FORT WORTH, TX – TCU shows a promising future for the 2021-22 football season after defeating Duquesne 45-3 in the season opener on Saturday night.
The First drive of the night for the Frogs ended in Quarterback Max Duggan running the ball for a touchdown. Duggan’s ability to run the ball has been the talk of the town during preseason. His legs give him an extra variable, making him a big threat on the field.
The next two touchdowns in the first quarter for TCU were made by running back Emari Demercado and Zach Evans. Evans’ touchdown came from a pick from the TCU’s secondary, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, who is expected to have a fantastic year for the Horned Frogs.
With two minutes left in the first quarter, Joe Mischlerr, Duquesne’s quarterback, goes down due to a big hit from defensive end Oshawn Mathis. An already struggling Duquesne team was forced to rely on their second string quarterback for the remainder of the game.
TCU’s defense shut down Duquesne in the first quarter. Keeping the Dukes at 15 total offensive yards.
Frogs led 21-0 at the end of the first.
The score continued to add as the second quarter got underway. Max Duggan threw his first interception after completing a 48 yard throw the previous play giving Duquesne their first stop of the night. The offense was not phased and went on to score two more touchdowns by running back Kendre Miller and wide receiver Derius Davis making it a 35-0 lead going into the half.
Going into the locker room Duggan went 14/19 and threw for 207 yards.
TCU’s defense did not led up. They sent Duquesne into the locker room with 0 pasing yards at the half.
Coming out of the half, Duquesne showed some grit in the third quarter. The first play Darius Perrantes throws for 37 yards to get the Dukes in field goal range. They came up short of a touchdown and settled for three points. The Dukes got on the board for the first time with 8:19 left in the third quarter.
The Dukes defense stopped the Horned Frogs in the third quarter and TCU only scored a field goal. TCU went into the fourth quarter up 38-3.
TCU scored another touchdown with second string quarterback Matthew Downing to finish off the game with a 45-3 victory.
Head coach Gary Patterson said, “He liked what he saw on offense but they got some work to do before competing against Cal’s defense next Saturday.”
Teamwork was the name of the game tonight.
All six touchdowns were made by six different Horned Frogs.
Along with the offense, TCU’s defense was a sight to see tonight as well. The Horned Frogs held Duquesne to 137 total yards on offense.
TCU’s season starts off with four home games. The Horned Frogs will be back in Fort Worth next Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff against California.
STATS :
TCU totaled 253 passing yards and 178 rushing yards. Totaling 431 yards of total offense.
KEY PLAYERS :
Max Duggan threw for 207 yards with 14/19 completions, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Kendre Miller led with 70 rushing yards on 8 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Derius Davis led with 57 receiving yards.
