Despite a 35-point win, the Frogs were still unsatisfied with their overall performance against Nicholls State.

Head coach Sonny Dykes said the defense underperformed last week against Colorado, but this week he was encouraged to see defense make stops and keep Nicholls State out of the end zone.

TCU’s defense held the Colonels to single-digits in the points column, which came via the leg of kicker Gavin Lasseigne. He made a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter.

The first Frogs to see the end zone was actually a special teams player. Wide receiver Blake Nowell returned a punt, blocked by running back Trent Battle, for a 24-yard touchdown. It was the junior’s second career touchdown, with his first coming in 2021 against Duquesne.

Some new faces touched the field and took advantage of the opportunity. TCU’s second-team defense made a huge impact, forcing two turnovers in the fourth quarter.

Safety Mark Perry said the rookies looked good and its encouraging to know the first-team can rely on them, when needed.

“That being their first game experience, they did not flinch,” said Perry. “That is big for them since we are going to have to lean on them at certain points throughout the season.”

TCU’s defense sacked Nicholls State’s quarterback Pat McQuaide three times, totaling seven sacks in just two games.

The offense came out shaky, unable to score on their opening drive.

The Frogs waited until the end of the first quarter to score their first offensive touchdown. Quarterback Chandler Morris used his legs and rushed for a 32-yard touchdown, putting the Frogs up by 14.

Morris said the offense is still trying to find a consistent rhythm and there will be a lot of things to clean up during practice.

“Finishing drives will be a huge emphasis this week,” said Morris. “We didn’t play to our standard and we know that.”

Running back Trey Sanders had a highlight-reel carry, hurdling over a Nicholls State defender. It got a big reaction from the fans, sending some energy through the stadium.

The Frogs added more insurance from the special teams unit. Kicker Griffin Kell’s two field goal attempts were good, including a 57-yarder at the end of the first half that set a new career-high and tied a program record.

He also made all five of his extra-point attempts, giving him 11 of TCU’s 41 points.

Three more touchdowns came on receptions from wide receivers Jordyn Bailey, Jaylon Richardson and JoJo Earle. They were three of 13 different receivers that had a reception for TCU.

The Frogs put up 17 more points in the fourth quarter. The Frogs also gave backup quarterback Josh Hoover a chance to take some snaps. He had two turnovers in the red zone on his first few snaps, including a dropped snap on the 4-yard line. The other was an interception on the 25-yard line.

However, he ended his game on a high note, connecting with Jordyn Bailey for a 34-yard receiving touchdown.

Nicholls State ran one last play, a five-yard rush, before the clock hit 0:00.

With one win under their belt, the Horned Frogs will hit the road for their first conference matchup against the Houston Cougars. Kickoff is Saturday, Sep. 16 at 7 p.m.