Match preview, score prediction for TCU vs. Utah Football

SALT LAKE CITY – Kyle Whittingham and his Utah football program return to action tonight against the TCU Horned Frogs. Both programs come into this game looking to turn their seasons around. This is a crucial game for Kyle Whittingham and the Utes.

Here are some final thoughts on the game and a score prediction for the game.

TCU vs. Utah

TV: ESPN

Streaming: Fubo, YouTube TV

Radio: ESPN 700 AM / 92.1 FM

RELATED: Kyle Whittingham – Isaac Wilson starts

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's last wins were in 2009 and 2010.

Three thoughts on match day

1. Rally around true freshman QB Isaac Wilson

The Cam Rising experience of 2024 was short-lived. Another devastating injury has cost him the opportunity to continue competing, an unfortunate and abrupt end to his season.

As a result, Isaac Wilson will be the starting quarterback going forward. A true freshman taking charge of the offense can be as exciting as it is challenging.

RELATED: Utah debuts new-look Ute Proud uniform for TCU game

Utah will need stronger leadership around the quarterback position. Earlier this week, senior running back Micah Bernard was named team captain. Bernard has been through many battles in Utah and these experiences will fuel his leadership approach.

Coaches must adjust their game plans to maximize their new signal-caller's strengths, but more importantly, to minimize their weaknesses. Wilson needs to adopt and adopt as much of the playbook and game plans as possible.

To truly turn things around and rally around the new quarterback will take a whole team effort. Many players in this squad have been through similar situations and have shown great resilience in recent seasons. Even though experience proves that it is possible, just because it has been done in the past doesn't mean it will happen now.

Utah really needs to step up and work to turn the season around. The new quarterback taking over requires a whole team effort.

2. Utah MUST win the turnover margin

Despite their 3-3 record, which includes some ugly losses, TCU is still a capable team. They have a strong passing attack with Josh Hoover at the helm. They have talented playmakers around them, especially Jack Beck. They still average 35.3 points per game, but only give up an average of 30.8 points.

While TCU does things well, the one thing they've done worse than anyone else in the Big 12 is protecting the football. They rank last in turnover margin at -10, while Utah is just -3.

Their ball losses are a big part of why they haven't had any success this season. Utah MUST continue this trend and win the sales margin today.

3. Expect an improved TCU Horned Frogs team

Given the bye week, the Horned Frogs had time to work on things. As the Arizona game showed a few weeks ago, teams can make big improvements. Early in this game, Arizona conceded a lot of run game production, but did a much better job of limiting Utah's success on the ground that night.

TCU hasn't been particularly good against the run either, but they have the players capable of being fairly effective against it. Utah has a week to make adjustments and must prepare for an improved TCU defense.

RELATED: Keys to victory for Utah football against TCU

Utah needs its running game to generate consistent production and explosive plays. The offensive line will be crucial to Utah's continued success.

Jaren Kump is the leader of the group and sets the tone for the four boys around him. Utah needs to improve its own performance level up front and take its physicality to new heights.

Two questions about Utah vs. TCU

1. How often will Utah see JaTravis Broughton?

Former Ute JaTravis Broughton transferred to TCU this offseason. A veteran cornerback, Broughton has done well for the Horned Frogs this season.

Of all TCU defenders, Broughton was targeted the most. He only allowed 11 receptions but was targeted 28 times. Those 11 receptions generated 210 yards and 2 touchdowns, which is also the most the team has received.

The Horned Frogs welcome back a few cornerbacks that could impact Broughton's playing time. However, he should still play a big role in today's game.

2. How disruptive can Utah be against TCU's passing game?

Josh Hoover is the Big 12's top passer. He has multiple options in the passing game and is a dynamic top target.

Similar to Oklahoma State's passing attack, Josh Hoover gets the ball out quickly. His throwing time averages 2.30 seconds, which is just a touch slower than Alan Bowman and Oklahoma State's passing attack.

Utah did a good job in this contest finding alternative ways to disrupt the passing attack. The defensive line hit a handful of passes at the line of scrimmage and the defensive backs had arguably their best performance. You will need a similar, although better, effort in this case.

Utah vs TCU score prediction

Given the change at quarterback and the team gathering around him, this will require a major concerted effort. Utah needs to establish the ground game, but they need to get more production out of the passing game to keep TCU's defense honest.

Defensively, Utah must control the offensive line with its front four. TCU's offensive line has been a weak spot this season, so this appears to be an advantageous matchup. The airstrike will burst the defensive lines, so keeping bodies under cover and confusing looks will be crucial to defensive success.

This will be a hard-fought game, but Utah will step up and get the job done this week

Utah 28, TCU 24

2024 Utah Football Season Results:

The rest of the Utes 2024 schedule:

• Utah Football vs. TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, October 19th
• Utah Football @ Houston Cougars on Saturday, October 26th
• Utah Football vs. BYU Cougars on Saturday, November 9th
• Utah Football @ Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, November 16th
• Utah Football vs. Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, November 23rd
• Utah Football @ UCF Knights on Friday, November 29th

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts the Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to beat the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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