Keys To Victory For Utah Football Vs. TCU

Oct 18, 2024, 1:58 PM

Utah Insider

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football will return to action tomorrow night against the TCU Horned Frogs. Both programs coming into this game looking to turn around their seasons. This is a crucial game for Kyle Whittingham and the Utes, here are the keys to victory.

How To Watch TCU vs Utah

Television: ESPN

Streaming: Fubo, YouTube TV

Radio: ESPN 700 AM / 92.1 FM

TCU vs Utah Records

Records: Utah (4-2, 1-2); TCU (3-3, 1-2)

Last Week: Utah loss to Arizona State, 27-19; TCU bye week

Series History: Utah leads the all-time series, 5-3. However, TCU has most recent wins in 2009, and 2010.

Getting off to a good start is important in this one, here are the keys to Utah’s matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs.

Key To Victory No. 1 – Get in the red zone, score touchdowns

This is long overdue but the key to victory No. 1 is getting into the red zone and scoring touchdowns.

After a bye week to work on it, the Utes had four trips to the red zone last week; it resulted in only 1 touchdown, 2 field goals, and 1 turnover.

In his last start, true freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson orchestrated four trips into the red zone as well. However, Utah came away with just 1 field goal and 2 turnovers- both of which came on failed 4th down conversions.

The offense has consistently been able to drive into scoring position but has simply not been able to maximize their scoring output.

The good news is that TCU’s defense has not faired very well in the red zone either. They are currently No. 15 in the Big 12 in both red zone scoring allowed at a 90% rate, as well as touchdowns allowed at a 65% rate.

TCU has not faired well against opposing rushing attacks. They are No. 15 in the conference allowing the second-most rushing yards per game and 180 yards allowed. They are also No. 14 giving up the third-most touchdowns in the Big 12 with 10 rushing touchdowns allowed on the year.

This seems like a favorable matchup but Utah can’t take it for granted, they simply have to get it done this weekend.

Key To Victory No. 2 – Win the turnover margin

This week is all about getting back to the basics. Utah has to win the turnover margin on Saturday. They have failed to do so in four of the six games this season and are coming off a -2 margin against Arizona State.

Still, Utah is only -3 in the turnover margin this season. TCU on the other hand, they are -10 in the turnover margin this season!

There have been a couple of points of emphasis for the defense this week in practice: 1) Get back to fundamentally sound tackling and 2) Create more takeaways.

TCU has shown that they will give the ball away with 6 interceptions and 8 fumbles lost. It’s up to Utah to take care of business and be opportunistic, the defense needs to secure those turnover opportunities.

Key To Victory No. 3 – Get the crowd into the game

The home-field advantage cannot be taken for granted either. The Utes failed to provide the home crowd with reasons to engage in the Arizona game. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 4th quarter of that contest that Rice-Eccles Stadium came to life.

Utah cannot afford to do that again tomorrow.

The fanbase has proven to be a big factor for the Utes over the years as the raucous environment has been intimidating and disruptive. However, fans still need moments that ignite that passion throughout the game.