By Jamie Plunkett
Frogs Today staff writer
FORT WORTH — TCU didn’t take anything for granted Saturday night, easily toppling FCS opponent Tarleton State 59-17. The Frogs eclipsed the 600-yard mark in offense for the first time since a 2019 win over Kansas.
Max Duggan set career-highs with five passing touchdowns and 390 passing yards, distributing the ball well and taking his time in the pocket. Of course, he was able to take his time because the offensive line overwhelmed Tarleton State’s front seven for the majority of the contest. The Texans’ defense managed only one sack and one QB hurry all night.
Freshman receiver Jordan Hudson led the Frogs with five receptions for 76 yards and his first career touchdown. Quincy Brown caught a pair of touchdowns before exiting the game with an ankle injury on his second TD catch. Brown landed awkwardly on his left leg, rolling his ankle. He was helped to the tunnel and did not return, but coach Sonny Dykes said x-rays showed no significant damage.
Kendre Miller led all rushers with 13 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown, his second of the young season. Derius Davis opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown reception, his third touchdown of the season.
Defensively, the Frogs intercepted Kentucky transfer quarterback Beau Allen twice, and pressured him consistently all night long. Louisiana Monroe transfer Josh Newton recorded his first interception with the Horned Frogs in the first quarter, reading the play beautifully before taking the ball all the way to the Tarleton State 11-yard line.
The Frogs scored just moments later, when Miller ran the ball in from a yard out.
The secondary did give up a few plays through the air, as Allen managed to find his tall receivers a handful of times. Allen challenged TCU’s secondary more than Colorado did in Week 1, and there were moments where the Frogs’ backup cornerbacks struggled.
Now, the Frogs enter a bye week before heading to Dallas to play SMU on September 24.
