College football: TCU keeps focus on field

UNLV coach Mike Sanford had an explanation why BYU quarterback Max Hall joined a growing list of Mountain West Conference quarterbacks who have had problems finding an open receiver in the TCU secondary.
Hall had decent completion numbers in the 38-7 loss to the Horned Frogs, 18 of 28.
But he managed just 162 yards and was sacked five times despite a lack of blitzes by TCU.
Sanford compared the 7-0 Frogs' coverage technique to the NFL, where there is little separation and the windows to throw the ball are smaller. Tight coverage by a speedy, physical secondary forced Hall to hold onto the ball longer, which led to the sacks.
"They play receivers closer and tighter than a lot of people," Sanford said. "[Quarterback] judgment changes a little. It changes the perception of who's open."
That defense, along with its workmanlike offense, guided by quarterback Andy Dalton , has kept TCU unbeaten and in the thick of BCS talk. The Frogs have the look of being the 2009 version of last year's Utah team that was undefeated and went on to beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
TCU, ranked sixth nationally, was selected the National Team of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America.
"We're trying to control our own destiny," TCU coach Gary Patterson said. "This team has shown a lot of resilience.
"I'm glad three of our five [remaining] games are at home."
UNLV