Tag: Josh Hoover

3 reasons TCU football will — or won’t — defeat Cincinnati to end regular season
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TCU football is aiming to end the regular season on a high note with one final game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium (broadcast on Fox).

Neither team has played particularly well this month, with the Bearcats (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) in the middle of a three-game losing streak, while the Horned Frogs (7-4, 4-4) have dropped two of their past three games.

Both teams went from being in the Big 12 title race to merely jockeying for bowl position in the final week of the regular season. However, despite that disappointment both teams showed some fight last week as TCU picked up a win over a ranked Houston team, while Cincinnati gave BYU a run for its money.

Both teams have shown flashes of being Top 25-caliber teams, but they’ve also had performances that have left their fan bases scratching their heads. It’s what makes this game fascinating.

Here are three reasons why TCU will come out on top, or end the year with another disappointing defeat:

Three reasons TCU will defeat Cincinnati

1. Scott Satterfield’s struggles

The month of November hasn’t been kind to head coach Scott Satterfield since he took over at Cincinnati. The Bearcats are just 1-10 in November under Satterfield and have allowed 40 points four times and 30 points seven times during that stretch.

The offense goes from being explosive in September and October to a shell of itself. The Bearcats have scored more than 24 points just once and have scored fewer than 20 points six times under Satterfield in November, including last year’s 20-13 defeat to the Horned Frogs.

Based on this trend alone, TCU has a good shot at extending Cincinnati’s losing streak to four games.

2. Jeremy Payne rising?

The emergence of TCU sophomore running back Jeremy Payne has been a significant storyline for this season and the future, as Payne is making his case to be the starter next season. He recorded his first career 100-yard game last week in the win over Houston and also rushed for 71 yards against Iowa State and 55 against BYU’s tough defense.

Payne was known for his speed and his ability to be a change-of-pace back, but now he’s beginning to show he can be an every-down running back. Cincinnati’s run defense has been woeful during its losing streak, and Payne will have a chance for another big performance.

3. Eric McAlister’s last stand

Despite having better numbers than Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Eric McAlister was snubbed at being one of the three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best receiver. That was one of the many preseason goals the talented receiver had, and falling short could serve as extra motivation in what could be his final game as a Horned Frog.

McAlister has produced at least 60 yards in eight straight games, with five games of 100 yards or more during that stretch. Simply put, nobody has been able to slow McAlister down this season, and the Bearcats’ secondary has also struggled during the past three weeks.

Another 100-yard game by McAlister would significantly improve TCU’s chances of winning.

Three reasons Cincinnati will defeat TCU

1. Dontay Corleone

The All-American nose tackle nicknamed “The Godfather” will end his career as one of the greatest players in program history. Corleone hasn’t quite had his usual all-conference production this season — 11 tackles and two quarterback hits — but he’s still the type of player who can single-handedly disrupt a team’s game plan if the offensive line isn’t ready.

The Horned Frogs struggled against the massive interior defensive lines of BYU and Iowa State. Those teams had more depth than Cincinnati, but neither had a player quite like Corleone. If Corleone is able to live in the backfield or occupy blocks to allow talented Bearcats defenders like Jake Golday to make plays, TCU’s offense could be in trouble.

2. TCU’s struggling offense

The Horned Frogs’ offense has had a rough month, with three straight games under 20 points during their 1-2 stretch. Last week against Houston, the offense continued to shoot itself in the foot with four turnovers, including three interceptions by Josh Hoover. TCU also had two touchdowns wiped off the board due to penalties.

Even if you want to argue the calls were weak, it doesn’t change the fact that the offense isn’t executing at a high enough level. Hoover in particular must play better, as he’s thrown seven interceptions in the past three games.

If TCU makes those types of mistakes against Cincinnati, it could open the door for another upset at “The Carter.”

3. Brendan Sorsby’s mobility

Once again TCU will face a dual-threat quarterback when Brendan Sorsby rolls into town. The Horned Frogs have a lot of experience facing mobile quarterbacks this season, but it doesn’t make the challenge any easier. Houston’s offense was lifeless last week until Conner Weigman started being more aggressive scrambling outside the pocket.

Sorsby is also capable of having those moments, and he showed that against TCU last year when he rushed for 93 yards. Sorsby is good enough as a passer and Cincinnati has dangerous receivers, but TCU’s top priority has to be to keep Sorsby in the pocket and make him beat the defense with his arm.

Prediction

The game will mirror last year’s contest with TCU leading most of the way, but the defense needing a late stop to clinch it.

The Horned Frogs win 27-23 to finish the regular season 8-4.

Game schedule dates, times, locations

Nov. 28 at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., Amazon Prime Video

Nov. 29 at L.A. Clippers, 9 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV

Dec. 1 at Denver, 8 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV

Dec. 3 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV

Dec. 5 at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m., Amazon Prime Video

Nov. 28 vs. Wisconsin (at San Diego), 4:30 p.m., Fox

Dec. 5 vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m., ESPN+

Dec. 7 vs. North Texas (at Dickies Arena), 4:30 p.m., ESPN+

Dec. 15 vs. Incarnate Word, 7 p.m., ESPN+

Dec. 18 vs. Oral Roberts, 7 p.m., ESPN+

Nov. 27 vs. Richmond (at Cancun, Mexico), 8 p.m., FloCollege

Nov. 28 vs. UAB (at Cancun, Mexico), 5:30 p.m., FloCollege

Dec. 3 vs. Incarnate Word, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+

Dec. 6 vs. UTEP, 1 p.m., ESPN+

Dec. 14 vs. Jacksonville, 4 p.m., ESPN+

Nov. 28 vs. Utah, 7 p.m., Victory+

Nov. 30 vs. Ottawa, 5 p.m., Victory+

Dec. 2 at N.Y. Rangers, 6 p.m., Victory+

Dec. 3 at New Jersey, 6 p.m., Victory+

Dec. 5 vs. San Jose, 7 p.m., Victory+

Nov. 29 vs. Cincinnati, 2:30 p.m., Fox

End of the regular season

Nov. 28 vs. Temple, 2:30 p.m., ESPN

End of the regular season

NAIA playoffs

William Penn 38, Texas Wesleyan 9

Season complete

Dec. 4 at Detroit, 7:15 p.m., Amazon Prime Video

Dec. 14 vs. Minnesota, 7:20 p.m., NBC

Dec. 21 vs. L.A. Chargers, noon, Fox

Dec. 25 at Washington, noon, Netflix

Jan. 3 or 4 at N.Y. Giants, TBD

Dec. 13-14 Xtreme Xperience

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Steven Johnson

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November 28, 2025
4 takeaways as TCU football holds on for victory at West Virginia

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

It was more difficult than it needed to be, but TCU football did enough to defeat West Virginia 23-17 Saturday night on the road to become bowl eligible.

“We made plays. That’s the bottom line,” head coach Sonny Dykes said. “We did what we had to do to win the game. We made field goals. Nate McCashland did a tremendous job kicking field goals. He had to step up. We were a pretty banged-up football team, and our guys had to gut it out.”

The Horned Frogs (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) led wire to wire, but could never completely pull away from the Mountaineers (2-6, 0-5), who were energized by an impressive home crowd.

TCU didn’t deliver the apparent knockout blow until less than five minutes remained in the game. The Horned Frogs used a 13-play drive to set up a 41-yard field goal for McCashland, and the backup kicker nailed it to put TCU ahead 23-10 with 4:48 remaining.

The game wasn’t over yet, though, as West Virginia scored a quick touchdown when Scotty Fox Jr. threw a 28-yard TD pass to Jeff Weimer with 3:15 remaining.

TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister celebrates in the end zone Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. Brien Aho Getty Images

After nearly allowing West Virginia to recover the onside kick, TCU needed to pick up a first down to clinch the win. Quarterback Josh Hoover hit wide receiver Eric McAlister for the first down, but a West Virginia player knocked the ball loose. Wide receiver Major Everhart ended up being the hero, as he was there to recover the fumble, and TCU was able to end the game in victory formation.

“The last two road games we found a way to lose, and tonight we found a way to win,” Dykes said.

The Horned Frogs have a bye next week before a grueling four-game stretch to finish the regular season. They host Iowa State on Nov. 8, then play at BYU and Houston before hosting Cincinnati.

Here are four takeaways from the win:

Which Josh Hoover showed up?

After struggling in the past two Big 12 road games, Hoover had a better showing against West Virginia. He still wasn’t as sharp as he’s been when playing in Fort Worth, but the junior did enough to help the Horned Frogs avoid a devastating upset.

Hoover helped TCU take a 20-7 lead at halftime after completing 12 of his 20 passes for 114 yards while tossing a 4-yard touchdown to McAlister. It took awhile for the offense to find its rhythm in the second half, as the Horned Frogs went scoreless in the third quarter. At the beginning of the fourth quarter TCU was just 2-of-10 on third down.

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover completed 24 of 39 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown against West Virginia on Saturday. Brien Aho Getty Images

Hoover helped the offense convert two pivotal third downs on the decisive drive late in the fourth quarter as the Horned Frogs took over six minutes off the clock before McCashland’s field goal.

It wasn’t Hoover’s best game, but he avoided costly turnovers that led to TCU falling at Arizona State and Kansas State. He ended up completing 24 of 39 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.

“I thought we did a good job of taking care of the football,” Hoover said. “There weren’t many negative plays. We played clean football and did a good job of staying ahead of the sticks. I thought we did a good job, and I think coach called a good game.”

Trent Battle steps up

TCU starting running back Kevorian Barnes exited the game after just one carry with an unknown injury, forcing the Horned Frogs to rely on their depth. They were already playing without Jeremy Payne, meaning it was senior Trent Battle’s turn to be the lead back.

The veteran rose to the occasion with a strong performance in the first half. Battle had 66 yards on 11 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown and a 46-yard run that helped TCU extend its lead to 20-7 right before halftime.

Battle has shown he can be a change-of-pace back this year, but his effort against Mountaineers also showcased that he can handle the workload. He finished with a career-high 89 yards on 19 carries.

Barnes returned and got most of the workload in the fourth quarter.

Major impact

Playing without its two top slot receivers, Ed Small and Joseph Manjack, the Horned Frogs needed somebody in the wide receiver room to step up, and it was Everhart who answered the call. The junior has missed most of the season with an injury, but it didn’t take long for him to showcase his explosive speed against the Mountaineers.

The Horned Frogs mostly used Everhart in the RPO (run-pass option) game, letting him attack the flat with a full head of steam. Everhart took one short pass from Hoover 26 yards to set up TCU’s first score, a 35-yard field goal from McCashland.

TCU wide receiver Major Everhart made four catches for 45 yards but also drew a key penalty and made a critical fumble recovery. Brien Aho Getty Images

Everhart had two more pivotal plays for the Horned Frogs midway through the second quarter. First, he drew a defensive pass interference on third down after beating his man on a slot fade. Later in the drive, Everhart took another short pass 18 yards to eventually set up a McAlister touchdown that increased TCU’s lead to 17-7 with 6:12 remaining in the first half.

On the final drive, he made the game-saving fumble recovery on McAlister’s clinching catch for a first down. Everhart finished with four catches for 45 yards.

“We knew Major was going to have a great opportunity to make some plays tonight,” Hoover said. “I love the way he’s been practicing. He was in my class coming in here, so we’ve had a good relationship, and there’s something I love about the way he plays, the way he practices and just who he is as a person.”

Defensive delivers

After playing some of the country’s best offenses the past few weeks, TCU had a much simpler task facing a heavily hobbled West Virginia offense. Playing without starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol and its top two running backs, the Mountaineers were limited offensively, and TCU’s defense did a tremendous job of not giving the West Virginia offense confidence.

The Horned Frogs held West Virginia to just 3.5 yards per play in the first half and excelled at getting off the field. The Mountaineers were just 2-of-9 on third down in the first half and 1-of-5 on fourth down. The physicality of TCU’s defense shined on fourth down, as most of those conversion attempts were fourth-and-short, including a few attempts at the tush push.

Despite how well the defense played, the Horned Frogs’ offense continued to give West Virginia chance after chance as they failed to deliver the knockout blow until the fourth quarter.

Linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr led the way defensively with 16 tackles as he became the first Horned Frog to record 15-plus tackles in consecutive games since 1995. Safety Bud Clark also had 13 tackles.

This story was originally published October 25, 2025 at 8:28 PM.

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Steven Johnson

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October 25, 2025
Four takeaways from TCU football’s disastrous loss at Kansas State

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MANHATTAN, Kan.

TCU football’s struggles at Kansas State continued, as the Horned Frogs were upset 41-28 by the Wildcats on Saturday.

It was the program’s fourth straight loss in Manhattan and the second for head coach Sonny Dykes after TCU was manhandled 41-3 in 2023.

“Well, that was a bad performance this afternoon,” Dykes said. “Didn’t do a good enough job of us going out and playing. That begins with us and what we did from a coaching standpoint, a game-planning standpoint. We have to do better.”

This one may have been even more frustrating to watch considering Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Big 12) entered the game with a loss to Army and narrow win over North Dakota. That didn’t matter, as TCU (4-2, 1-2) collapsed in the second half due to turnovers, questionable play calling and a defense that ran out of gas.

TCU took a 7-0 lead, but allowed the Wildcats to reel off 28 unanswered points, aided by two defensive touchdowns.

After trailing 28-7, the Horned Frogs made it a game at the end of the third quarter after Josh Hoover threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Chase Curtis. But the Wildcats put the game away with a 12-play drive that was capped off with Avery Johnson perfectly floating a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley to make it 35-14 with 10:22 remaining.

The Horned Frogs briefly had a small window to pull off an improbable comeback after Hoover threw a 85-yard touchdown to Eric McAlister and the defense forced a three-and-out. But Hoover’s pass to Kevorian Barnes on the ensuing drive was picked off with less than eight minutes remaining the end the comeback attempt.

TCU returns home to host Baylor (4-2, 2-1) at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Here are four takeaways from the loss:

Josh Hoover struggles

It was Hoover’s second trip to Manhattan, and it didn’t look much different than the first one in 2023. Hoover was on point early with his accuracy, but his receivers didn’t give him much help with numerous drops in the first half

But as the game progressed, it became less about the receivers and more about Hoover, who had the worst game of the season. Yep, it was worse than the three-turnover game against Arizona State.

Why? Because Hoover’s two turnovers led directly to points. The first came in the second quarter when a screen pass to Ed Small was ruled a backwards pass, and Kansas State returned the fumble for a touchdown.

Trailing 14-7 in the third quarter, Hoover stared down Eric McAlister on a stop route, and Kansas State made him pay for it as Des Purnell picked Hoover off and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to increase the deficit to 21-7.

Hoover ended up throwing for 376 yards and added two more touchdown passes, but for the second time in Big 12 play, he was outplayed by the opposing quarterback and had multiple game-changing turnovers that doomed the Horned Frogs down the stretch.

“I had an unfortunate deal that happened early. I made it a tough catch for Ed, and I’ve got to give him a better ball,” Hoover said. “I had the interception for a touchdown. … Those first two plays seem to have lost us the game.”

Another dynamic QB matchup

You can’t blame the TCU defense if it’s tired of having face so many of the most athletic quarterbacks in the country. For the fourth straight game and fifth time this season, the Horned Frogs had to deal with a dual-threat quarterback, and Kansas State’s Avery Johnson was among the most athletic the defense has faced this season.

Johnson did more damage with his arm initially, as he was held to just 10 rushing yards in the first half, but still threw for 141 yards. His best throw came on a coverage bust by TCU when he hit a wide-open Garrett Oakley for a 32-yard score to tie the game at 7 with with 2:45 remaining in the second quarter. That drive and the subsequent play of the Kansas State defense allowed him to build confidence in the second half.

Leading 21-7, Johnson converted a fourth down and then threw a 17-yard strike to Oakley to increase the Wildcats’ lead to 28-7. Johnson’s final stat line wasn’t overly impressive, but he made clutch throws when needed and avoided costly turnovers like Hoover did.

Johnson completed 16 of 26 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 29 yards.

Kevorian Barnes is back

Maybe the answer to TCU’s struggles in the run game is simply having a healthy Kevorian Barnes available?

Fully recovered from his injury, Barnes looked like he did against North Carolina with an impressive showing on the ground. Barnes averaged 7.3 yards per carry in the first half as his jump-cutting ability and vision as a rusher shined.

You could make the case TCU should have leaned on Barnes even more in the first half and even more to begin the second half, as Barnes was unable to make an impact with the game getting away from the Horned Frogs so quickly due to turnovers.

Barnes finished with 81 yards despite having just three carries in the second half.

“We kind of had to [get away from the ground game] because the game got away from us pretty quickly,” Dykes said.

Rough half for TCU receivers

The first half was evenly matched, but the Wildcats went into halftime ahead 14-7 thanks in large part to the struggles of TCU’s receiver group. The Horned Frogs’ wideouts had five drops in the first half, with many serving as a drive killers. On the Horned Frogs’ second drive of the game TCU had to overcome drops by Manjack and Small.

Manjack dropped what could’ve been a 20-plus yard gain, while Small dropped a pass on fourth down when he had a chance to pick up the first inside the red zone. Two more pivotal drops would come late in the second quarter, and the first was massive. Small couldn’t reel in a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and it was ruled a fumble. The Wildcats scooped it up and returned it for a score to take a 14-7 lead with 2:02 remaining in the half.

The Horned Frogs were driving to tie the game when Hoover had Jordan Dwyer wide open at the Kansas State 20, but the pass was behind Dwyer and he dropped it. TCU would be forced to punt a few plays later after a holding call negated Hoover picking up the first down with his legs.

It was an uncharacteristic performance by the unit and ultimately led to TCU trailing at the half.

“That’s a lot of drops. We did not play well on offense,” Dykes said. “We just got in our own way and self-destructed.”

The receivers rebounded in the second half with Small and McAlister each having over 100 yards.

This story was originally published October 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM.

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Steven Johnson

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October 11, 2025