TCU racked up 334 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a blowout victory over the No. 7 Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday night.
Head coach Gary Patterson said the Horned Frogs’ performance showed that they are contenders by proving themselves this late in the season.
“We showed that we can be a versatile team and do what you need to do to win championships,” Patterson said. “That’s what you have to do in November.”
Quarterback Trevone Boykin ran for a career-high 123 yards and three touchdowns. He was also 23 for 34 passing with 211 yards and a touchdown.
Boykin’s performance included a spectacular flip into the end zone that has already garnered national attention on social media.
The TCU defense was impressive in holding Kansas State to 34 yards rushing and 20 points, the Wildcats’ second-lowest total this season.
TCU had more time of possession than KSU, more takeaways, and less penalties. Patterson said the Frogs were able to “beat K-State at their own game.”
When asked if the Horned Frogs might lose focus moving forward with three games against teams with losing records, Patterson had a simple response.
“We were 4-8 last year, we’ve already been through all of that. If we don’t see what we have in front of us, I can’t help it,” Patterson said. “Here it is laid out, here’s what we’ve got to do, now we just go play.”
Junior running back Aaron Green had a huge day as the premier running back for TCU.
The junior helped TCU fans forget about the injured B.J. Catalon with a sparkling performance of 171 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, including highlight-worthy runs of 65 and 34 yards.
Wide receiver David Porter had a big day filling in for the injured Deante Gray, catching seven balls for a career-high 84 yards and a touchdown.
Last week’s hero Jaden Oberkrom added two 26-yard field goals. He is now 16-for-20 on the season, and is a candidate for the Lou Groza award, given to the best kicker in the nation.
A total of 48,012 were in attendance for Saturday’s night game, the third-largest amount in TCU history.
Students packed Amon G. Carter Stadium, setting a record for student attendance with 5,278 at the game – which is more than half of the entire student body.
Despite his usual critical postgame appearance and devotion to work ethic, Patterson said he might need to take a few moments tonight to celebrate this victory
“You know tonight, I might have to put a few hours in and have a good time – maybe smile,” Patterson added with a laugh.
