points in the last five games. TCU ranks No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense, passing defense and total defense. That defense will have to be up to the challenge of playing on the road.

Utah has only recently grabbed the spotlight after they were awarded the No. 5 spot in the BCS standings after their win over Air Force. Utah will have the backing of a rowdy home crowd as they try and get revenge for a whipping they endured at the hands of TCU 55-28.

Utes coach Kyle Whittingham plans to challenge the TCU defense and has said that quarterback Jordan Wynne will be allowed to “open it up” on offense.

Special teams may play a pivotal role in this game as Utah ranks No. 1 nationally in punt return average at 21.14 and punt return yards with 592. In a game that could be dominated by defensive play, field position is one of the keys to victory.

The home team has had success in this matchup winning covering four out of the last five against the spread (ATS). The Utes are 27-7-1 ATS in their last 35 games as an underdog, 5-0 ATS in their last five games as a home underdog, and 45-21-2 ATS in their last 68 games following a win.

The Horned Frogs are 1-5 ATS in their last six games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game and will be in for a real challenge against the Utes.

The winner of this game will be in the driver’s seat for the Mountain West title, but more importantly will have a realistic shot of playing in the national championship game. This should be a tightly contested game, and the best bet is to take the points and the home team.

Play Utah +5

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews, and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail]

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