ORLANDO, Fla. — TCU couldn’t find enough offense down the stretch Saturday, falling 21-13 to UCF in its Big 12 opener.
The Horned Frogs were held scoreless on their opening possession for the first time this season, while UCF found the end zone on its first drive. TCU eventually answered and stayed within striking distance throughout the afternoon, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer was one of TCU’s bright spots, finishing with 100 receiving yards for the 10th 100-yard performance of his career. TCU also continued to spread the ball around, with at least six players recording a reception for the fourth straight game.
The Horned Frogs put together their most sustained possession of the season during the third quarter. TCU ran 15 plays and controlled the ball for 9:45 before Nate McCashland connected on a career-long 45-yard field goal. McCashland also made a 29-yarder, giving him two field goals for the game.
Jeremy Payne scored on the ground for the second consecutive week.
TCU’s defense produced several individual highlights. Hudson Hooper finished with a career-high eight tackles, while Gil Jackson Jr. set his own career mark with seven. Both players have recorded career highs in tackles in consecutive games.
Kylin Jackson registered his first sack of the season and forced the first fumble of his career late in the second quarter. C.J. Woodfork also broke through for the first sack of his career.
Despite the loss, TCU extended its scoring streak to 424 consecutive games, the second-longest run in NCAA history behind Florida.
Saturday also marked TCU’s first game in the state of Florida since 2003.
