Photo Courtesy: Matthew Lynch
The TCU Horned Frogs entered this season with their sights on the anticipated November 27 match up against Baylor. It was believed by the Frog faithful that it would be that game in which their hopes to enter the College Football Playoff hinged on. The winner of that contest would be one of the four chosen. Well enter the November 7 meeting with the Oklahoma State Cowboys and exit any chance for the Frogs to play for the national championship after leaving Stillwater with their first loss of the season, 49-29.
Also ending with this defeat was probably the chance of TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin winning the Heisman Trophy next month. Boykin looked befuddled throughout the game, throwing four costly interceptions. One pick was returned for the game sealing loss and another was returned to the Frogs 1 yard line. Boykin did manage to pass for 445 yards and two touchdowns, a feat in itself when you take into consideration that his top weapon, receiver Josh Doctson, went down in the second quarter with a wrist injury.
The season long concerns about the TCU defense proved to be their undoing as many expected in this game. The secondary in particular looked overmatched all game long. Quarterback Mason Rudolph torched the Frogs for 352 yards passing and five touchdowns. He connected with sophomore receiver James Washington for three long touchdowns. Washington finished the game with five receptions for 184 yards. The defense didn’t create enough stops to give Boykin a chance to mount a comeback for the Frogs.
In the absence of Doctson, redshirt freshman Shaun Nixon hauled in nine catches for 146 yards. True freshman KeVontae Turpin helped out as well with seven receptions for 107 yards. The absence of Doctson however did effect the way Boykin played. Oklahoma State was able to play a two deep zone, keeping everything in front of them, without worrying about doubling Doctson. Boykin forced some throws in attempt to ignite a TCU offense which came into the game averaging 48 points.
TCU will look to bounce back this week against a bad Kansas team at home. Although all hopes seems to be lost on the championship run, head coach Gary Patterson appears optimistic still. “Maybe the playoffs are out of line, but we can beat Oklahoma and Baylor, and you’re 11-1, and somebody else can make that decision” said Patterson. Wishful thinking on his behalf considering the playoff committee saw fit to rank and undefeated Horned Frog team at #8. Losing one game gives the committee reason not to choose a Big XII team. For all we know an undefeated Baylor or Oklahoma State may not make the ‘Chosen Four’ either.
THREE POSTGAME TIDBITS
- TCU for all their offensive glory, needs a bonafide stud running back. Aaron Green looks very average and lacks the explosiveness and balance to be a very good runner.
- Oklahoma State sophomore receiver, James Washington, will be the best receiver to come from that program…yes that includes current Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant. He has good size, speed and hands. He plays the ball well in flight
- TCU missed a great opportunity to take the program to another level by getting into the College Football Playoff. It would have legitimized the program in the eyes of many recruits nationwide and made any future runs more respected by the voting committee.
