TCU's Late Game Rally Falls Short to Texas Tech

A second consecutive loss puts TCU's bowl eligibility in serious jeopardy with three games to go.

Coming off a bye week and a must-win game for TCU, expectations were high that a win could get them back on track and find themselves in a good position to secure a bowl game. Not even a possum could save the Horned Frogs as they fell to Texas Tech on Thursday night 35-28.

Both offenses stalled on the first few possessions, but it was the Red Raiders that broke through with a lengthy 14-play, 81-yard drive that resulted in a quarterback keeper for six by Behren Morton. 

The Frogs had a nice response to tie things up at seven with a touchdown pass from Josh Hoover to DJ Rogers for a 17-yard score. The Frogs trailed 20-7 at the half and were desperately looking for answers on offense. 

Hoover took the offense 93 yards on their first drive of the second half capped off by a touchdown run by Emani Bailey. A turnover on downs by Tech set the Frogs up nicely when Bailey once again scored to give the Frogs a 21-20 lead.

However, a Hoover interception led to an eventual touchdown run by Tahj Brooks giving the lead right back to Tech. TCU trailed 35-21 late but after a touchdown by Tre Sanders and a forced punt, the Horned Frogs had an excellent opportunity to tie the game.

The heroics came up short as Hoover threw an interception to end the ballgame. Hoover completed 32 of his 52 passes for 353 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Jaylon Robinson was the leading receiver contributing five catches for 68 yards. Emani Bailey didn't find much room to run as he gained 62 yards but did score twice. 

Plainly put, this was a frustrating loss for TCU in a game that certainly felt within reach. I understand winning in Lubbock is no easy feat, but this is a tough pill to swallow. The defense had a season-high 25 missed tackles. Pair that with the costly turnovers, and that isn't a great recipe for success. 

TCU needs to win two of its last three games to get a bowl game. This was an opportunity to make that much easier, but TCU couldn't get it done. They will host No. 7 Texas next weekend, a home game against Baylor the following weekend, and then on the road against No. 10 Oklahoma. 

TCU Football at Texas Tech: Live Game Day Thread

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