Jonathon Brooks Leads Texas Longhorns to Big Lead at Halftime vs. TCU Horned Frogs

The Texas Longhorns fought off some inconsistencies in the first half but led the TCU Horned Frogs headed into halftime.

The Texas Longhorns were far from perfect, but headed into halftime of Saturday night's potential final meeting with the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth with a 26-6 lead and a comfortable cushion.

No. 7 Texas (8-1) had some early up-and-downs, yet it was a late spark in the final two minutes of the second quarter that helped the Longhorns. Adonai Mitchell caught a six-yard touchdown with 1:01 left in the half and cornerback Terrance Brooks intercepted TCU quarterback Josh Hoover on the next play, which helped set up Jonathon Brooks for his second touchdown of the half with 12 seconds left.

The Longhorns got a big first-half effort from Brooks, who headed into halftime with 15 carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns to go along with three catches for 74 yards. This was highlighted by a 73-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter that set him up for a two-yard rushing score.

The Longhorns welcomed back Quinn Ewers, who is making the start against TCU after missing the past two games due to an injury in his throwing shoulder.

However, the offense got off to a slow despite Ewers being back under center. He finished the first half 15 of 22 passing for 244 yards, one touchdown and one pick. He connected with Xavier Worthy eight times for 120 yards despite looking rusty at times.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) and running back Jonathon Brooks (24) celebrates after Mitchell scores a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carte / © Jerome Miron, USA TODAY

Texas turned the ball over on downs at the TCU 48-yard line after going three-and-out on the game's opening drive. The Longhorns also had to settle for a pair of field goals.

Luckily for Texas, Brooks continued to play at an elite level. Despite the Longhorns having some more inconsistencies, his big catch and touchdown helped give Texas some breathing room before the run at the very end of the second half.

Overall, TCU's offense stalled against Texas' talented defense. The Horned Frogs got their only points on a pair of field goals that came at the end of 29- and 37-yard drives. Aside from that, Sonny Dyke's offense punted three times and had two three-and-outs.

On Ewers' first deep throw of the game, the Longhorns were gifted with a huge break despite a bad throw from their starting quarterback. Looking down the field to Worthy,  the pass was underthrown and intercepted by TCU defensive back Millard Bradford, but Jordan Whittington forced a fumble on the return and Worthy recovered. 

He quickly redeemed himself with a perfect pass down the left sideline to Worthy for 45 yards. This set up Texas in the red zone, where the goal-line woes continued. The Longhorns stalled and settled for a field goal after Ewers missed Adonai Mitchell open on 3rd and 9.

But any miscues the Longhorns had on offense were made up by the late run to end the half.

TCU will receive the second-half kickoff.