First-half observations from TCU 28, SMU 17

Trevone Boykin and the TCU offense can keep up in a big-play game. Boykin completed plays of 54 and 61 yards. After his 29-yard touchdown throw to Josh Doctson, Boykin was averaging 18.3 yards per attempt, about 2  1/2 times over what is considered good. Boykin showcased the skill that makes him a Heisman Trophhy candidate with a spectacular touchdown run, avoiding a sack before scrambling 20 yards and plowing head first into the end zone.

SMU quarterback Matt Davis is as advertised. He is mobile, has a big arm and isn’t afraid to take shots downfield. He threw deep into the endc zone on the first drive to draw a PI against TCU’s Terrance Mosley. And his receivers made plays for him. Ryheem Malone climbed the ladder for a big catch on a third down. Only a holding penalty prevented another huge catch by Courtland Sutton.

Get the ball in Kavontae Turpin’s hands. That is what TCU’s offensive staff has been thinking for weeks, and they continue to try. The freshman receiver had a 61-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. He caught the ball in open space, and no one was going to catch him once he got going in a straight line.

Defensively, the Horned Frogs have their hands full but are holding it together. They got two sacks in the first quarter, and safety Denzel Johnson and Derrick Kindred each tipped a ball to prevent third-down conversions. The Frogs, missing six starters from what they thought would be their standard lineup, continue to try to learn on the run.

It may have been another expensive half, from a personnel standpoint, for TCU. Defensive end Terrell Lathan left the game, came back in, then left again. He sat on the training table getting his left shoulder looked at and then was walked to the locker room. The Frogs are already missing six defensive starters, six to injury and one for personal reasons. Cornerback Ranthony Texada spent part of the second quarter on the training table with ice on his right knee.

This story was originally published September 19, 2015 at 8:41 PM with the headline "First-half observations from TCU 28, SMU 17."