The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs made the 345-mile trip to Lubbock to take on their in-state rival Texas Tech Red Raiders. After a prior week setback, TCU posted a 52-31 victory against the Red Raiders.
TCU’s first road game of 2021 was determined, contrary to what might be inferred from an 83 point total featuring scores in each quarter by each team.
The Horned Frogs left the game with two of their players achieving over 100-yard rushes. Sophomore Kendre Miller, from Mount Enterprise, TX, led with 185 yards on only a dozen carries with three TDs. He was followed closely by another second-year teammate, Zach Evans, who rushed 143 yards on 17 attempts.
In the 2021 season, Miller has accomplished a nine yard per carry average, and Evans is averaging eight yards per carry; each is wholly impressive.
Miller appeared to twist an ankle late in the second quarter and drew his evening to an early close. Head Coach Gary Patterson explained in a post-game interview, “[Evans] could have returned if needed. We just made a decision to be very careful about it, the injury. It’s not a good turf for foot injuries.” It all sounded hopeful even though Evans is variously listed as “questionable” or “doubtful” for TCU’s upcoming Oct. 16 home game.
- Recently experiencing consecutive home losses to SMU and Texas, TCU averted a three-game losing streak. Their last three-game consecutive losses occurred in the 2017 season;
- The Horned Frogs had 394 total rushing yards, their most single-game total since 2016, in a 62-22 victory over Baylor;
- Evans became the first TCU ball carrier to amass four straight 100+ yard games since Lonta Hobbs in 2002;
- TCU’s 4-Star celebrated Junior QB Max Duggan’s passing skills were not needed in this game. However, he still connected on 8 of 10 attempts, one TD, and no interceptions;
- In contrast, the Red Raiders passed 41 times with no TDs and one TCU interception;
- TCU was a strong 9 of 14 in third-down efficiency and 1-for-1 on the fourth. Texas Tech’s combined effort in these categories came up far weaker at 7 of 19;
- TCU Punter Jordy Sandy was called upon only three times with a 45.7-yard average and no opposing returns.
In all, a great game by the Horned Frogs, improving to 3-2 season, 1-1 in their conference. They will need to continue playing well as they prepare for their Oct. 16 home game against the 6-0 Oklahoma Sooners, currently ranked among the Top 5 in all polls.
