TCU Could Host Highest-Ranked Opponent in 56 Years Against Utah

FORT WORTH - TCU football could be preparing for one of the most historically significant home games in Amon G. Carter Stadium history.

The Horned Frogs will host undefeated Utah on Saturday, Nov. 21, with the Utes currently ranked No. 2 nationally. If that ranking holds, Utah would become the highest-ranked visiting opponent to play at TCU since second-ranked Texas traveled to Fort Worth on Nov. 14, 1970.

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That's a remarkable 56-year gap.

The Big 12 Conference announced Monday that television partners have placed the TCU-Utah matchup in a "six-day selection window," meaning the kickoff time and television network won't be announced until Sunday, Nov. 15.

The decision gives broadcasters additional time to evaluate the national significance of a game that could carry major College Football Playoff implications.

Utah enters the week with a perfect 9-0 record following Saturday's 28-20 victory over rival BYU. The win pushed the Utes from No. 3 to No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25, matching the highest ranking in program history.

Under coach Morgan Scalley, Utah has emerged as one of the Big 12's strongest championship contenders.

The Utes have surrendered just 16.3 points per game while averaging 37.7 offensively, a combination that has made them difficult to beat throughout the season.

"This was a big win, not the big win," Scalley said following Utah's victory over BYU, emphasizing that his team's larger goals remain ahead.

For TCU coach Sonny Dykes, the challenge is considerably different.

The Horned Frogs are 4-5 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 play following Friday's heartbreaking 29-28 loss at Arizona.

TCU must win two of its remaining three games to become bowl eligible, making its closing schedule particularly important.

The Horned Frogs first host Kansas State this Saturday before welcoming Utah and finishing the regular season at Texas Tech on Thanksgiving.

That means two of TCU's final three opponents currently occupy spots among the nation's top 10.

There's also the opportunity to deliver one of college football's biggest upsets.

Utah visits No. 22 Arizona this weekend, so its ranking and unbeaten record could change before the trip to Fort Worth.

Still, the possibility of hosting the nation's second-ranked team creates an unusual opportunity for TCU fans.

Amon G. Carter Stadium has seen its share of memorable games, but welcoming a team ranked this highly would represent something not experienced in more than half a century.

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Whether TCU can capitalize is another question.

For now, the Horned Frogs know they'll have one final home opportunity to make a statement against one of college football's best teams.