TCU’s resilience remained strong as the Horned Frogs defeated Texas Tech 35-34 after a fourth-quarter comeback. It was TCU’s first win at home since the Horned Frogs defeated LIU on Sep. 7.
A fumble by Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter sealed the game for TCU.
Here are 5 takeaways for TCU from the game.
Hoover’s continued mistakes, fourth quarter revival
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover now has eight interceptions on the season. He is on pace to top his numbers from last season where he had nine.
His mistakes began in the second quarter where Texas Tech turned his fumble into six points on a fake punt play. TCU stopped Texas Tech from scoring on Hoover’s first interception, but was able to secure a touchdown in the third quarter off of Hoover’s second interception.
TCU led 14-3 in the first quarter. TCU finally answered Texas Tech’s scoring output after a drive downfield resulted in a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Jeremy Payne.
Hoover ended the game completing 21 of 32 passes with 344 passing yards. He had two interceptions and a fumble, but overcame his mistakes and had three passing touchdowns.
TCU’s strong defensive presence
TCU’s defense showed it can stop the run last week against Utah’s Micah Bernard. This held true against Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks.
Despite rushing for 121 yards, only three were for 10 or more yards. He also had 30 rushing attempts. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry. Texas Tech as a team averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
TCU linebackers Devean Deal and Namdi Obiazor led the unit, combining for 18 total tackles and nine solo tackles. Deal recorded one sack and a tackle for a loss.
Williams leads TCU rushing attack
Savion Williams was quietly helpful for TCU’s offense at the beginning of the season. Now, he’s been the to-go guy for rushing and receiving.
To open TCU’s scoring, Williams put Texas Tech’s secondary in a spin cycle as he rushed for his career-high 35-yard touchdown. This was also TCU’s longest rush this season.
The spin move on this TD run by Savion Williams was ridiculous 😮💨🔥@TCUFootball pic.twitter.com/08XhZl57dY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 26, 2024
Williams led TCU with 72 rushing yards on 11 attempts. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry.
Bech leads TCU WRs
Bech found himself near the top of TCU receiving again, with four receptions for 77 yards. An explosive 52-yard reception in the fourth quarter that set up DJ Rogers’ touchdown catch.
Dykes said WR Eric McAlister has Hoover’s complete trust in playmaking and that deemed true. An 84-yard receiving touchdown gave TCU the one-point lead with 5:10 left in the fourth quarter.
TCU TEs see meaningful minutes
Tight ends Drake Dabney and Rogers haven’t been active in TCU’s offense, but made meaningful plays against Texas Tech.
Dabney, transfer TE from Baylor, was more involved in the offense with four catches for 32 yards. Rogers also had three catches for 15 yards and one touchdown. It was his first score of the season.
