TCU football tops Utah in a historic clash to extend winning-streak

By Roderick Villareal, Staff Writer

Published Oct 20, 2024

TCU quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes against Utah during the first half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart)

The TCU Horned Frog matched with the Utah Utes for the first time in over a decade.

The last time these teams battled, TCU destroyed Utah 47-7 behind a great performance from TCU legend Andy Dalton.

Saturday’s game would make Dalton proud as the Horned Frogs kept the winning streak alive. The Horned Frogs held on by a score of 13-7.

The Frogs led the game from start to finish as Josh Hoover had 263 passing yards with a rushing touchdown. It was a good bounce-back game for him as he struggled against the Houston Cougars. JP Richardson was his favorite target, catching three passes for 53 yards.

Utah defensive end Christian Cox (94) and Utah cornerback Justin Taplin-Ross (33) chase TCU running back Waymon James (32) during the second half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, in Salt Lake City. TCU won 47-7. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The TCU rushing game ran for 132 yards, averaging 4 yards a carry. The two leading rushers were Savion Williams and Trent Battle, as they provided a spark for something that has struggled to get off the ground this year.

Williams was used for trick plays under center, who did a good job throwing off the Utah defense as he ran for 72 yards with his longest rush being 30 yards. He also picked up a crucial fourth-and-one before the two-minute warning to help ice the game for TCU.

TCU made some early mistakes as they had two trips inside the ten-yard line, but a blocked field goal and a fumble by Josh Hoover caused the Frogs to end up with zero points on those drives.

TCU’s defense was the story of the game. They played their best game this year, holding Utah to seven points and 267 yards of total offense. They made life tough on true freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson, sacking him four times, holding him to 199 passing yards and intercepting one of his passes.

The offense struggled to get much going in the second half, only being able to total three points. The defense answered the call as they made play after play.

The Frogs had two giant plays toward the end of the game when Utah had two fourth-down opportunities. The defense held strong as Bud Clark picked off one of the passes, and the defense forced a turnover on downs on the other.

TCU now looks to build on this performance as they take on Texas Tech on Oct. 26 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.