TCU hosted its first-ever BCS bowl selection show Sunday night in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. An estimated 3,500 fans cheered when it was announced that the BCS No. 4 Horned Frogs will be going to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.
There were mixed emotions about playing No. 6 Boise State for the second year in a row. Quarterback Andy Dalton had only positive comments about the pick.
“(TCU is) in a BCS game, there is nothing to complain about,” Dalton said, “We are going out to (Arizona to) make a statement.”
Boise has been a competitive team for many years and that they would be a good opponent, Dalton said.
Head coach Gary Patterson said Boise State is a good opponent because they do not lose often.
“The only game (Boise State) lost in the last two years was to (TCU) and it was 17-16,” Patterson said.
Patterson said it is a privilege to play in the Fiesta Bowl and represent the Mountain West Conference.
Patterson said last week was the first time he has voted TCU No. 2 in the BCS poll. Until then he never had TCU ranked higher than No.4, Patterson said.
The football team’s goal now is to show the nation the Frogs are the top team, Patterson said.
Student Body President Kelsie Johnson had mixed emotions about playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
“I am excited for our team, both Coach Patterson and the players, to go to TCU’s first ever BCS Bowl game,” Johnson said. “However, I would be lying if I did not say I am a little disappointed with our opponent who I watched TCU beat in the Poinsettia Bowl less than a year ago.”
Many would agree the football program has come a long way and is finally getting the respect it deserves.
TCU alumnus Beth Zuber said the football team has changed the campus in a positive way. Since 1991, when Zuber graduated, she said the fans now have more school spirit and show their support.
“There are more fans, they are more vocal,” Zuber said, “(The fans are) learning to get in the stands before kickoff.”
Defensive end Jerry Hughes said no matter who the Horned Frogs play they are going to do their best.
“Whoever they tell us we’re gonna play, we’re gonna prepare, we’re gonna get ready and we’re gonna go out there and give them Horned Frog football,” Hughes said, “It is gonna be four quarters of us just playing as hard as we can.”
The Horned Frogs will have a shot at finishing 13-0 by appearing in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. CST.
