TCU Football: 3 takeaways from Horned Frogs upset of Oklahoma

Today, TCU football and Max Duggan put the country on notice. After being the most efficient passer in the country over their first three games, Duggan showed out against an Oklahoma team that needed a bounce-back win. Duggan threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns, while adding another 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. What does this 55-24 game mean for both teams, and what are the takeaways?

1. Oklahoma might need some time to rebuild

After being the most dominant team in the Big 12, Oklahoma is in an unfamiliar territory having lost its last two games. After a coach like Lincoln Riley leaves, along with a large amount of their top recruits, it is to be expected that a team would have some struggles. However, new hire Brent Venables (ex Clemson Defensive Coordinator) changed the thought process, bringing in grad transfer QB Dillon Gabriel for this year and top Juco QB General Booty for the future.

After 5 weeks of football, Oklahoma is 3-2 and the defense is in shambles. QB Dillon Gabriel left the game today with an injury, forcing Oklahoma to use backup Davis Benville. With their backs against the wall, Oklahoma needs to bounce back against Texas next week, or they may struggle to make a bowl game.

2. TCU football is a Force

Going under the radar for the first 3 weeks, TCU has put up crazy offensive numbers, ranking third in the country with 10.16 yards per completion on passing plays. Not only did the offense put up over 600 yards today, but TCU held Oklahoma under 25 points which is impressive against any Oklahoma offense. However, this did come with Dillon Gabriel out, who was removed after a scary hit in the second quarter.

Even with Gabriel in at this point, the game was already out of hand. Credit the TCU defense for holding Oklahoma under 25 points for the first time since September of 2021.

3. TCU Football’s Max Duggan is a legit Heisman contender

After being in a QB battle most of the summer, and not playing much Week 1, Max Duggan has all but sealed his starting job. With only three full games, his stats are Heisman worthy. After today’s win over Oklahoma, Duggan has 11 touchdowns to 0 interceptions and has already surpassed 1,000 yards passing on the year. This isn’t even mentioning his rushing performance today. Showing off his track speed (state finalist in the 200m dash in my home state of Iowa) on a 60-yard rush.

If he can keep up these numbers, he will be a guaranteed Heisman finalist by the end of the year. TCU is known for their high-powered offense, so it will be fun to see how Duggan plays when all eyes turn his way.