TCU News: “We’ve got a chance to be really good”

UH's first year in Big 12 could be a long one if loss to TCU is any indication | MSN

The actual dark clouds that were over TDECU Stadium a couple hours before Saturday’s kickoff moved on, leaving a beautiful night for football.

But the figurative black cloud looms large. It expanded after the Horned Frogs handled Houston so easily.

The Cougars turned an exciting evening, a monumental day for the university, into a snoozefest that will live in infamy.

TCU 36-13 Houston (Sep 16, 2023) Game Recap | ESPN

TCU’s offense had a fast-paced opening drive that ended with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Morris to Warren Thompson, just 1:31 into the game. Morris completed 24 of 37 passes, threw one interception and added 53 yards on 12 carries.

“We’re so close,” Morris said. “If we can get some things cleaned up, we’ve got a chance to be really good. Our defense stepped up huge tonight. They played their butts off and I’m proud of them.”

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TCU spoils Houston’s first-ever Big 12 matchup in 36-13 decision | Underdog Dynasty

“Our team was ready to play,” Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen said. “The energy in the stadium was awesome. It was Big 12 opening night, everything you want it to be. The quality of opponent — let’s not forget this opponent played in the national championship last year — they’re a good team. We went toe-to-toe with them, we had opportunities, we created some turnovers, we got stops, we held them to field goals. Offense just didn’t do anything.”

TCU goes on road to knock off Houston, 36-13 | Deadspin

Chandler Morris went 24-of-37 passing for 314 yards and two touchdowns to lead TCU to a 36-13 win at Houston on Saturday in a Big 12 contest.

Morris also rushed for 53 yards on 12 carries, and Emani Bailey ran for 126 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries for TCU (2-1, 1-0 Big 12).

TCU hands Houston loss in Cougars’ inaugural Big 12 game | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The defense was the difference for TCU as the starting unit kept its second straight opponent’s offense out of the end zone. The Horned Frogs sacked Houston quarterback Donovan Smith five times and held his completion percentage to 50% (18 of 36 with two interceptions). “I think our ability to pressure the quarterback all night made a difference,” coach Sonny Dykes said. “It made him a little uncertain and a little less productive than he usually is.”

Cougars' offense sputters in Big 12 debut loss to TCU | The Cougar

UH’s offense fell flat on its face Saturday night, failing to score a touchdown as the Cougars lost their Big 12 opener against TCU 36-13.

It was finally here. The first-ever Big 12 game for the University of Houston football program facing the TCU Horned Frogs, a program that made it to the national championship a year ago.

On what was a rainy afternoon, the sky cleared come game time, but the Cougars were seemingly not ready for the TCU hurry-up offense to start the game, as the Horned Frogs went right down the field, scoring a TD on their first drive in a minute and a half.