Josh Hoover passed for 252 yards and one touchdown, while JP Richardson gained 149 all-purpose yards, including a 38-yard touchdown catch, to help TCU beat Arizona 49-28 on Saturday.
On the very first play of the game, Arizona’s quarterback Noah Fifita threw an interception to Bud Clark, and TCU scored just five plays later with a 4-yard touchdown run by Trent Battle.
The Horned Frogs scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives, with three of those drives covering 75 yards or more and taking nine or more plays.
With 1:55 left in the first half, TCU moved 75 yards in 12 plays to take a 21-13 lead, capped by Savion Williams’ 20-yard touchdown run. Hoover completed five passes during the drive, including 24, 19, and 24-yard gains, setting up the touchdown just 20 seconds before halftime.
To start the second half, TCU drove 76 yards in nine plays, ending with Battle’s 1-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 28-13.
“We had two series where it didn’t look very good, but the last drive of the first half and the second half were the two pivotal moments of the game,” said TCU coach Sonny Dykes.
Richardson’s 33-yard punt return to the Arizona 34 set up a touchdown on TCU’s third straight possession. He caught a short pass from Hoover and ran 38 yards untouched for the score, giving TCU a 35-13 lead. Richardson led TCU with six receptions for 107 yards.
Four TCU running backs scored a touchdown in the game. Williams rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while Battle ran for 28 yards and two touchdowns.
Arizona’s Fifita completed 29 of 44 passes for 284 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Tetairoa McMillan had nine catches for 115 yards.
“Everyone is disappointed. It’s hard when you go through a season like this,” said Arizona coach Brent Brennan. “It’s challenging on every level. I love these players.”
