TCU 52, Kansas State 45: 5 Things We Learned

What. A. Game. TCU needed everything Boykin had and a last ditch effort from an embattled defense to come away from Bill Snyder Family Stadium with a win, and they got just that. Boykin was responsible for three fourth-quarter touchdowns, two rushing and one passing, as he orchestrated a comeback from an 18-point halftime deficit.

Kansas State QB Joe Hubener ran for his fourth rushing touchdown of the night to put the Wildcats up 42-31 with 12 minutes left in the game. TCU's defense had been pushed around most of the night and it didn't seem like it was going to come together for the Frogs.

Then, Boykin led a four and half minute drive down the field that saw him turn a broken play into a 14-yard touchdown run, cutting Kansas State's lead to five. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 42-37 Kansas State with TCU needing a defensive stop. They got just that after an apparent reception on third down was reviewed, and overturned, after it was revealed that the ball hit the ground, thanks to a fantastic play from Ridwan Issahaku.

TCU responded with a two play, 75 yard drive, where Boykin proved the few doubters left that he deserves to be talked about as a Heisman candidate. A 2-point conversion from Boykin to Docston gave the Frogs a 45-42 lead.

Kansas State's next drive saw them march down the field, with the help of a pass interference call on Denzel Johnson, but stall out near TCU's red zone. Facing a 4th and 1, Kansas State elected to kick the 37-yard field goal, and Jack Cantele's kick took the long way through the uprights, as it started out wide right and worked it's way back to sneak through.

With 1:40 left on the clock, TCU had another two-play drive, with the second play a 55-yard connection between Boykin and Doctson for the game-winning touchdown. Kansas State had one last chance, but a TCU blitz finally got home, as Montrel Wilson sacked Joe Hubener and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Davion Pierson. Two victory formations later, and the Frogs left victorious.

Here are five things we learned from this life-shortening contest.

1. Joe Hubener is good

The backup QB came in and impressed us all for the first 58 minutes of the game. The kid is devastated by that fumble that ended it, but he has absolutely no reason to hang his head. He played incredibly well. Best of luck to Kansas State the rest of the way.

2. Trevone Boykin is a Heisman Candidate - for real

He didn't have a great night, but he still threw for 301 yards, 2 TDs, while running for 124 yards and 2 TDs. He showed grit when it mattered most, with a 69-yard touchdown run to give TCU their first lead since 17-14.

3. Doctson should be a Heisman candidate too

He's a special kid. Eight receptions for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns. None bigger than the 55-yarder to give TCU a 52-45 lead that would eventually turn into the final.

4. This defense has a long way to go

They forced two turnovers, including one when it mattered most, but this defense still has a ton of growing up to do. As good as Hubener was on the ground, the linebackers found themselves out of position multiple times and it cost them. Meanwhile, five pass interference calls absolutely has to get sorted out ASAP. I don't know what the coaches have to do to get guys like Denzel Johnson and Corry O'Meally to turn their heads around, but they need to do it now.

5. 6-0 is better than 5-1

Ultimately, the Frogs went into Manhattan and got a W. Something they hadn't done in a long, long time. The dream stays alive for another week.