The TCU Horned Frogs started off slow against the UNLV Rebels leading only 7-3 at the end of the first half, but the second quarter is when TCU took over as they outscored UNLV 28-3. The TCU defense had another dominant performance by holding UNLV not only to just nine points but held them 164 total yards of offense and had an interception returned for a touchdown by Kris Gardner at the end of the first half. TCU also had a strong day on special teams as Greg McCoy returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, also in the second quarter.
Quarterback Casey Pachall had a pedestrian performance by going 15-for-22 for 183 yards, but when the defense and special teams kept the offense on the field for a good portion of the second quarter low stats is a reason for the low output of yards.
The running game for TCU is what led the offense as all of their offensive touchdowns came on the ground and that would be six scores on the day. Waymon James had two scores on 38 yards and Matthew Tucker led the team with 57 yards and also had a touchdown.
The win was big for TCU as the Houston Cougars lost in the Conference USA championship game and now the Horned Frogs have a shot to earn their third-straight BCS bowl berth. TCU needs to finish No. 16 -- currently they are No. 18 -- when tomorrow's final BCS standings are released to earn an a BCS bid.
For more on the TCU Horned Frogs go check out Frogs O War.