SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — TCU’s defense shined Saturday night in a 13-7 win over Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
With Utah starting backup quarterback Isaac Wilson after Cam Rising suffered a season-ending injury, TCU’s defense applied pressure early and often. The Horned Frogs held the Utes to just 267 total yards, a season-low for TCU against an FBS opponent. TCU recorded four sacks, including two from Devean Deal, and limited Utah to 2-of-15 on third-down conversions while stopping both of the Utes’ fourth-down attempts.
Leading 13-7, TCU’s defense stepped up during Utah’s final four possessions. Bud Clark made a key interception with 6:58 remaining, but with the Horned Frogs’ offense struggling, the defense was called upon again. On Utah’s potential game-winning drive, TCU forced a turnover on downs with 2:35 left. The Horned Frogs then ran out the clock, highlighted by a 2-yard run from Savion Williams on 4th-and-1 at the Utah 48 with 2:17 remaining.
Offensively, TCU struggled in the red zone, managing just one touchdown and settling for two field goals. Quarterback Josh Hoover went 22 of 41 for 263 yards and rushed for the team’s lone touchdown. Savion Williams led the Horned Frogs with 72 yards on seven carries and added five receptions, a team high.
TCU returns home next Saturday to face Big 12 rival Texas Tech.
