TCU's stellar performance in Utah has already paid rankings dividends, as the Horned Frogs jumped to number three in this week's AP Top 25. Utah entered the game ranked number five and had national title and BCS hopes of their own, but TCU battered them early and didn't let off of the peddle until midway through the fourth quarter. The road victory was the bell-tower game that TCU needed to separate themselves from Boise as the non-SEC/Pac 10 option.
Boise posted their own impressive win at home versus Hawaii, but while Boise maintained first place votes, TCU won over the undecideds. They were also aided by Oklahoma's defeat to Texas A&M, as the Big 12 now likely won't figure heavily in the title race. Oregon held onto the top spot with their impressive second half against Washington, so the Frogs will need at least one more significant loss from Oregon or Auburn to be in the national title picture.
TCU heads home to take on San Diego State (7-2) next weekend, then finishes their regular season Thanksgiving weekend at New Mexico (1-8).