TCU is trailing LSU 16-10 at halftime in the Cowboys Classic after a first half marked by defense.

LSU’s defense made things difficult for the Frogs. Casey Pachall passed for only 64 yards in the first half, and TCU had only 45 rushing yards as a team.

LSU scored first on a 23-yard field goal by kicker Colby Delahoussaye. The Tigers had a chance to add a touchdown to that margin after Brandon Carter fumbled on the ensuing kickoff. LSU recovered the ball on the ten-yard line, but TCU’s defense forced a three-and-out and another field goal to make it 6-0.

Casey Pachall and Trevone Boykin both started the game for TCU. Pachall started at quarterback, while Boykin played the first two plays at wide receiver. Pachall was erratic on his first few passes but settled in to lead the Horned Frogs down the field for a field goal to make it 6-3.

LSU fullback J.C. Copeland scored the first touchdown of the game when he barreled into the end zone from the one-yard line to give LSU a 13-3 lead with just more than minute gone in the second quarter.

Running back B.J. Catalon answered immediately, returning the following kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to bring the Frogs within three once again.

After both teams traded punts in the second quarter, LSU drove down the field beginning at its own 25 to kick a field goal in the waning seconds of the half, giving the Tigers a six-point lead. TCU will receive the second-half kickoff.

Suspended TCU defensive end Devonte Fields has not come off the sideline, despite rumors that his suspension would be lifted. Suspended LSU running back Jeremy Hill has also been kept out of the game.