TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin threw for 136 yards on 6-of-14 passing and the Frogs’ defense held Michigan State scoreless to grab a 13-0 lead at halftime of the 24th Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

Both teams struggled on their first drives, totaling six yards of offense. TCU broke the scoring drought with 5:45 left in the first quarter on a four-yard rush by running back Matthew Tucker. The score was the 33rd of Tucker’s career.  

The 73-yard drive was aided by two Spartan penalties including a pass interference call against safety Kurtis Drummond on third-and-5. The Frogs gained 52 yards on the ground and eight in the air to complete the scoring drive.

The Spartans were forced to punt a third straight time and TCU capitalized with a 47-yard field goal from Jaden Oberkrom. The field goal was set up by a 59 yard pass from Boykin to wide receiver Kolby Listenbee for his first collegiate reception.

The Frogs added a 31-yard field goal to take a 13-0 lead with 8:18 left in the half. TCU forced a 16-yard punt on the Spartan’s next drive but gave the ball right back on an interception by Isaiah Lewis. The Frogs dropped three potential interceptions in the first half.

The Frogs held MSU running back Le’Veon Bell, who came in leading the Big Ten in rushing, to 38 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Andrew Maxwell went 6-of-13 for 28 yards.

The Frogs were 5-2 this season when they scored first.