Inside the Numbers: Frogs Ball so Hard

TCU snapped their two game losing streak and became bowl eligible as they took down West Virginia 39-38 in double overtime Saturday afternoon. It was a thrilling back and forth game that might have taken years off my life, but the Frogs won, and that is all that matters. Time to go Inside the Numbers.

The Frogs improved their record to 6-3 overall on the season and will head to their 11th bowl game in Gary Patterson’s 12 seasons as head coach.

Trevone Boykin was 12-29 for 254 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Boykin was under pressure all day but stood in the pocket and made some veteran like throws. Deuce Boogie also added 28 yards rushing.

We have become accustomed to Josh Boyce having big games, and you can add this one to the list. Boyce had 6 receptions for a career high 180 yards, 2 TD’s, and the game winning catch on the two point conversion. Boyce’s 94 yard touchdown catch was the third-longest play in TCU history. Boyce also has the fourth-longest play with a 93-yard touchdown catch at Utah in 2010.

As good as Boyce was, Jason Verrett was the best player on the field yesterday for the Frogs. Verrett recorded his 5th interception of the season, blocked a FG in overtime, and was all over Stedman Bailey. Verrett held Bailey to season lows in receptions and yards.

The TCU defense was solid once again. The Frogs held West Virginia to 338 total yards which is well below the 480 yards per game they are averaging this season. Geno Smith only averaged 4.8 yards per completion.

Matthew Tucker’s 2 yard first-quarter scoring run was his 30th career rushing touchdown, moving him into sole possession of fourth place on TCU’s all-time list. Next on the chart is Tony Jeffery in third with 31 (1984-87).

Running back B.J. Catalon and safety Derrick Kindred became the 5th and 6th true freshmen to start for TCU this season. The Horned Frogs have had 20 players make their first career starts this season, tying for third nationally.

TCU has another big game this week as the #2 ranked Kansas Wildcats come to Ft. Worth. The atmosphere should be electric, and the Frogs could pull off the upset, but we will save that for later in the week. I am still savoring this victory for now. Go Frogs!