BYU vs. TCU: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

When the 6-2 BYU Cougars and 5-2 TCU Horned Frogs meet on Friday night, they will be playing under the world's largest jumbotron, because the game will take place in Jerry Jones' palace known as Cowboys Stadium.

While the game is technically listed as being played at a neutral location, the Frogs will certainly be the de facto home team. Life after Andy Dalton hasn't been without its bumps in the road for TCU, but the Frogs have generally been very good this season, particularly on offense.

BYU seemed poised to enter the Top 25 early in the season, but they followed a narrow loss against Texas with a terrible effort in getting blown out by Utah. The Cougars have been perfect ever since, though, and seem to be a better team with Riley Nelson at quarterback.

This game between two non-automatic-qualifying darlings could go either way, but the winner will certainly get a nice boost in terms of bowl consideration come season's end.

Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

When: Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3

Spread: TCU (-14)

TCU is a significantly better offensive team than BYU, and they will have the support of the home crowd, but I think a 14-point line is a bit inflated. BYU has probably played the better football of the two teams as of late, and while I think the Frogs will win, it will be by a much narrower margin than 14.

Over/Under: 56

The Cougars aren't a particularly high-scoring team, and TCU has a solid defense, but the Frogs have given up some points to quality opponents this season, such as Baylor and SMU. BYU has been much better on offense since Riley Nelson took over at quarterback, and I think that the Cougars can keep up for a while in a track meet with TCU.

BYU Key Injuries

Out: TE Richard Wilson (knee - out for season)

Questionable: LB Ezekiel Ansah (knee), DL Romney Fuga (knee)

Probable: DL Graham Rowley (ankle)

TCU Key Injuries

Doubtful: C Michael Thompson (leg)

Probable: OL James Dunbar (eligibility) 

BCS/Top 25 Implications

It is very difficult for a team in a non-BCS conference (or without an affiliation, in BYU's case) to crack the Top 25 or the BCS standings with more than one loss on their record. Both the Cougars and Frog have lost twice, so they aren't really in consideration at the moment.

With that said, both teams are very solid and would receive a huge boost from beating the other. I don't think it would reflect on the rankings immediately, but the losing team can essentially kiss the Top 25 good bye for the remainder of the 2011 campaign.

Keys to BYU Win

BYU's best bet will likely be to try to slow down the pace of the game and run a ball-control offense. I think the Cougars can run with the Frogs to a point, but if they allow the game to become a shootout, then it plays right into TCU's hands.

Riley Nelson has proven very capable of making smart decisions as a starter, so a short, high-percentage passing game seems like a good route. Running the ball will be key as well, although the Cougars have really suffered from the lack of a legitimate top back.

Keys to TCU Win

While BYU would be best served keeping the score as low as possible, the complete opposite is true of TCU. The Cougars seem much more capable of winning an ugly, defensive battle than the Frogs at this point, so TCU will want to utilize its athleticism on offense.

Quarterback Casey Pachall will be absolutely key in determining how the Frogs fair. He has been spectacular as the heir to Andy Dalton and has thrown for 17 touchdowns as opposed to just four interceptions in seven games. If the Frogs can keep the tempo high, then that would be absolutely ideal.

Prediction

TCU 38, BYU 35