TCU-Minnesota game breakdown: Lathan’s big play helped stake Frogs to early lead

First-quarter highlight

Defensive end Terrell Lathan swooped in from the blind side for a strip-sack of Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner, sending the ball into the hands of defensive end Josh Carraway. It set up a red-zone touchdown for TCU and a 10-0 lead.

Second-quarter highlight

Standing between Minnesota running back Rodrick Williams and the end zone, Derrick Kindred went low for the tackle and forced a fumble. The ball bounced into the end zone, where Nick Orr recovered for the Horned Frogs to maintain a 10-0 lead.

Third-quarter highlight

Quarterback Trevone Boykin’s 19-yard touchdown run showcased his value for TCU. He is clearly a passing threat after setting a school record for passing yards last year, but his legs give the Horned Frogs yet another scoring dimension.

The Horned Frogs converged on Leidner in the end zone and almost recorded a safety. Instead, an official review ruled the play as a fumble and it was recovered by the Gophers at the 1-yard line, essentially halting the Minnesota drive.

Game balls

Terrell Lathan: The senior defensive end tilted the field in TCU’s favor early with a strip-sack.

Trevone Boykin: Despite a hit-and-miss first half and a third-quarter interception, the Heisman Trophy hopeful delivered the required plays for the offense. He accounted for 338 yards of total offense and two touchdowns, passing for 246 yards (26 of 42) and running for 92 and a score.

Josh Doctson: The senior receiver had to be held back in practice because of an injury, but he caught the first pass of the game, scored a touchdown and led the team in receptions with eight for 74 yards.

Numbers game

26 Consecutive games with a takeaway for the TCU defense. Terrell Lathan had a strip-sack in the first quarter, and Derrick Kindred forced a fumble in the second quarter.

8 Players with a catch for TCU against the Golden Gophers. That included true freshman KaVontae Turpin.

54,147 Attendance for Thursday’s game, a record at TCF Bank Stadium, home field of the Golden Gophers.

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 12:16 AM with the headline "TCU-Minnesota game breakdown: Lathan’s big play helped stake Frogs to early lead."