University of Houston
1-2 , 0-1
TCU
2-1 , 1-0
Houston Drops Big 12 Opener, 36-13, to TCU
9/16/2023 2:32:00 PM | Football
Golden records kickoff return touchdown but offense stalls in defeat
HOUSTON (AP) - TCU quarterback Chandler Morris threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns as the Horned Frogs spoiled Houston's Big 12 Conference debut with a 36-13 victory on Saturday night.
TCU (2-1, 1-0) won its second straight game after a season-opening loss to Colorado.
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 finished 24 of 37, threw one interception and added 53 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Houston's only touchdown came late in the first half on a 98-yard kickoff return by Matthew Golden, cutting TCU's lead to 13-10. TCU immediately answered with a 16-yard touchdown run by Emani Bailey, and the Horned Frogs led 20-13 at halftime.
Bailey ran for 126 yards on 23 carries.
TCU's defense held the Cougars in check. Quarterback Donovan Smith completed 18 of 35 passes for 245 yards, while the Cougars (1-2, 0-1 Big 12) totaled 35 rushing yards on 26 carries.
Houston was trying to bounce back from a double-overtime loss to cross-town rival Rice.
Houston receiver Samuel Brown entered the game leading the Big 12 with 15 receptions and 244 yards through his first two games. Brown had another active game against TCU, making five catches for 99 yards.
Griffin Kell made three of five field-goal attempts for TCU, including a 53-yarder.
THE TAKEAWAY
TCU: After entering Saturday's game ranked 126th in the nation in allowing 343.5 passing yards per game, TCU's secondary showed much improvement against Houston, aided in part by a much more aggressive pass rush up front. TCU had six sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Houston: The Cougars have one more non-conference game against Sam Houston before finishing out the season with eight Big 12 games.
UP NEXTHouston continues its brief homestand and closes out its non-conference schedule as it plays host to Sam Houston at 6 p.m., Saturday, inside TDECU Stadium. Tickets are on sale for as low as $20 by clicking here. Mini plans are also available starting as low as $66.Â
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Team Stats
TCU 7, HOU 0
TCU - Thompson,Warren 33 yd pass from Morris,Chandler (Kell,Griffin kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:31
TCU 7, HOU 3
HOU - Martin,Jack 44 yd field goal 7 plays, 48 yards, TOP 03:23
TCU 10, HOU 3
TCU - Kell,Griffin 40 yd field goal 14 plays, 73 yards, TOP 05:36
TCU 13, HOU 3
TCU - Kell,Griffin 53 yd field goal 5 plays, 18 yards, TOP 01:02
TCU 13, HOU 10
HOU - Golden,Matthew 98 yd kickoff return (Martin,Jack kick)
TCU 20, HOU 10
TCU - Bailey,Emani 16 yd run (Kell,Griffin kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:23
TCU 20, HOU 13
HOU - Martin,Jack 44 yd field goal 8 plays, 24 yards, TOP 01:52
TCU 26, HOU 13
TCU - Williams,Savion 31 yd pass from Morris,Chandler () 4 plays, 70 yards, TOP 01:21
TCU 29, HOU 13
TCU - Kell,Griffin 37 yd field goal 7 plays, 18 yards, TOP 02:18
TCU 36, HOU 13
TCU - Sanders,Trey 18 yd run (Kell,Griffin kick), 6 plays, 52 yards, TOP 03:28
