Still waiting for the Ohio State band to dot the "i" of the Buckeyes' win over the Frogs, while preparing to travel to Austin to see the Frogs open Big 12 conference play against the University of Texas ...
ESPN GameDay snubbed LSU-Auburn for TCU-Ohio State.
ESPN GameDay also snubbed North Texas-Arkansas for TCU-Ohio State (how about the Mean Green?!).
The game between the 15th-ranked Frogs and the fourth-ranked Buckeyes was telecast by ABC in prime time.
Those certainly were nice gestures by ESPN and ABC, but, unfortunately, TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson and the Horned Frogs were not quite ready for prime time in a 40-28 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, September 15, in AT&T Stadium.
With the loss, TCU dropped to 5-6 in its last 11 games versus teams ranked in the top five nationally. In fact, it was the third big-game loss in the past year for TCU head coach Gary Patterson and his aspiring Horned Frogs.
On November 11 of last year, sixth-ranked TCU lost, 38-20, to fifth-ranked Oklahoma in Norman.
This past December 2, 11th-ranked TCU lost the Big 12 Championship game to the thrid-ranked Sooners, 41-17, in AT&T Stadium.
But, let's not forget that sandwiched between those loses to Oklahoma and last Saturday's night heartbreaker to Ohio State, was a TCU win, 39-37, over 13th-ranked Stanford in the 2017 Alamo Bowl on December 28.
Evidently, the Frogs like San Antonio much better than they like Norman or Arlington.
Despite blowing a massive opportunity against the Buckeyes, Patterson and the Frogs earned credit for themselves and the Big 12 through their respectable performance against what essentially is one of college football's minor league NFL teams.
The game was a classic. Athletic speed was displayed from one end of the field to the other. There was strength and power. There was one exciting play after another.
It was a slugfest. Much like a Frazier-Ali brawl of days gone by.
The tense, electrifying atmosphere of the game resembled that of a national championship battle. As if any of us Horned Frog fans have experienced, or can remember, what a national championship game feels like.
The game had the highest TV rating of any college football game on any network this season. It was ABC's highest rating for a regular-season game in more than a calendar year. At least 15 pro scouts had credentials for the game.
Too bad suspended Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer didn't get to experience the game from the Buckeyes' sideline. If he had, he, too, probably would have been impressed. And, he, too, may have conceded that this was a game that the Horned Frogs could have won. Probably should have won. And pretty much handed to Ohio State because of a few crucial mistakes.
It was the third and final game of Meyer's suspension. Temporary head coach Ryan Day went 3-0 while sitting in Meyer's recliner. After the Buckeyes beat TCU, Day penned a song to commemorate his perfect record. Listen here.
For Patterson, the game was another indication of how far he continues to take the TCU program into the upper echelon of college football, but also an indication of how at this high level of competition, a mistake here and a mistake there can have disastrous results. After the Frogs' loss, Patterson penned a song. Listen here.
Let's count the ways in which the Frogs lost the game to the Buckeyes.
1: There was the miss of a 31-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter by TCU kicker Cole Bunce. The Frogs missed putting three points on the scoreboard after a nice 69-yard drive and after Ohio State had taken an early 3-0 lead on a 20-yard field goal.
2: About two minutes later, Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa sacked Robinson at the TCU one-yard line. Robinson dropped the football and Ohio State defensive tackle Davon Hamilton recovered the loose football in the end zone for a touchdown. Only, it shouldn't have been a touchdown. While initially touching the football in the end zone, one of Hamilton's feet was touching out of bounds. A safety, and only two points, should have been awarded to he Buckeyes. Nonetheless, with less than eight minutes gone in the game, TCU trailed 10-0.
After leading 14-13 at the half, TCU was within two quarters of a win that would rival the Frogs' victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl in January of 2011. Things unraveled for TCU in the third quarter, with the Frogs leading 21-13. Ohio State scored 20 unanswered points.
3. The Frogs give up a 63-yard touchdown pass. TCU 21, Ohio State 19.
ESPN GameDay also snubbed North Texas-Arkansas for TCU-Ohio State (how about the Mean Green?!).
The game between the 15th-ranked Frogs and the fourth-ranked Buckeyes was telecast by ABC in prime time.
Those certainly were nice gestures by ESPN and ABC, but, unfortunately, TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson and the Horned Frogs were not quite ready for prime time in a 40-28 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, September 15, in AT&T Stadium.
With the loss, TCU dropped to 5-6 in its last 11 games versus teams ranked in the top five nationally. In fact, it was the third big-game loss in the past year for TCU head coach Gary Patterson and his aspiring Horned Frogs.
On November 11 of last year, sixth-ranked TCU lost, 38-20, to fifth-ranked Oklahoma in Norman.
This past December 2, 11th-ranked TCU lost the Big 12 Championship game to the thrid-ranked Sooners, 41-17, in AT&T Stadium.
But, let's not forget that sandwiched between those loses to Oklahoma and last Saturday's night heartbreaker to Ohio State, was a TCU win, 39-37, over 13th-ranked Stanford in the 2017 Alamo Bowl on December 28.
Evidently, the Frogs like San Antonio much better than they like Norman or Arlington.
Despite blowing a massive opportunity against the Buckeyes, Patterson and the Frogs earned credit for themselves and the Big 12 through their respectable performance against what essentially is one of college football's minor league NFL teams.
The game was a classic. Athletic speed was displayed from one end of the field to the other. There was strength and power. There was one exciting play after another.
It was a slugfest. Much like a Frazier-Ali brawl of days gone by.
The tense, electrifying atmosphere of the game resembled that of a national championship battle. As if any of us Horned Frog fans have experienced, or can remember, what a national championship game feels like.
The game had the highest TV rating of any college football game on any network this season. It was ABC's highest rating for a regular-season game in more than a calendar year. At least 15 pro scouts had credentials for the game.
Too bad suspended Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer didn't get to experience the game from the Buckeyes' sideline. If he had, he, too, probably would have been impressed. And, he, too, may have conceded that this was a game that the Horned Frogs could have won. Probably should have won. And pretty much handed to Ohio State because of a few crucial mistakes.
It was the third and final game of Meyer's suspension. Temporary head coach Ryan Day went 3-0 while sitting in Meyer's recliner. After the Buckeyes beat TCU, Day penned a song to commemorate his perfect record. Listen here.
For Patterson, the game was another indication of how far he continues to take the TCU program into the upper echelon of college football, but also an indication of how at this high level of competition, a mistake here and a mistake there can have disastrous results. After the Frogs' loss, Patterson penned a song. Listen here.
Let's count the ways in which the Frogs lost the game to the Buckeyes.
1: There was the miss of a 31-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter by TCU kicker Cole Bunce. The Frogs missed putting three points on the scoreboard after a nice 69-yard drive and after Ohio State had taken an early 3-0 lead on a 20-yard field goal.
2: About two minutes later, Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa sacked Robinson at the TCU one-yard line. Robinson dropped the football and Ohio State defensive tackle Davon Hamilton recovered the loose football in the end zone for a touchdown. Only, it shouldn't have been a touchdown. While initially touching the football in the end zone, one of Hamilton's feet was touching out of bounds. A safety, and only two points, should have been awarded to he Buckeyes. Nonetheless, with less than eight minutes gone in the game, TCU trailed 10-0.
After leading 14-13 at the half, TCU was within two quarters of a win that would rival the Frogs' victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl in January of 2011. Things unraveled for TCU in the third quarter, with the Frogs leading 21-13. Ohio State scored 20 unanswered points.
3. The Frogs give up a 63-yard touchdown pass. TCU 21, Ohio State 19.
4: Deep within his own territory and under intense pressure, Robinson attempted an ill-advised shovel pass. It was intercepted and returned 28 yards for a touchdown by Ohio State defensive tackle Dre'mont Jones. Buckeyes 26, Frogs 21.
5: On the ensuing kickoff, the Frogs executed what they thought was a perfect trick play. KaVonte Turpin fielded the kick and tossed the ball to an uncovered Jalen Reagor, who had been lying down in the end zone. He raced untouched for what appeared to be a touchdown. The score was negated, however, by a penalty. Turpin had illegally thrown the ball forward to Reagor. The Frogs missed putting seven points on the scoreboard.
6: Just over two minutes later, the Frogs were punting. TCU punter Adam Nunez lost the handle on the snap. He picked up the ball and under heavy pressure attempted a running kick. It was blocked by Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade. The Buckeyes recovered at the TCU 25-yard line. Thirty seconds later, the Frogs trailed 33-21.
The Frogs quickly fought back, closing to within 33-28 on a 51-yard touchdown pass from Robinson to wide receive Trevontae Hights.
7: Within the first four minutes of the fourth quarter, the Frogs' defense allowed the Buckeyes to score a touchdown and regain the momentum with a 40-28 lead that held up for the remainder of the game.
It was a valiant effort by TCU that included effective execution of the offensive game plan against an NFL-worthy Ohio State defense.
The Frogs gained 511 yards; 308 passing and 203 rushing.
Robinson was 24 of 40 passing, with the one touchdown toss to Hights. Reagor had seven receptions for 98 yards. He had a 42-yard catch that is his longest of the season. TCU had eight receivers gain more than 10 yards through the air in the game.
TCU running back Darius Anderson had an electrifying, 93-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The run is the longest rushing play in TCU history, bettering the previous mark of 89 yards by LaDainian Tomlinson, versus UTEP, in 2000, and San Jose State, in 1999. The run is tied for the fourth-longest play from scrimmage in TCU history. The run is the longest play from scrimmage allowed by Ohio State in its history. The run also is the longest for a college game in AT&T Stadium’s history.
Anderson also had a 16-yard, third-quarter scoring run. With 154 yards on 12 carries, Anderson had his fourth career 100-yard rushing game. It was the second-best rushing game of his career, surpassed only by his 160 yards in last season’s 44-31 win at Oklahoma State. Anderson has 11 career rushing touchdowns, most among current Horned Frogs.
TCU running back Sewo Olonilua (#33) had 39 yards rushing on a career-high 14 carries. His six-yard, first-quarter scoring run was his first of the season and ninth of his career.
Throughout the emotional game, the Horned Frogs displayed their speed, especially on defense, and along the defensive line. While TCU did allow Ohio State to amass 526 yards (344 passing and 182 rushing), the Frogs' defense was particularly effective on third down. The Buckeyes only converted four of 12 third-down situations and had to punt six times.
Unfortunately, the many superlatives were overshadowed by the glaring mistakes of a young football team whose roster contains 37 new players.
Those mistakes must be erased this Saturday when the 17th-ranked Frogs travel to Austin to open Big 12 conference play against the University of Texas, which has won two consecutive games, including a 37-14 win at home over Southern Cal last Saturday. The game was played in front of a DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium record crowd of 103,507 fans. The victory was a milestone for Texas, as it was their 900th all-time win. UT is the third FBS program to reach 900 victories, joining Michigan and Ohio State.
This will be the 89th meeting between TCU and Texas. UT leads the series (62-25-1).
TCU has won four in a row over Texas, and five of the past six matchups (including three wins in Austin) in this series since Patterson’s club joined the Big 12 in 2012. The average margin of victory in the Frogs’ five wins is 25.4 points. TCU beat Texas 24-7, in Amon G. Carter Stadium last season. The win marked the first time TCU had beaten Texas four games in a row since the Frogs won four straight from 1935-38. TCU’s national championships (1935, 1938) were at the front and back ends of that stretch.
The Longhorns' last victory over TCU in Austin came in 2007, a 34-13 win.
The Frogs must continue that Texas drought if they want to capitalize on their gallant effort against the Buckeyes and have an opportunity to compile a season that would be worthy of a rematch against Ohio State, or anther marquee team, in this season's College Football Playoffs.
It was a valiant effort by TCU that included effective execution of the offensive game plan against an NFL-worthy Ohio State defense.
The Frogs gained 511 yards; 308 passing and 203 rushing.
Robinson was 24 of 40 passing, with the one touchdown toss to Hights. Reagor had seven receptions for 98 yards. He had a 42-yard catch that is his longest of the season. TCU had eight receivers gain more than 10 yards through the air in the game.
TCU running back Darius Anderson had an electrifying, 93-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The run is the longest rushing play in TCU history, bettering the previous mark of 89 yards by LaDainian Tomlinson, versus UTEP, in 2000, and San Jose State, in 1999. The run is tied for the fourth-longest play from scrimmage in TCU history. The run is the longest play from scrimmage allowed by Ohio State in its history. The run also is the longest for a college game in AT&T Stadium’s history.
Anderson also had a 16-yard, third-quarter scoring run. With 154 yards on 12 carries, Anderson had his fourth career 100-yard rushing game. It was the second-best rushing game of his career, surpassed only by his 160 yards in last season’s 44-31 win at Oklahoma State. Anderson has 11 career rushing touchdowns, most among current Horned Frogs.
TCU running back Sewo Olonilua (#33) had 39 yards rushing on a career-high 14 carries. His six-yard, first-quarter scoring run was his first of the season and ninth of his career.
Throughout the emotional game, the Horned Frogs displayed their speed, especially on defense, and along the defensive line. While TCU did allow Ohio State to amass 526 yards (344 passing and 182 rushing), the Frogs' defense was particularly effective on third down. The Buckeyes only converted four of 12 third-down situations and had to punt six times.
Unfortunately, the many superlatives were overshadowed by the glaring mistakes of a young football team whose roster contains 37 new players.
Those mistakes must be erased this Saturday when the 17th-ranked Frogs travel to Austin to open Big 12 conference play against the University of Texas, which has won two consecutive games, including a 37-14 win at home over Southern Cal last Saturday. The game was played in front of a DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium record crowd of 103,507 fans. The victory was a milestone for Texas, as it was their 900th all-time win. UT is the third FBS program to reach 900 victories, joining Michigan and Ohio State.
This will be the 89th meeting between TCU and Texas. UT leads the series (62-25-1).
TCU has won four in a row over Texas, and five of the past six matchups (including three wins in Austin) in this series since Patterson’s club joined the Big 12 in 2012. The average margin of victory in the Frogs’ five wins is 25.4 points. TCU beat Texas 24-7, in Amon G. Carter Stadium last season. The win marked the first time TCU had beaten Texas four games in a row since the Frogs won four straight from 1935-38. TCU’s national championships (1935, 1938) were at the front and back ends of that stretch.
The Longhorns' last victory over TCU in Austin came in 2007, a 34-13 win.
The Frogs must continue that Texas drought if they want to capitalize on their gallant effort against the Buckeyes and have an opportunity to compile a season that would be worthy of a rematch against Ohio State, or anther marquee team, in this season's College Football Playoffs.
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