TCU Runs All Over Houston En Route to 36-13 Victory

The Horned Frogs spoiled Houston's Big 12 debut Saturday night with their first road win.

Saturday's matchup between TCU and Houston felt like a prove-it game for both teams. The Cougars were coming off a terrible overtime loss to Rice, and while the Frogs picked up a win last week, there were still some questions fans were hoping to be answered this week. 

TCU got off to an electric start with a six-play drive resulting in a touchdown pass to Warren Thompson from 33 yards out. However, the offense sputtered a little bit after that. A fumble, interception, and a pair of field goals were all that the offense could muster until the end of the first half when Emani Bailey scored to make it 20-10.

Emani Bailey  / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey had a monster game, running for 126 yards on 23 carries. His physicality overwhelmed the Cougars' defense. At the beginning of the third quarter, the Frogs were marching once again, and this time Chandler Morris threw a beautiful pass right into the pocket of Savion Williams for a 31-yard score. Williams has been quiet through the first two weeks, so hopefully, this is the breakthrough head coach Sonny Dykes was hoping to see. 

WOOOO we love to see it#GoFrogs | #AllSteakNoSizzle pic.twitter.com/28Rtf0DkO7

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) September 17, 2023

After the win against Nicholls State, Morris was hoping to continue utilizing his legs. He ran the ball 12 times for 53 yards and went 24-37 for 314 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He was also a little more decisive, even if some of those reads didn't work out all the time.

The defense held their opponent out of the endzone for a second consecutive week and seems to be building some confidence after the disappointing performance against Colorado. They recorded six sacks and two interceptions by Bud Clark and Zach Marcheselli. 

It was a good road win for TCU. Sure, this was a game they were expected to win. But, no conference win comes easy, and the Frogs were able to execute a plan offensively and defensively that can yield positive results moving forward. TCU will host SMU next Saturday at 11 a.m. for the Battle of the Iron Skillet. 

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