No. 17 Texas Christian

Coach: Gary Patterson
Record: 73-27, 8 years
Last season: 11-2, 7-1 Mountain West
Bowl game: Beat Boise State 17-16 in the Poinsettia Bowl
Overview: TCU has won at least 10 games in five of the past seven seasons, and has won 11 games four times in the past six seasons. Last season it added a good offense to go with its tough defense. The Horned Frogs ended the season by beating Boise State, another team trying to become a regular player in the BCS.
Key returnees: QB Andy Dalton, Jr.; WR Jimmy Young, Jr.; OT Marshall Newhouse, Sr.; DE Jerry Hughes, Sr.; LB Daryl Washington, Sr.; CB Nick Sanders, Sr.
Why TCU is dangerous: It always start on defense for the Frogs, and this year the defense starts up front with end Jerry Hughes, who led the country last season with 15 sacks. Linebacker Daryl Washington and cornerback Nick Sanders are also experienced players. Andy Dalton established himself as the quarterback by throwing for 2,242 yards and 11 touchdowns. Jimmy Young had 988 yards in receptions and five touchdowns.
Why TCU is vulnerable: Senior Joseph Turner will have to shoulder more of the running load without Aaron Brown. Last season they combined for more than 1,000 yards rushing. The Frogs appear to have few, if any, weaknesses.
Prediction: TCU will take to the road in two of its first three games, both against ACC teams, Virginia and Clemson. The Frogs visit BYU later. Fans should mark their calendar for a home game against Utah on Nov. 14. As many as three losses are possible, but it would not be a surprise to see TCU with double-digit victories again.