Even though TCU does not want to talk about the BCS this game against Clemson is a must win to help represent the conference. However if Clemson loses then beware of Chris Fowler mocking them during a commercial break. Last week TCU beat up on Texas State, well not unless you talk to TCU coach Gary Patterson who think they need a lot improving when the take on Clemson.
Some how Clemson is a 2.5 favorite in this game even though they have a loss to an overrated Georgia Tech team and that the Tigers are 7-11-1 at home against non-conference top 25 teams. Clemson is just happy to not be the in the spotlight and a national title contender. It is hard to tell if either team is really that good, because TCU struggled against Texas State and also to an equally bad Virginia squad in their two victories on the year.
The biggest battle of this game will be the TCU rush defense which is lead by DE Jerry Hughes against the Clemson running game starring RB CJ Spiller. Spiller has been a uper hyped player who still has not reached 1,000 yards and this year is likely to fall short again with frosh RB Andre Ellington. Spiller is not only a running back but he is a dangerous return man and all ready returned one punt for a touchdown for 77 yards. However, Spiller is recovering from a turf toe injury but he is expected to be at least 85% for the TCU game.
Clemson does start a freshman QB Kyle Parker which means he will be tested by the Horned Frog defense which is very good. Parker himself has been nothing special this year and had four picks this year and averages just under 175 yards per game. Against lowly Middle Tennessee he completed only nine passes and is passing only 47 percent on the year. So, as one can tell the Clemson offense is not good, and is 83rd in the nation in total yards.
TCU on offense is a little bit of the opposite of Clemson with a three year starter at quarterback with Andy Dalton, senior RB Joseph Turner who is averaging 8.5 yards per carry, and the experience at wide receiver with Jimmy Young.
The Horned Frogs finally have an offense that can keep up with their defense, normally for TCU their defense has lead the way and then the offense was just asked too make a few plays and score 20 points or so to get the win. Now the offense has the fire power to outscore some times if needed, which in this game if TCU gets above to thirty points should win.
This is a road game and Clemson is a tough place to play, but Clemson has not been an elite team while TCU has been more consistent and last year finished in the top 10. Clemson can win this game, especially with the expectations not a national title like last year, but are more modest where a potential ACC title game berth is the goal. Even with that TCU is more balanced on both sides of the ball and should win this game and bring back some respect to the Mountain West.