Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
In four MWC meetings with TCU, BYU is minus-five in turnover margin. The Cougars have turned the ball over nine times; the Frogs have only four giveaways. TCU has had multiple turnovers in only one meeting; BYU won that game by 14 points (31-17 in 2006).
*******
The team to win the turnover battle is 3-1 in the four meetings between BYU and TCU (BYU won while minus-1 in 2007).
In fact, TCU is 40-1 in the last five seasons when "even" or "plus" in the turnover margin; the only loss was the 27-22 setback at BYU in 2007.
*******
BYU has scored 10 touchdowns on 13 takeaways this season; two post-takeaway drives ended in punts—the other one ended in a kneel-down at the end of the game.
BYU's opponents have scored only five touchdowns after 15 takeaways.
*******
BYU has recorded back-to-back games with zero turnovers for only the second time in the Mendenhall era (last time was at UNLV and at Wyoming in the 2005 season).
Max Hall has gone consecutive games without an interception for only the second time in his career (both wins; bowl game v. UCLA in 2007 and v. Northern Iowa in 2008 opener).
In the Mendenhall era, BYU has had 13 games without a turnover; BYU has won all 13 games.
The last time BYU lost a turnover-free game: at Boise State in 2004 (missed last-second FG).
*******
TCU has outrushed BYU in all four meetings (avg. 159.5-76.0); BYU has recorded more passing yardage than TCU in all four get-togethers (avg. 354.3-259.0).
Total yardage average in the four meetings is almost dead even: BYU 430.3; TCU 418.5).
So, in four games v. TCU, BYU has averaged 354 pass yards and 76 rush yards per game (BYU has run for 100+ yards just once v. TCU; 112 yds in the 27-22 win in 2007).
BYU's record in the Mendenhall era when throwing for 300+ yards without 100+ rush yards: 4-6.
BYU's record when throwing for 300+ yards with 100+ rushing yards: 17-5.
*******
BYU allowed 313 rush yards v. FSU (6.4 yards per carry); in the other six games, BYU has allowed an average of 65.8 rush yards per game (2.55 yards per carry).
*******
The team with the edge in time of possession has won all four meetings between BYU and TCU.
*******
TCU has allowed fewer than 24 points in 19 of its last 20 games (Oklahoma beat TCU 35-10 in 2008). In those 19 games, TCU is 18-1 (the one loss was at Utah in 2008, 13-10). TCU's opponents have scored 10 points or fewer in 10 of those 19 games.
BYU has scored 24 points or more in 16 of its last 20 games. In those 16 games, BYU is 14-2 (lost 48-24 at Utah in 2008, lost 54-28 v. FSU in 2009).
*******
Since joining the MWC, TCU has a losing record (5-6) when allowing 24 points or more. BYU has scored 24 or more in three of four meetings with TCU (two wins, one loss).
*******
BYU is averaging 2.4 punts per game; TCU is forcing an average of 7.3 punts per game.
BYU averages 70.4 plays per game; TCU's opponents are averaging 59.5 plays per game
*******
Only in 2005 did the winner of the BYU-TCU game not have the advantage in 3rd-down conversion %.
*******
Since O'Neill Chambers' fumble v. FSU, BYU has scored on 22 consecutive red/blue zone possessions; 11 consecutive touchdowns, followed by a field goal, and then 10 more consecutive touchdowns (to present).
*******
BYU has excelled as both a long-drive and quick-strike team this season:
BYU has 10 touchdown-scoring drives of 2 plays or less; TCU has one such touchdown drive.
BYU has 11 touchdown-scoring drives of 10 plays or more; TCU has four such touchdown drives.
BYU has nine touchdown-scoring drives of 1:00 or less; TCU has one such touchdown drive.
BYU has seven touchdown-scoring drives of 5:00 or more; TCU has three such touchdown drives.
*******
TCU's MWC road record is 11-5. All five road losses were at elevation (at Utah in 2006, at Wyoming, Air Force and BYU in 2007, at Utah in 2008).
*******
Since TCU joined the MWC, the Frogs have been picked to win the league three times (including this season). The previous two times, BYU won the league title with 8-0 conference records.
*******
Harvey Unga's 26 carries at SDSU were a career-high.
*******
With a catch v. TCU, Dennis Pitta will tie the BYU record for consecutive games with a catch, held by Glen Kozlowski, with 38.
*******
With two touchdown passes, Max Hall will tie John Beck (79) for the alltime MWC lead in that category.
*******
Tonight's "Bronco Mendenhall Show" is live at Ken Garff Porsche/Audi/Volkswagen on University Parkway in Orem, starting at 7:00 pm.
You can pose questions to the coach by e-mail (cougarradio@ksl.com) or via text message (57500).
Iceberg Drive-Inn will be there of course with free burgers and drinks until they're gone. And don't forget to text the word "cougars" to 89800 and get a special text sent to you for a $3.99 combo that includes the Iceburger (double meat double cheese with grilled onions), fries and a drink--you'll also be entered to win a free shake. There will be 50 winners a week.
All of the Iceberg stores are being alerted so that BYU fans can redeem the text.
*******
