The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs smashed the Oklahoma Sooners on October 1 on the back of a dominant first half, resulting in a 55-24 victory. It is the first time that TCU has beaten OU in nine contests. The victory was fueled by the play of quarterback Max Duggan and a stingy defense that prevented OU from ever gaining traction in the lopsided loss.
TCU got the ball rolling early with a turnover recovery on the Sooners’ first drive. Quarterback Daniel Gabriel hit receiver Marvin Mims Jr, who lost the ball after the reception. TCU took over at the OU 46-yard line and quickly executed a scoring drive for the day’s first touchdown — a pass from Max Duggan to Savion Williams for the early 7-0 lead.
Duggan’s first significant play of the day came on the third drive when he hit receiver Taye Barber for a 73-yard bomb. Duggan, who is starting in relief of Chandler Morris, has now hit three consecutive victories and has led TCU to a perfect 4-0 record early in the season.
Against the OU defense, Duggan had a day, hitting receivers at will for huge chunks of yardage as the Sooners’ defense routinely failed to account for receivers streaking downfield, including the play that led to the Horned Frogs’ third score.
Duggan executed a perfect QB draw play that saw the defense motion to the right, freeing the speedy QB on the left. Taking advantage, Duggan hustled 67 yards for the touchdown. Kicker Griffin Kell missed on his second point after an attempt on the day but was otherwise perfect, completing seven of eight attempts with no field goal tries.
Oklahoma quarterback Gabriel struggled early with over-throws, a mechanics problem that former NFL QB Robert Griffin III pointed out during the live broadcast. A scary moment for football fans everywhere came in the second quarter when Gabriel was struck in the head by linebacker Johnny Hodges as the QB was attempting to slide down. Hodges received a late hit and a targeting penalty, removing him from the remainder of the contest. Hodges was visibly upset by the hit on the sidelines, and it did not appear to be an intentionally dirty play. Gabriel was replaced by Davis Beville for the remainder of the game.
TCU scored 41 points in the first half, including two long touchdown passes by Duggan to Gunnar Henderson for 62 yards, the huge run by Duggan, and the 73-yarder early in the game. The OU defense was shell-shocked on the sidelines as the Horned Frogs Offense manhandled the team.
The second half saw TCU relax a bit on play calling, with third-string QB Sam Jackson getting playing time late. Throughout the game, OU could not find an answer for the TCU offense and continuously gave up big gains in both the pass and run game.
TCU will next play against Kansas State, who dominated in their win this week. The Horned Frogs will look to advance to 5-0, while Kansas State, who also beat OU in the previous week, will look to go to 5-1 if they can stop the juggernaut of the TCU offense.
