Do you like offense?
If so, then the Big 12 showdown between No. 10 TCU (6-1) and No. 20 West Virginia (6-2) is must-see football. The Horned Frogs lead the FBS with 50.4 points per game and are fresh off an 82-27 win against Texas Tech last week. The Mountaineers average 37.9 points per game but will have the advantage of an always-raucous home crowd.
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We’re dealing with two of the nation’s top-10 passing offenses. TCU averages 360.1 passing yards per game; West Virginia comes in with 346.3 points per game.
It’s a classic Big 12 shootout for two teams that are still somewhat-new to the conference.
Who has the advantage? Let’s go to the Numbers that Matter.
Series
TCU and West Virginia first met in the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl, a game in which the Mountaineers won 31-14. The schools have split the last two Big XII meetings, and those games have been decided by a total of four points.
Rough transitions
The Horned Frogs and Mountaineers both joined the Big 12 in 2012, and the results have been mixed. West Virginia is 10-13 in conference play, TCU is 9-13.
Hide your couches
TCU is the sixth Top 10 team to venture into Morgantown since 2009, and the Mountaineers have a 3-2 record in those games, the last a 41-27 win against No. 4 Baylor.
Road toads
The Horned Frogs are 5-5 on the road against Top 25 teams since Gary Patterson took over in 2004, and that includes three straight losses. TCU, however, did beat West Virginia 39-38 in their last visit in 2012.
LINEMAKERS: TCU vs. West Virginia betting preview
Heisman hopeful: Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
TCU’s Trevone Boykin has a chance to step into the Heisman conversation with another big performance. Boykin averages 362 passing yards per game with 13 TDs and two interceptions in Big 12 play this season. That included seven TDs last week against Texas Tech.
Spotlight player: Clint Trickett, QB, West Virginia
Trickett is tasked with matching Boykin. He averages 307.8 passing yards with 10 TDs and four interceptions in Big 12 play. That includes four 300-yard games.
Key matchup: West Virginia WRs vs. TCU defensive backs
This is a chance for the nation to get a load of West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White, who ranks second in the nation in receptions (13) and third in receiving yards per game (130.9). TCU, meanwhile, ranks fifth in the nation with 13 interceptions. Safety Josh Hackett leads the Horned Frogs with three interceptions.
On the spot: Shaquille Riddick, DE, West Virginia
Riddick, a transfer from FCS Gardner-Webb, leads the Mountaineers with six sacks this season. Boykin has taken two sacks in every game but one. If Riddick can be a disruptive force, then the 6-6, 244-pounder could generate some NFL Draft buzz.
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In-game trend: 300/200 vision
In a game that figures to see prolific offensive totals, both teams will look to achieve balance. West Virginia and TCU are both 3-0 in games where they have at least 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards. Running backs Rushel Shell (503 rushing yards, 6 TDs) and B.J. Catalon (388 rushing yards, 8 TDs) have to be used as more than a novelty.
Magic number: 40 points
TCU is 20-2 on the road under Patterson in games where they score at least 40 points, and the only two losses were at Baylor in both 2011 (a 50-48 loss) and this season (61-58). If this games turn into a shootout, that might actually favor the Horned Frogs.
Did you know?
It might take at least 40 points to win. West Virginia averages 40.4 points per game at home under Dana Holgorsen, good for a record of 15-9.
HAYES: How Dana Holgorsen got his groove back
Bottom line
This has the makings to be every bit as entertaining as the TCU-Baylor game earlier this season, and Morgantown will be a madhouse. The Mountaineers have allowed just 4.3 points per game in the fourth quarter this season. TCU can’t afford to play from behind, and we’ll see if they’ve learned how to protect a lead late. Give a slight advantage to the Horned Frogs.
