TCU-Utah Preview

It's that time of year again. Teams from large conferences, regardless of whether they are undefeated or not are in the discussion to play in the national championship game while teams from outside the "Big Six" are struggling to gain respect. Despite the fact that these small-conference teams can play with any team in the country, most teams are afraid to play them, forcing these teams to have weak non-conference schedule. Although it is a conference matchup, the game between TCU and Utah tomorrow will thrust each team into the national spotlight, but one of these teams will lose and end their hopes of playing for a national title. This game is effectively surrounded with a "go or go home" mentality. With a win, you keep your hopes alive of playing for the BCS National Championship. However, the team that loses will likely find themselves in a bowl game against a three or four loss "Big Six" team who they will likely beat.
Both TCU and Utah feature strong offenses, with both teams ranked in the top 10 nationally in points per game. TCU also features the top defensive unit in the country. TCU was able to steamroll UNLV last week 48-6, while Utah survived against Air Force to remain unbeaten, 28-23. Utah should have added motivation for this contest, as TCU won easily over the Utes, 55-28.

The Horned Frogs are led by senior quarterback Andy Dalton who has thrown for 16 touchdowns this season against just five interceptions. Jordan Wynn will be under center for the Utes, and the sophomore quarterback has shown remarkable consistency during his brief career. Both teams feature two-back systems with TCU using sophomore running backs Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker, while Utah relies on seniors Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata to carry the load.

The matchup between the Horned Frogs and the Utes will be the first in Salt Lake City, since a 2008 13-10 Utah victory that led them to an eventual win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
The highly anticipated matchup tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. will play a large role in determining which non-automatic qualifying teams will receive BCS bids. Expect a game with plenty of offensive firepower throughout.
Prediction: TCU 38-31

Sources used: espn.com, gofrogs.cstv.com, utahutes.cstv.com

Randy Moss cut by the Vikings

Randy Moss was released today, days after the Vikings traded a third-round pick to acquire him. Although there is much more to the story, on the surface this is definitely an odd move to make. The motive by the Vikings for the move is unclear but it is likely related to a postgame rant in which Moss spoke exclusively of his love for the Patriots organization and which could have been a sign of disrespect to the Vikings. The third-round pick that the Vikings needed to spend to acquire the talented, yet widely outspoken receiver could have been spent on a quality receiver in next April's draft. Moss still has gas left in his tank and if he can keep his mind set on the field and not elsewhere as he has been prone to do during his career, he could help a struggling team immensely. That is, if a team is willing to deal with the headaches that come attached to Moss. There is a fairly good chance that Moss will latch on to a team with a need at receiver. The question now is which owner around the league will take the risk? The Buffalo Bills will have the first chance to claim Moss as they currently hold the worst record in the NFL. The Bills could be a potential landing spot for Moss, as by a look at their depth chart, they seem to lack a veteran presence in the receiving core. The Cowboys could also attempt to land Moss and place him on the left side out wide and in three-receiver sets. Another potential suitor was mentioned for Moss' services is the Oakland Raiders with whom Moss previously spent two largely uneventful years. It will be interesting to see where Randy Moss lands and how long it will take for his persona to irritate the team that takes the gamble on him.
Sources: espn.com, espn.com/nfl/