No. 6 TCU (0-0) vs. No. 24 Oregon St. (0-0) at Arlington, Texas, 4:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: TCU by 13 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
What's at Stake
After finally becoming a BCS buster last season, but losing the Fiesta Bowl, TCU wants a do-over. The Horned Frogs will almost certainly have to go undefeated in the regular season to have that chance. A tough opening test for new QB Ryan Katz and Oregon State, which got close to the Rose Bowl last season. The Beavers still have the Rodgers brothers, RB Jacquizz and WR James.
Key Matchup
Quizz Show vs. TCU defense. Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 1,440 yards and a Beavers-record 21 rushing TDs last season. Is he worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration? A strong showing in the nationally televised matchup could plant an early seed in the minds of Heisman voters. TCU is without All-American DE Jerry Hughes and LB Daryl Washington, both picked in the first two rounds of NFL draft.
Players to Watch
TCU: QB Andy Dalton's 29 victories are tied with Slingin' Sammy Baugh for most in school history -- a mark set in the 1930s. Dalton has only 24 interceptions in 1,001 pass attempts.
Oregon State: Katz, the sophomore QB making his first career start, and doing so in a big-time game. James Rodgers enters senior season with 5,077 all-purpose yards, second-most in Beavers history and second-most among active NCAA players. Often double-teamed, DT Stephen Paea had 43 tackles and three sacks last season.
Facts & Figures
Notes: Oregon State opens the season in the Top 25 for first time since 2001. ... TCU is 13-3 its past 16 games against teams from conferences with automatic BCS bids. ... Beavers are only team to finish top three in the Pac-10 standings each of past four seasons. ... Oregon State's other September road game is at No. 3 Boise State. ... Frogs have won seven consecutive openers. ... TCU has 27 seniors, tied with Hawaii and Louisville for the most on any FBS roster.
