TCU pulls away from Arizona 49-28 with relentless offense
FORT WORTH, Texas -- — Josh Hoover threw for 252 yards and a touchdown and JP Richardson had 149 all-purpose yards and a 38-yard touchdown reception to lead TCU over Arizona 49-28 on Saturday.On the first play from scrimmage, Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita was intercepted by Bud Clark and TCU scored five plays later on Trent Battle’s 4-yard run.
The Horned Frogs scored touchdowns on five straight drives, going at least 75 yards on nine or more plays on three of the possessions.
TCU (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) drove 75 yards in 12 plays in the final 1:55 of the first half to take a 21-13 lead on Savion Williams’ 20-yard run. Hoover completed five passes on the drive, including gains of 24, 19, and 24 yards to set up Williams’ score with 20 seconds left in the half.
The Horned Frogs took the second-half kickoff and drove 76 yards in nine plays to build a 28-13 lead on Battle’s 1-yard run.
"We had two series where it didn’t look very good, but the last drive of the first half and the second half were the two pivotal moments of the game," TCU coach Sonny Dykes said.
Richardson’s 33-yard punt return to the Arizona 34 set up a third touchdown in three possessions. He caught a short pass over the middle from Hoover and raced untouched 38 yards for the score and a 35-13 lead. Richardson led TCU with six catches for 107 yards.
Four TCU running backs scored a touchdown, including Williams, who rushed for 80 yards and two scores. Battle also rushed for 28 yards and two scores.
Fifita was 29 of 44 for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Arizona (4-7, 2-6). Tetairoa McMillan made nine catches for 115 yards.
“Everyone is disappointed. It’s hard when you go through a season like this,” Arizona coach Brent Brennan said. “It’s challenging on every level. I love these players.”
TCU: The Horned Frogs, who became bowl-eligible two weeks ago, won their third consecutive game at Amon Carter Stadium after losing two in a row to UCF and Houston. TCU has won four of its past five, the only blemish a 37-34 last-second loss at Baylor.
Arizona: Hosts Arizona State on Saturday.
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