BYU football’s undefeated start will face a major test when they hit the road to take on the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Sitting at 3-0 and ranked 10th nationally, the Cougars have been flying under the radar thanks to a schedule that has yet to demand a full 60-minute effort, but that calm is about to end. The matchup against TCU marks the start of a nine-week gauntlet of Power 4-level opponents, and the pressure is on for BYU to prove whether their early-season dominance is built to last against top-tier competition. Expectations center on LJ Martin’s explosive running abilities, especially with rainy conditions predicted for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Having dominated defenses like Colorado State’s and come up big in key moments against Arizona, Martin returns to his home state eager to showcase his skills in front of family and friends. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is challenged to open up his playbook, embracing a physical, sometimes “boring” run-heavy approach that could be the key to BYU’s success in adverse weather. That physical identity isn’t just about aesthetics—ground-and-pound football can win games and send a message to the rest of the Big 12. TCU isn’t coming quietly. Despite setbacks including a recent players-only meeting and the dismissal of a defensive star over internal conflict, the Horned Frogs are a dangerous, desperate team seeking to turn their season around. Having inherited what some call the “curse of Dublin” after an overseas game, TCU’s struggles in the run game contrast starkly with BYU’s recent dominance on the ground. As BYU looks to match—and outdo—TCU’s urgency, stakes are high not just for Saturday night but for the Cougars’ trajectory through the heart of the season. Will BYU live up to their ranking and prove themselves real Big 12 contenders?
BYU football’s undefeated start will face a major test when they hit the road to take on the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Sitting at 3-0 and ranked 10th nationally, the Cougars have been flying under the radar thanks to a schedule that has yet to demand a full 60-minute effort, but that calm is about to end. The matchup against TCU marks the start of a nine-week gauntlet of Power 4-level opponents, and the pressure is on for BYU to prove whether their early-season dominance is built to last against top-tier competition.
Expectations center on LJ Martin’s explosive running abilities, especially with rainy conditions predicted for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Having dominated defenses like Colorado State’s and come up big in key moments against Arizona, Martin returns to his home state eager to showcase his skills in front of family and friends. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is challenged to open up his playbook, embracing a physical, sometimes “boring” run-heavy approach that could be the key to BYU’s success in adverse weather. That physical identity isn’t just about aesthetics—ground-and-pound football can win games and send a message to the rest of the Big 12.
TCU isn’t coming quietly. Despite setbacks including a recent players-only meeting and the dismissal of a defensive star over internal conflict, the Horned Frogs are a dangerous, desperate team seeking to turn their season around. Having inherited what some call the “curse of Dublin” after an overseas game, TCU’s struggles in the run game contrast starkly with BYU’s recent dominance on the ground. As BYU looks to match—and outdo—TCU’s urgency, stakes are high not just for Saturday night but for the Cougars’ trajectory through the heart of the season. Will BYU live up to their ranking and prove themselves real Big 12 contenders?
Support Locked On Cougars:
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!
Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.