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Last-second field goal keeps TCU in the playoff hunt

Graham Watson

TCU’s contest against West Virginia was not the Horned Frogs' best game.

The poor weather combined with the hostile Morgantown, W.Va., crowd made for a very sloppy game. But somehow, the Horned Frogs managed to escape with a 31-30 win thanks to a 37-yard field goal from Jaden Oberkrom as time expired.

While this game was touted to be a offensive showdown, it was the defense that made the difference for TCU. The Horned Frogs forced five turnovers in the game and three three-and-outs in the fourth quarter to overcome a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Offensively, however, the Horned Frogs looked pedestrian.

After putting up more than 80 points against Texas Tech last week, TCU struggled to get any fluidity in its passing game. Heisman hopeful quarterback Trevone Boykin completed just 12-of-30 passes for 166 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for 49 yards and a score. The Horned Frogs best offense came on the ground, led by B.J. Catalon, who had 105 yards and two touchdowns.

Still, that kind of offensive performance was par for the course for teams against West Virginia’s defense. It also made Baylor and Oklahoma State look pretty pedestrian and both of those teams lost. So, TCU should probably consider itself lucky.

The Mountaineers may have to be the best three-loss team in the country with losses to Alabama, Oklahoma and now TCU, but its chances of winning the Big 12 title now drop considerably. Still, coach Dana Holgorsen should be commended for turning this team from a perceived cellar dweller into one of the most feared in the conference.

As for TCU, things don’t get any easier with a big game against Kansas State looming next week. While this contest will look good in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee, all that good will could be gone with a flub against the Wildcats.

For more TCU news, visit PurpleMenace.com.

For more West Virginia news, visit WVSports.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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