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5 takeaways from TCU’s win over Kansas: Big day for tight ends, defense leads Frogs to lopsided victory

All of quarterback Max Duggan’s completed passes were to tight ends.

The Frogs got it done in Lawrence with a 59-23 win over the Jayhawks on Saturday. The win extends TCU’s win total over Kansas to eight since joining the Big 12 in 2012.

This also brings the Frogs to .500 for the third time this season.

Here are five takeaways from TCU’s blowout win over Kansas:

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Starting fast

Going into the locker room at halftime, the Frogs led the Jayhawks 38-12.

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The offense was on fire right out of the gates, with each of Duggan’s first three completed throws being touchdown passes. The rushing unit ran the ball for 248 yards through the first 30 minutes — a number it hasn’t reached during a full game this season except for one (Texas Tech).

Kansas’ defense only forced the Frogs to punt the ball three times in the first half. All other drives ended in touchdowns (5) or field goals (1). Meanwhile, the Frogs’ defense forced the Jayhawks to punt the ball seven times.

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TCU’s offensive unit wasn’t the only one dominating in the first half. The Frogs’ defense held Kansas to just one first down in the first quarter and four total through the first half.

The Jayhawks finished the first half with negative rushing yards on 19 rushing attempts.

Zach Evans explodes

TCU had six different players carry the ball against Kansas for a total of 337 yards and two touchdowns. Five-star freshman Zach Evans was responsible for 100 of those yards.

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Evans’ highest rushing total heading into the weekend was 81 yards against Baylor. He also recorded his first career start Saturday.

He is someone the Frogs have been wanting to take off this season, but has spent some time learning the playbook after being out a portion of the offseason due to COVID exposures.

Tight ends step up

A large portion of TCU’s touchdowns came from the tight ends Saturday. All of Duggan’s completed passes were to tight ends — Pro Wells (2) and Carter Ware (1). All of those were touchdowns.

Coming into tonight’s game, Wells had just 10 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. On Saturday, doubled the TD’s and matched the yardage.

Coming into the game against the Jayhawks, Ware had just two receptions for 14 yards. His touchdown alone was 26 yards.

Duggan connecting with these tight ends is good for the Frogs heading into the Oklahoma State game next week, as this will cause the Cowboys to have to focus on multiple X-factors for the Frogs.

Offensive line improvement

Heading into tonight’s game, the Frogs had given up a sack in every game. That was not the case tonight. TCU’s offensive line held strong against the Jayhawks and allowed no sacks and just three tackles for loss.

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Duggan had noticeably more time in the pocket during the game than he had during other games this season, and when he was able to find an open receiver, he was able to hold the ball long enough for them to get downfield and into the endzone.

Defensive points

Three of TCU’s eight touchdowns came from the defense. One on a punt return by Derius Davis, and another on an interception made by CJ Ceasar. Dee Winters also picked up a fumble forced by Ochaun Mathis for six.

This will be a confidence booster for the Frogs’ defense going into their matchup against No. 23 Oklahoma State.

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