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Utah center Zane Taylor knows the deal. While TCU and Utah fans dream about a possible shot at the BCS title game for the winner of Saturday's clash at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Taylor knows the chances of that really happening are about as good as his coach stepping into the locker room and suggesting the Utes discuss their upcoming game at Notre Dame.
No one understands better than the senior that teams from non-BCS conferences can't count on votes, respect or wins to give them chances at such glory as playing in a championship game. Better to seize this moment.
"This game is the national championship for us," he said.
Who knows, maybe the winner will go on to really bust the BCS and play in THE game.
But all that the Utes and Frogs know for sure is they have the nation's attention — right now, in this moment — and they plan to make the most of it.
At No. 3 in the BCS, TCU (9-0, 5-0) matches the highest-ranked opponent the Utes (8-0, 5-0) have hosted in Salt Lake City.
In 1984, the Utes lost to third-ranked BYU, 24-14.
But the Utes were just a mediocre team that year, with nothing really to play for other than bragging rights over their close rival.
On Saturday, there is much more at stake for the No. 5 BCS ranked Utes when the game kicks off at 1:30 p.m.
The Utes are playing for the advantage in the Mountain West Conference race, a possible BCS and berth and — as it always seems — national respect.
"It doesn't get much better than this," Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn said. "This is a huge game, and it's going to be a whole lot of fun."
Even though the Utes have a 21-game home winning streak and have won all three meetings with the Frogs in Salt Lake City, TCU is a 4 1/2 -point favorite, which puts the Utes right where they want to be.
"We like that role," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We're comfortable with it. It serves as good motivation throughout the week."
Utah's reputation has improved with its recent BCS showings, but perhaps most present in the minds of college football prognosticators is last year's 55-28 TCU win against the Utes.
TCU, ranked fourth, dominated the game on both sides of the ball. The Frogs also had help from the Utes, who had a fumble, an interception and a punt blocked in a poor first-half effort.
It should come as no surprise that the Utes have emphasized the importance of a mistake-free game Saturday.
"Last year, we had a horrendous start, and we hope to avoid that," Whittingham said. "Obviously, part of that was due to TCU playing well. They jumped on us early, but we made mistakes, too, and we can't let that happen again."
The Utes believe they are a better team than they were last year, but indications are that TCU has made its own improvement.
Senior quarterback Andy Dalton leads an offense that is ranked No. 11 in total yards, averaging 485.7, and ninth in scoring, averaging 40.8 points. TCU has the nation's best defense, too, holding teams to an average of 217.3 yards and 8.7 points a game.
"They don't have any weaknesses," Whittingham said. "They lost some great players from last year's team, but statistically, they didn't miss a beat."
Perhaps because of its eye-catching statistics, the early wins against Oregon State and Baylor, or the way it has dominated league opponents, TCU has received more backing for its ranking from national pundits than have the Utes.
Utah, whose most impressive win was against Pitt in the season opener, knows it has more to prove and carries that knowledge like a chip on its shoulder.
"I don't know what else we have to do," Taylor said. "We are 8-0 right now, and we've done everything we can. We could care less what people on the outside are saying, but we try to prove every week what kind of program we are."
lwodraska@sltrib.com Twitter: @lyawodraska —
Little love for the Utes
Most national writers and publications favor TCU. Here are a few of their picks and their reasoning behind them:
Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News
TCU • The Utes' home-field advantage is offset by the Frogs having the better quarterback and the better defense.
Bruce Feldman, ESPN
I think both are really well-coached, but I like the edge in experience at QB on such a big stage as this is, with Andy Dalton, and I feel like the Horned Frogs' D is just a little better. TCU, 21-13.
Phil Steele, Phil Steele Publications
TCU has a slight offensive edge (in our rankings), while Utah has PR Smithson and the slight special-teams edge. Both rank high on defense across the board, but TCU's NCAA-leading group helps the Frogs snatch a road win and keep their BCS dreams alive. Breaking Down the Big Game
TCU offense vs. Utah's defense
The Frogs have Andy Dalton, a fifth-year quarterback who directs the nation's ninth-highest-scoring offense. Ed Wesley leads the rushing attack, averaging 104.2 yards a game. Sophomore Matthew Tucker is a capable back, too, averaging 4.6 yards a carry to Wesley's 6.8.
Josh Boyce (25 catches for 395 yards) and Jeremy Kerley (35 catches for 364 yards) are Dalton's favorite targets.
Utah's defense is the sixth-best in the country, allowing just 14.1 points a game. However, it has yet to face an offense as good as that of TCU. Air Force finished with 411 yards against the Utes, 201 of which were through the air, so Utah has a bit of improvement to make against Dalton and Co.
A number of key injuries could hamper the Utes. Linebacker Chad Manis (ankle) could be out, which would be a big blow to an already-thin lineup at that position. Safety Brian Blechen has a cast on his hand, which could limit him. Defensive end Junior Tui'one has an injured calf.
The edge goes to • TCU. Dalton is a seasoned leader, and if anyone can guide the Frogs against a good defense in a difficult atmosphere, it is he. The edge, though, is an extremely slim one. Utah's defense has played well in big games and deserves to be respected.
TCU defense vs. Utah's offense
Utah has thrived with its versatility, boasting 16 players who have scored touchdowns this year. Quarterback Jordan Wynn doesn't have Dalton's experience, but he has an offensive line that has given up just three sacks this year.
He also has two strong running backs in Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide that he can rely on if the Utes get pinned deep in their own territory or are in short-yardage situations.
Utah kept the ball on the ground 51 times at Air Force, which seemed to throw off Wynn's rhythm. Look for a quicker tempo Saturday, when the Utes open up the offense and pull out a few new wrinkles against the Frogs.
TCU's defense has been tremendous, giving up just 8.7 points a game and only 98.3 yards on the ground. Safety Tejay Johnson has a knack of forcing fumbles and is third on the team with 46 tackles.
Wynn has thrown some dangerous passes lately and had three interceptions against Wyoming. If he is careless Saturday, Johnson will make him pay. Defensive end Wayne Daniels, with 5 1/2 sacks, leads a defense that has nine players who have sacked a QB.
The edge goes to • TCU. Utah's offense is still unproven against a big-time defense, and Wynn's inexperience might get the best of him. If Utah's offensive line can give Wynn time, the scales could tip in the Utes' favor.
Special teams
Utah has Shaky Smithson and Reggie Dunn, two returners capable of breaking big plays. TCU has a formidable returner, too, in Jeremy Kerley, who leads the league in kickoff returns (28.1 yards) and is second to Smithson in punt returns (13.5 yards).
The Utes have "Mr. Dependable" at kicker in Joe Phillips, whose 42-yard miss at Air Force broke his string of 18 consecutive field goals.
TCU has Ross Evans, who missed two field goals in the final six minutes in TCU's 2008 loss to the Utes.
The edge goes to • Utah. The key will be for Smithson not to try to do too much. When he does, mistakes happen.
Intangibles
Both teams have been in big games, but the Utes hold the edge in the series in Salt Lake City at 3-0. Both coaches are well-respected. Utah has a tendency to make more mistakes. But the biggest factor could be Utah's home crowd.
The edge goes to • Utah. The home crowd and a 21-game winning streak at Rice-Eccles Stadium are the reasons.
Lya Wodraska —
Utah vs. Top 5 teams
1977 • L, No. 5 Oklahoma, 62-24
1984 • L, No. 3 BYU, 24-14
1989 • L, No. 4 Nebraska, 42-30
1990 • L, No. 5 BYU, 45-22
*2009 • W, No. 4 Alabama, 31-17
2009 • L, No. 4 TCU, 55-28
* Sugar Bowl —
No. 4 TCU at No. 6 Utah
P Kickoff • 1:30 p.m.
TV • CBS College
Radio • 700 AM
Records • Utah (8-0, 5-0); TCU (9-0, 5-0)
Series history • Utah leads 5-2
Last meeting • TCU won, 55-28, Nov. 14, 2009
About the Utes • Utah has a 21-game home winning streak on the line and holds a 3-0 advantage against TCU in Salt Lake City. ... The Utes are 0-5 vs. Top 5 teams in the regular season. ... Linebacker Chad Manis (ankle) might not play, while J.J. Williams (foot) could play in his first game this year.
About the Horned Frogs • Have given up just one touchdown in their five conference games and have two shutouts this season. ... Are coming off a 48-6 win against UNLV. ... Have the top-ranked defense in the league in all major categories.