TCU

Everything you should know about TCU’s memorable football season

TCU head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after defeating Michigan at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, December 31, 2022.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after defeating Michigan at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, December 31, 2022. amccoy@star-telegram.com

The TCU Horned Frogs will face defending champion Georgia in the college football championship game on Jan. 9.

How did all of this happen in coach Sonny Dykes’ first season?

Here’s everything you need to know, week-by-week and much more (listed in reverse chronological order):

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Everything to know about TCU: Name, history, mascot and more

Fiesta Bowl: TCU 51, Michigan 45

Few of the so-called pundits and experts gave the third-seeded Horned Frogs much of a chance against the second-seeded unbeaten Wolverines in the national semifinals. Despite turning the ball over three times, TCU led the entire way and pulled the upset to earn a berth into the national championship game.

TCU head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after defeating Michigan at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, December 31, 2022.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after defeating Michigan at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, December 31, 2022. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com


Mac Engel: TCU’s Fiesta Bowl victory was memorable torture for fans who expect to win, and lose

Big plays, big stops vault TCU over Michigan, into national championship game

Steven Johnson: TCU used lessons from the Big 12 to beat Michigan

Mac Engel: It happened. TCU’s crazy Fiesta Bowl win has the Horned Frogs in the national championship

Mac Engel: TCU’s 2022 dream season will change the school, and finish in national title game

Stories written before Fiesta Bowl

Steven Johnson: Max Duggan belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of TCU legends

Mac Engel: Coach who started TCU’s rise feels good about the Horned Frogs, and his health, too

What is a Horned Frog? What to know about the TCU football team’s mascot

Mac Engel: TCU’s Flying T and Hypnotoad a tale of two creators: A TCU football player, and Disney

Mac Engel: TCU’s Week 1 starting QB isn’t leaving. How Chandler Morris handled “this” is impressive

From Muleshoe to Fort Worth: How a small Texas town molded TCU coach Garrett Riley

Mac Engel: TCU did it again; making the college football playoffs it “advances the ball”

Steven Johnson: How TCU pulled off the most improbable playoff run in history

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/article269589811.html#storylink=cpy

Max Duggan / Heisman & Davey O’Brien

The Heisman trophy finalists, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, TCU quarterback Max Duggan, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams, from left, stand for a photo with the trophy before attending the award ceremony Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
The Heisman trophy finalists, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, TCU quarterback Max Duggan, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams, from left, stand for a photo with the trophy before attending the award ceremony Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) Eduardo Munoz Alvarez AP

Steven Johnson: Inside Max Duggan’s week-long Heisman odyssey: ‘This red-headed Targaryen was on fire’

Mac Engel: Max Duggan the first TCU player to win the award named for the TCU QB, Davey O’Brien

Big 12 championship: Kansas State 31, TCU 28 (OT)

TCU’s perfect season ends in overtime. Despite rallying to tie the game late, Max Duggan’s heroics are not enough as his final attempt for a touchdown in overtime comes up inches short.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan reacts after its ruled he is short of the end zone after during overtime at the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship against Kansas State on Saturday, December 3, 2022.
TCU quarterback Max Duggan reacts after its ruled he is short of the end zone after during overtime at the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship against Kansas State on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com


No. 3 TCU falls to No. 10 Kansas State in overtime thriller

Steven Johnson: Despite overtime loss to Kansas State, TCU deserves spot in College Football Playoffs

Mac Engel: TCU loss is on a coach for taking the ball away from a QB who should win the Heisman

Game 12: TCU 66, Iowa State 14

Total domination in all phases of the game. The Horned Frogs play their most complete game of the season and finish the regular-season with a perfect 12-0 record.

Husband-and-wife Sonny Dykes and Kate Golding hug after TCU beats Iowa State, 62-14, at the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. The Horned Frogs secured an undefeated regular season.
Husband-and-wife Sonny Dykes and Kate Golding hug after TCU beats Iowa State, 62-14, at the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. The Horned Frogs secured an undefeated regular season. Madeleine Cook mcook@star-telegram.com

How TCU clobbered Iowa State to complete perfect regular season.

TCU dominates Iowa State in 62-14 rout

Game 11: TCU 29, Baylor 28

They will be talking about the “bazooka play” for generations. Griffin Kell saves the perfect season with a game-winning field goal as the clock ticks to all zeroes.

TCU place kicker Griffin Kell (39) reacts to scoring a field goal with teammate Jordy Sandy (31) as Baylor cornerback Lorando Johnson (11) looks on in the final seconds of an NCAA college football game in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. TCU won 29-28. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
TCU place kicker Griffin Kell (39) reacts to scoring a field goal with teammate Jordy Sandy (31) as Baylor cornerback Lorando Johnson (11) looks on in the final seconds of an NCAA college football game in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. TCU won 29-28. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero AP

Steven Johnson: How Max Duggan’s Heisman moment set up TCU’s bazooka field goal to escape Baylor

TCU beats Baylor to remain unbeaten

Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff will be at TCU vs. Baylor

What is being said and written about No. 4 TCU

Game 10: TCU 17, Texas 10

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates a touchdown against Texas with wide receiver Taye Barber (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates a touchdown against Texas with wide receiver Taye Barber (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) Stephen Spillman AP


For first time this season, it’s TCU’s defense that paves the way to a win. Horned Frogs clinch a berth into the Big 12 title game.

Steven Johnson: TCU’s method to beat Texas shows Frogs can win in the postseason

No. 4 TCU sends message with physical victory at No. 18 Texas

Mac Engel: Even without Gary Patterson, TCU still owns Texas, and maybe “the committee” will notice

ESPN GameDay coming to Austin for TCU-Texas game

Steven Johnson: How Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is forming his own legacy at TCU

Game 9: TCU 34, Texas Tech 24

TCU running back Kendre Miller outruns the Texas Tech defense during their game on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.
TCU running back Kendre Miller outruns the Texas Tech defense during their game on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. Madeleine Cook mcook@star-telegram.com


Once again, TCU fallas behind early, then rallies to post another win.

No. 7 TCU uses fourth quarter surge to down Texas Tech 34-24

Mac Engel: For the playoff selection committee, TCU’s win against Texas Tech won’t be enough

Steven Johnson: TCU Horned Frogs are learning to play with target on their back

Dave Ammenheuser: How TCU can improve their No. 7 College Football ranking

TCU ranked No. 7 in first College Football Playoff rankings

No. 7 TCU focused solely on Texas Tech and not College Football Playoffs rankings

Game 8: TCU 41, West Virginia 31

TCU wide receiver Savion Williams (18) catches a pass as West Virginia cornerback Wesley McCormick (11) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)
TCU wide receiver Savion Williams (18) catches a pass as West Virginia cornerback Wesley McCormick (11) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten) Kathleen Batten AP

The Horned Frogs trailed early again, but rallied with another strong second half for their eighth straight victory.

The game: TCU survives scare in Morgantown, beats West Virginia 41-31

Steven Johnson: TCU has championship level offense, but what about the defense?

Mac Engel: TCU is undefeated, and Sonny Dykes can now forever erase “The Sonny Swoon.”

The blog: How TCU beat West Virginia 41-31

Why one football anaylst is comparing Max Duggan with Tim Tebow

Joe Gillespie wants TCU defense to take next step against West Virginia

Game 7: TCU 38, Kansas State 28

TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) hands the ball to running back Kendre Miller (33) in the first half of a NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Kansas State led TCU 28-17 at the half. (Special to the Star-Telegram Bob Booth)
TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) hands the ball to running back Kendre Miller (33) in the first half of a NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Kansas State led TCU 28-17 at the half. (Special to the Star-Telegram Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth

The Horned Frogs overcame a 18-point first-half deficit to come from behind to beat the visiting Wildcats on homecoming weekend.

The game: TCU pulls off another dramatic win, beats Kansas State

The blog: How TCU beat Kansas State to claim first place in the Big 12

Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez injured against TCU

Mac Engel: TCU is only team in Texas with a chance at the playoffs

Steven Johnson: Despite historic run, TCU has yet to play its best and that’s scary

Three reasons why TCU will beat (or lose) to Kansas State

Special package: Culture change

The Star-Telegram produced a special print A-section package on the changing culture of the TCU football program.

Mac Engel: TCU thriving without Gary Patterson

Steven Johnson: Why Max Duggan deserves to be in Heisman race

Dave Ammenheuser: How TCU can get into College Football Championship

Game 6: TCU 43, Oklahoma State 40 (2 OT)

The Horned Frogs spotted the Cowboys a big lead before storming back and winning 43-40 in double overtime.

The game: TCU beats Oklahoma State in double overtime

The blog: How TCU beat Oklahoma State 43-40 in double overtime

Mac Engel: After sweeping all of Oklahoma, TCU is first in the Big 12 and all things are possible

Steven Johnson: TCU proves legitimacy with comeback win over Oklahoma State

Three reasons why TCU will beat (or lose to) Oklahoma State

Mac Engel: With a drop in these rankings, TCU’s brand relies on the success of its football team

Why running back Kendre Miller deserves more national attention

Game 5: TCU 38, Kansas 31

Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Luke Grimm runs out of the grasp of TCU Horned Frogs safety Josh Foster in the first half Saturday, October 8, 2022, at David Booth Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.
Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Luke Grimm runs out of the grasp of TCU Horned Frogs safety Josh Foster in the first half Saturday, October 8, 2022, at David Booth Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com


TCU rallies to come from behind to beat Kansas on the road, second straight win over Top 25 opponent.

The game: TCU scores late, beats Kansas to remain unbeaten

Steven Johnson: Quentin Johnston rises to the occasion at perfect moment in TCU win over Kansas

Why TCU will beat (or lose to) the Kansas Jayhawks

Game 4: TCU 55, Oklahoma 24

The Horned Frogs jumped to a huge early lead and coasted to an easy win over the Sooners in front of a soldout crowd at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The game: Max Duggan, TCU Horned Frogs dominate No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners in Big 12 football upset

The blog: How TCU beat Oklahoma 55-24 for their first Big 12 win

Dave Ammenheuser: TCU beats Oklahoma with big plays, deserves national attention

Steven Johnson: After beatdown of Oklahoma, it’s time for TCU to begin thinking big

Inside quarterback Max Duggan’s decision to stay at TCU

Why TCU will beat (or lose to) Oklahoma

Game 3: TCU 42, SMU 34

on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at the Gerald Ford Stadium in the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at the Gerald Ford Stadium in the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Madeleine Cook / mcook@star-telegram.com

The Horned Frogs jump to big early lead on Mustangs, helping coach Sonny Dykes beat his former team.

The game: TCU grabs big early lead, downs SMU 42-34 in Sonny Dykes’ return to Dallas

Mac Engel: TCU and Sonny Dykes did what they are supposed to do when they play SMU. Not lose.

Steven Johnson: Even-keeled Horned Frogs follow in Sonny Dykes’ steps for win vs. SMU

Three reasons why TCU could win or lose the Battle for the Iron Skillet

Bye week

Steven Johnson: We’re about to learn a lot more about TCU football after the bye week

Game 2: TCU 59, Tarleton State 17

TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) runs to the right side in the first half of a NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. TCU led Tarleton State 38-7 at the half. (Special to the Star-Telegram Bob Booth)
TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) runs to the right side in the first half of a NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. TCU led Tarleton State 38-7 at the half. (Special to the Star-Telegram Bob Booth) Bob Booth Bob Booth

Few figured this game would be close. And it wasn’t as TCU easily handled visiting Tarelton in their first home game of the season.

The game: Duggan leads TCU in 59-17 rout of Tarleton

Why Saturday’s home opener will be special for TCU coach Joe Gillespie

Steven Johnson: Four goals for TCU vs. Tarleton

Game 1: TCU 38, Colorado 13

TCU wide receiver Derius Davis, right, runs for a touchdown after catching a pass with Colorado safety Tyrin Taylor in pursuit in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
TCU wide receiver Derius Davis, right, runs for a touchdown after catching a pass with Colorado safety Tyrin Taylor in pursuit in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) David Zalubowski AP

The opener got off to a rough start. Starting quarterback Chandler Morris was injured and the Horned Frogs did not score an offensive touchdown in the first half. Everything changed in the second half as the Horned Frogs won in a rout.

The game: Notable moments from TCU’s 38-13 win at Colorado

TCU quarterback Chandler Morris leaves Colorado game with left knee injury

Three reasons TCU could roll or stumble at Colorado

Preseason

Mac Engel: TCU still doesn’t have a quarterback

Steven Johnson: Player-first approach key for how Sonny Dykes wants to shape TCU

This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 12:04 PM.

DA
David Ammenheuser
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Dave Ammenheuser was a Star-Telegram sports editor. He’s worked in newsrooms all across the country, including overseeing the USA TODAY sports department. He’s covered every sport imaginable, from Little League to the World Series to the Olympics.
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