TCU 14, Ohio State 13: Frogs overcome mistakes to take lead into halftime

It took a record-breaking touchdown run for TCU to shake a slow start, but Darius Anderson’s 93-yard touchdown dash put TCU ahead 14-10 after the Frogs fell down 10-0 early.

TCU kicked to Ohio State to start the game, and Ohio State moved the ball all the way to the TCU two. Three straight stops for TCU’s defense (aided by a dropped touchdown pass) led to a Buckeye field goal, putting Ohio State up 3-0.

TCU responded by marching the ball all the way down into the redzone, and appeared to take the lead on a Darius Anderson touchdown run. A holding on KaVontae Turpin would negate the touchdown, and TCU would be forced to try a field goal a few plays later. Cole Bunce missed the 31-yard attempt, keeping TCU off the board.

After forcing a punt on Ohio State’s next possession, TCU started deep in their own territory. On second down Shawn Robinson dropped back to pass, and was blasted by Nick Bosa. Robinson fumbled, and Ohio State recovered for the touchdown. It looked like an Ohio State player touched the ball while out of bounds, but the play wouldn’t be reviewed.

TCU would respond by moving the ball down the field for a 7-play, 84-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown run from Sewo Olonilua. The drive was highlighted by a beautiful over-the-shoulder, one-handed catch by Jalen Reagor for 42-yards.

Ohio State’s offense would stall out for a few possessions, thanks largely in part to TCU getting pressure on Dwayne Haskins, and the defensive backs making stellar plays. Noah Daniels, Innis Gaines, and Jeff Gladney all had pass breakups in the first half, as the Frogs held Haskins to 16-28 in the half, well below his 79.2% completion percentage coming into the game.

Several dropped passes from Ohio State receivers, most notably Austin Mack who dropped three, including a touchdown, also aided the Frogs’ efforts.

Then, Anderson would work his magic. Pinned deep at their own seven after a great Ohio State punt, Anderson took the ball on second and 10 and went to the left side of the line, right at Nick Bosa. He blew by everyone, sprinting 93 yards to the endzone, and in doing so, breaking a TCU school record for longest touchdown run, previously held by LaDainian Tomlinson (89 yards).

It was also the longest play from scrimmage given up in Ohio State history.

The 14-10 lead would shrink to 14-13 after a 30-yard field goal from Sean Nurenberger, but the Frogs would hold the lead going into the half.

Shawn Robinson finished the half 12-18 for 134 yards passing. Anderson had 5 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, while Olonilua had 8 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown. Seven different receivers caught passes for the Frogs in the first half, led by Jalen Reagor with three receptions for 70 yards.

The Frogs will receive the kick to open the second half.