The same day TCU said goodbye to 80-year old Amon G. Carter Stadium, the No. 3 Horned Frog football team said hello to its future appearance in the Rose Bowl BCS Bowl game against Wisconsin.
Sunday morning, fans woke up to see the historical landmark imploded, and just 12 hours later, the same fans gathered at Daniel Meyer Coliseum in anticipation to see where the Frogs will end its 2010 season.
Voice of the Frogs Brian Estridge said to head football coach Gary Patterson, “On the day we blow up Amon G. Carter Stadium, we blow up the BCS.”
Patterson said the atmosphere in California in January will be different than other BCS bowl games because of the atmosphere and the history within the game.
“To walk out onto a stage that is “the granddaddy of the all’… to be a part of something like this, is very special,” Patterson said.
He said he didn’t think the Frogs will fully understand how special the Rose Bowl is until the team arrives in Pasadena Christmas Eve.
Senior quarterback Andy Dalton said the Rose Bowl is a great opportunity for the Frogs to gain exposure in a game with such a strong atmosphere. Dalton said the Rose Bowl is the perfect place to end his college career.
“It’s a dream come true… to finally get the opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl,” he said.
Patterson said that some of the greatest players have competed in the Rose Bowl, and he was excited for the Horned Frogs to have the chance to be part of that history.
Linebacker Tank Carder said that playing in the Rose Bowl is an honor for both himself and his team. The junior said that the team was glad that they were invited to be part of the historic game.
“We’re totally satisfied to go to the Rose Bowl, it’s a great bowl game and they’ve got a great committee so we’re real excited,” Carder said.
The Frogs are ready for its second consecutive BCS bowl appearance, Patterson said. This time the Frogs know what challenges a BCS bowl game brings.
“We’ve been here, we understand what it’s all about, we understand the challenges that are in front of us,” Patterson said.
The Frogs hope to have a different outcome then last year’s 17-10 loss against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
“Our whole goal is not just to play well, it’s to have an opportunity to win… that’s what we’re going to do,” Patterson said.
