TCU has spent much of the 2022 college football season flying under the radar. The Horned Frogs entered Saturday’s game against Texas 9-0 but had allowed nearly 27 points per game on the season and more than 30 per game after the season’s second game. TCU was good. But could the Horned Frogs win a game when their offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders? Judging by Saturday, yes, they can.
Saturday night’s game against the Longhorns was a defensive struggle. TCU managed only a field goal in the first half. Fortunately for the Horned Frogs, the defense shut Texas out over the game’s first two quarters. TCU’s offense finally got going in the third quarter, when Kendre Miller broke free and scored on a 75-yard run.
Kendre Miller 75-yard touchdown! 🔥#Big12FB x @TCUFootball
📺 ABC | @ESPNCFB pic.twitter.com/A04zKBh50t
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 13, 2022
Texas responded with a field goal, but TCU got that cushion back and then some early in the fourth quarter. When Longhorns apparently forgot to guard Quentin Johnston– arguably the nation’s top receiver — he and quarterback Max Duggan made them pay.
Max Duggan ➡️ Quentin Johnston!!! #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/4EkB4NaWdS
— TCU Athletics (@TCU_Athletics) November 13, 2022
Texas did get a glimmer of hope in the final minutes when Jahdae Barron recovered a fumble and returned it 48 yards for the score. But that was as close as the Longhorns would get. TCU closed out the victory, defeating Texas 17-10.
Naturally, TCU was in a mood to celebrate following Saturday’s win.
You mess with the frog, you get the horns. #GoFrogs #DFWBig12Team pic.twitter.com/incvbYGv6V
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 13, 2022
“We’re gonna end their little story early.” – some texas player#GoFrogs #DFWBig12Team pic.twitter.com/hvG9jgzbga
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) November 13, 2022
Those running the Horned Frogs’ Twitter page were not the only people impressed. TCU’s performance was praised by college football fans.
Tcu got playoffs on their mind
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 13, 2022
Texas finished with 199 yards against TCU tonight.
Fewest yards gained by a Steve Sarkisian offense in a college game since 2012.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) November 13, 2022
TCU is 8-3 against Texas since joining the Big 12.
They’re 5-1 in Austin.
— Matt Jennings (@MattAJennings) November 13, 2022
I just want people to show respect to the Frogs. You never see me disparaging another team. Just cheer on mine. We’re a small school with big heart, an awesome coach & players who prove themselves week in & week out.
I’m a proud Horned Frog, no matter how the season ends!#TCU
— Dia Wall (@DiaWall) November 13, 2022
In addition to beating Texas and moving to 10-0 on the season, the win also secured TCU a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Horned Frogs will finish the regular season with a road game at Baylor, followed by a home game against Iowa State.
If TCU can win those games and prevail in the Conference Championship Game, the Horned Frogs will find themselves in the College Football Playoff for the first time.
