Bodog Beat

The Utes Look to Remain undefeated versus TCU. (AP Images)

The Utah Utes (9-0 SU, 4-3-1 ATS) are the top-ranked mid-major on the BCS charts at No. 8. They’re undefeated, and they’re playing at home Thursday night against the No. 12 Texas Christian Horned Frogs (9-1 SU, 7-2 ATS). And yet the visitors are 2.5-point favorites in this pivotal Mountain West battle.

Utah is 2-1 SU and ATS since this series resumed in 2005, winning and covering the last two meetings home and away. The Utes offense has improved from 5.1 yards per play last year to 5.8 in 2008. TCU is in the middle of the pack at 5.3 yards, although the Frogs are outscoring the Utes by a thin 36.6-36.1 margin.

The matchup on the ground suggests the Horned Frogs rushing (50 carries per game) will be able to do more damage than Utah’s balanced offense. Kickoff from Rice-Eccles Stadium is at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

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