Colorado State @ Texas Christian preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Texas Christian 27, Colorado State 0

THE STORY: No. 19 Texas Christian goes for its 23rd straight Mountain West conference win - and 16th straight MWC win at home - when it hosts reeling Colorado State. The Rams might be without quarterback Pete Thomas. He is day-to-day with a sprained knee suffered in last week’s 18-15 loss to San Diego State. Thomas had taken every snap this season before the injury. Freshman Garrett Grayson will play even if he doesn’t start, according to coach Steve Fairchild. The Horned Frogs are riding high after converting a two-point try with 1:05 left to defeat previously unbeaten Boise State 36-35 last week. TCU has won the last seven meetings.

TV: Versus. LINE: TCU -33.

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (3-6, 1-3 Mountain West): Grayson went 6-of-15 for 26 yards with an interception in relief of Thomas last week and ran for a touchdown. Now that Grayson has lost his redshirt, Fairchild reasoned, the 6-foot-2, 201-pounder might as well gain experience. It seems highly unlikely, but the Rams, who have lost five straight, can reach a bowl if they win out. Look for Colorado State to rely on runnng back Chris Nwoke, who ran for 232 yards against the Aztecs.

ABOUT TCU (8-2, 5-0): Quarterback Casey Pachall leads an explosive offense that averages 41 points. He ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency (167.2) and is on pace to set TCU records for completions, completion percentage, passing yards and touchdown throws. He has completed 68 percent of his passes, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Running back Waymon James averages 8.2 yards a carry and wide receiver Josh Boyce has caught 51 balls for 867 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensive end Stansly Maponga has been very disruptive, getting 9.5 tackles for loss and forcing four fumbles.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. A win over Colorado State would be the 45th in the last four seasons for TCU’s seniors, making them the winningest class in school history.

2. Colorado State center Weston Richburg might play with a broken right hand. If he does, he’ll snap with his left hand or move to guard or tackle.

3. The Horned Frogs are 54-7 under coach Gary Patterson at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

PREDICTION: TCU 49, Colorado State 10 - Patterson won’t let the Horned Frogs let down after their big win.