TCU Edges Out Houston in a Hard-Fought Contest: TCU 17, Houston 14
Recap of TCU vs Houston (17-14). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
TCU Edges Out Houston in a Hard-Fought Contest: TCU 17, Houston 14
Game Result Overview
In a tightly contested regular season matchup, the TCU Horned Frogs emerged victorious over the Houston Cougars with a final score of 17-14. The game, played on November 22nd, 2025, saw both teams battle fiercely, with TCU ultimately securing the win.
Key Individual Performances
TCU's offense was spearheaded by quarterback Josh Hoover, who showcased a stellar performance, throwing for 293 yards and two touchdowns on 24 completions out of 33 attempts. His primary target, Joseph Manjack, led the receiving corps with 95 yards on 9 receptions. Eric McAlister added 79 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Horned Frogs. On the ground, Jeremy Payne led the TCU rushing attack with 103 yards on 18 carries. Defensively, Kaleb Elarms-Orr stood out for TCU with 15 tackles, showcasing his impact on the field.
For Houston, quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns, completing 15 of 29 passes. Amare Thomas was the leading receiver for the Cougars, with 72 yards and a touchdown. Dean Connors led the Houston rushing attack with 75 yards. Eddie Walls III and Jalen Garner were the defensive leaders for Houston, each recording 9 tackles.
Turning Points
Several key plays shaped the outcome of this thrilling contest. In the 1st quarter, a pass from Conner Weigman to Dean Connors resulted in a loss of 4 yards for the Cougars, setting a negative tone. In the 2nd quarter, Houston's Dean Connors broke off a 54-yard run, which provided a significant boost for the Cougars' offense. However, the momentum shifted in the 4th quarter when TCU's returner, Jordan Dwyer, had a 53-yard punt return that set up the Horned Frogs in good field position. Later in the 4th quarter, Houston's Conner Weigman had a 38-yard run to the TCU26 to get the Cougars into scoring position. However, Houston struggled to convert on the offensive side of the ball, as well as missing 2 field goals.
The Horned Frogs also had a few key negative plays. In the 3rd quarter, TCU quarterback Josh Hoover was sacked for a loss of 14 yards. In the 4th quarter, Houston's defense continued to make plays, with Kaleb Elarms-Orr making a tackle for a loss of 6 yards.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a significant win for the TCU Horned Frogs, giving them a boost in the standings. Both teams will need to address their weaknesses as the season progresses. Houston will look to improve its offensive efficiency and red-zone performance. TCU will look to build on its passing game and defensive prowess. Both TCU and Houston will be looking to build on this game as they move forward.