Freshman linebacker Ty Summers set a TCU record for tackles in a game on Friday night in Fort Worth. None more important than when he and cornerback Julius Lewis combined to stop Baylor tailback Devin Chafin on a 4th and 1 in double overtime to end the game.
Delayed for 50 minutes due to the lightening near Amon G. Carter Stadium around the scheduled kickoff time of 6:30 PM, the season long anticipated battle between the two schools that scored 119 points last year was the stark opposite on this night. A torrential rain throughout the game put a halt to the explosive offensive showcase that was expected from these rivals.
The TCU faithful received good news earlier in the day when it was revealed that Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Trevone Boykin would be available for the game. A workman-like 18/33 for 148 yards and two touchdown effort paled in comparison to the gawdy numbers he has rolled out the past two seasons, but was enough for his #19 Horned Frogs team to take down the #7 ranked Baylor Bears.
Boykin also chipped in a rushing touchdown, passing the ball in this game became more difficult with every passing minute as the rain saturated the field. Neither team managed much in the passing game. Both teams leading receivers only hauled in three catches each. It was obvious early that a solid run game and opportunistic turnovers would determine the winner.
The games biggest play was turned in by junior defensive end Josh Carraway, who pick up a fumble by Baylor quarterback Chris Johnson and graciously rumbled 56 yards for a touchdown to bring the game to a 14-14 tie. Little did anyone in attendance or anyone watching know that for the next 44 minutes of regulated game time, not another point would be scored.
After both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime, Boykin found freshman receiver KeVontae Turpin in back of the end zone for an 8 yard touchdown pass to go up 28-21. Back onto the field came a Baylor offense which had seen 17 straight possessions end without a point before the overtime score.
With a costly penalty that made a Johnson run a yard short on 3rd and 6, the Bears decide after a timeout that a run off right tackle would be their play of choice. No movement from the Bears right side of the line caused both Summers and Lewis to hit the gaps quickly and tackle Chafin for no gain, ending the game and Baylor’s attempt to become a playoff team.
THREE POSTGAME TIDBITS
- Baylor’s massive 6’9″ defensive end Shawn Oakman is not a first round NFL talent. He looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.
- TCU’s probable landing spot for a bowl game looks to be in Orlando, Florida and the Russell Athletic Bowl.
- TCU could have been ahead at the end of regulation had a catch in back of the end zone by KeVontae Turpin wasn’t ruled out by the officials. After closely reviewing, I along with the TCU fans saw a catch and a touchdown.
