Mid-week memo

As we wish the Rangers good luck in bringing home the World Series Championship (remember, I said Rangers in 6), here are a few things to knock around the ball yard:

• The last five – The Horned Frogs enter a critical stretch with the last five games headlined by a collision with BYU on Friday. This will be a physical, physical game. They always are, but this one is different. BYU is much improved and they're more physical on both sides of the ball. Then it’s off to Laramie, Wyo., where it’s likely to be in the 20s and snowing. Then a quick turnaround for a trip to Boise, you know, that game you’ve had circled on your calendar. That Boise St. game is huge for MWC title hopes, but the Frogs have to take care of business twice before they try to win their Own Private Idaho. (Any B-52’s fans out there?)
  
• QB Matt Brown – I like the change of pace he provides and you have to look for him. He sneaks into the game like James Bond (Anyone remember Robert Redford in "Brubaker"?) Look for more of “Sneaky Matt.”
  
• Frog legs are live – Coach Gary Patterson says the Frogs got their legs back during they off week and I agree. The defensive line, especially, has looked like it has hit another gear in the last two outings.
  
• Speaking of the defense -- Have you noticed how this young bunch is starting to fly around. No more hesitation. They fly to the ball. They’ll need to continue that trend this Friday.
  
• No QB controversy – OK, you contraversists (is that a word), meaning those who like to stir it up. No, Casey Pachall’s job is not in jeopardy after last weekend’s open-field antics by the Frogs' No. 15 Rick Settle. Settle had a much-deserved moment in the sun against New Mexico in a tough situation. He wasn’t supposed to score on that 9-yard run, but there was no one to stop him so he had to put points 63-68 on the board. Congrats to a guy who contributes much under the radar everyday. And he wears a cool jersey number!
  
• Big 12 news – If you like mountains and Mountaineers, looks like you’re in luck. Word is the mountaineer will fire his muzzle-loader signaling the move sometime this week. (Or maybe Louisville tags along too.)
  

More on BYU tomorrow. And go Rangers.

Kick ‘Em High!