TCU Football starts conference play with a 36-13 road win over Houston

The Frogs continued an offensive groove with quarter back Chandler Morris throwing for 314 passing yards and 2 touchdowns with 10 different receivers.

Head coach Sonny Dykes said Morris played excellent and showed improvement.

“He converted runs on third down, had two big runs and threw the ball well,” said Dykes. “On the sidelines he talks about what he could’ve done better on certain drives.”

That’s something Dykes admires about Morris.

“You want your quarterback to learn those things and recognize them in the game,” he said. “He continues to get better and better.”

Morris opened up the game with a 33-yard pass to Jaylon Robinson, being the first to light up the score board, 7-0.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Frogs made impactful stops, only allowing Houston quarterback Donovan Smith to throw for 225 passing yards and zero touchdowns.

Dykes said the defense’s ability to pressure Smith made a difference because it made him uncertain and less productive for Houston.

Jamoi Hodge made the stop on Houstons third down with four yards to go, forcing the Cougars to settle for a 44-yard field goal by kicker Jack Martin that made the score 7-3. The Cougars’ next scoring opportunity was another field goal attempt that was no-good.

Dykes was very pleased with the physicality the defense showed against an explosive offense like Houston’s.

“Our defense played lights out,” he said. “I give coach Gillespie, the entire defensive coaching staff and the players a ton of credit.”

“They played really good, not giving up one touchdown against a team with that kind of explosiveness,” he added.

The Frogs next drive did not reach the end zone, but kicker Griffin Kell put three more points on the board with a 40-yard field goal, making it 13-3.

Houston took the ball, but it was quickly given back to the Frogs with an interception by TCU safety Bud Clark. The punt return to the Cougars was caught by Matthew Golden, who took it to the house for a 98-yard punt return touchdown. That made it 13-10 and it was the only time Houston would reach the end zone.

Emani Bailey closed out the first half rushing for a 16-yard touchdown, making it 20-10.

The Frogs took off in the second half with two touchdowns and a field goal attempt, while Houston was unable to make anything happen offensively.

TCU got a glimpse of what wide receiver Savion Williams can do: come up in big moments. Williams caught a 31-yard pass from Morris to give the Frogs a 26-13 lead.

Dykes said it was really important for them to get Williams involved and they’re glad he is back.

“He got banged up and faced some adversity,” said Dykes. “He was big for us today. He needs to be the guy to count on to make those big conversions where we need them.”

The Frogs were unable to reach the end zone at the end of the third quarter, but Kell came back with a good 37-yard field goal to make it 29-13.

Running back Trey Sanders closed the game with his fourth touchdown of the season. It was an 18-yard rushing touchdown to make it 36-13.

Dykes said the Frogs didn’t play to their full potential, but a win is a win.

“We will have to make corrections to be competitive in the Big 12, but we will take a road win anytime we can get one,” he said. “It is good to be 1-0 in Big 12 play.”