Josh Hoover rebounds after multiple turnovers in TCU’s 35-34 win over Texas Tech
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover continued to struggle with turnovers in the Horned Frogs 35-34 victory against Texas Tech at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday.
Hoover completed 21 of 32 passes for 344 yards with three touchdowns.
However, he also had two interceptions and lost a fumble which put the Horned Frogs in a hole throughout much of the game.
After starting the season without an interception through his first three games, Hoover has eight in the past five games.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said after Saturday win that he was proud of Hoover’s resiliency.
“We’re so darn streaky at times, offensively, we just have gotta continue to get better and just be able to get good at some things,” said Dykes, “But I thought Hoover settled in I thought once he kinda had a handle on what was going on it looked like he just let the game come to him and once he did that, I thought he was very effective and moved the ball well, and down the stretch, obviously, it’s just enough to win.”
After 163 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, the Horned Frogs failed to score and had just 41 yards on their next seven drives. Hoover struggled mightily during that time with three turnovers as the Red Raiders took a commanding 31-14 lead midway through the third quarter.
Defensive lineman Hakeem Ajijolaiya said the team had full faith in their quarterback to come through in the clutch.
“These are [the] Band of Brothers. We never lose confidence in one another, we always charge on. So regardless, even if that score is 100 to zero, I know the boys is fighting and making 101 to 100,” said Ajijolaiya.
Hoover rewarded his faith, reigniting the Horned Frogs’ offense when it mattered most scoring touchdowns on each of their final three possessions capped off by an electrifying 84-yard touchdown pass from Hoover to Eric McAlister that would prove to be the game-winner.
After the game, the junior wide receiver explained his mindset heading into the critical play.
“I really told the people on the sideline, you know, just trust me. Keep trusting me. So if you give me just one ball, I’ll do something with it,” said McAlister, “He just caught me like praying on the sideline, just telling God, just give me one play...the rest is history.”
Hoover was sensational for the entire fourth quarter, not just the late touchdown, going 6-for-6 for 163 yards with two touchdowns while targeting four different receivers helping TCU win its first game of the season in which he threw an interception.
Savion Williams provided a huge spark early for the Horned Frogs scoring their first two touchdowns on a 75-yard reception and then again off a 35-yard touchdown run.
Dykes talked about what Williams brings to the offense after his second game in a row leading the team in rushing yards.
“Savion obviously did some great things today, particularly early in the game. You know, he made some plays for us down the stretch when we needed him,” said Dykes, “He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s elusive, all the stuff, determined. He’s a hard guy to tackle it’s going to take more than one guy to do it. I thought Texas Tech did a good job for the most part against him, but, you know, he’s gonna, he’s gonna find ways to help you win the football game.”
TCU’s defense stood tall in the biggest moment of the game.
With Texas Tech driving with a chance to win the game with a field goal Ajijolaiya forced a fumble which was recovered by TCU and ended a drive that was closing in on the red zone and was the Red Raiders’ last good opportunity to win the game.
TCU won its second game in a row and will have a chance at its first three-game winning streak of the season when they play Big 12 rival Baylor at 7 p.m. on Saturday at McLane Stadium.
This story was originally published October 26, 2024 at 8:04 PM.
