FORT WORTH, TX – OCTOBER 24: West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Robert Oliver (85) battles for the football with Texas Christian University Horned Frogs safety Kylin Jackson (6) during the game between the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2026 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Jaden Craig threw for 372 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score, but his fumble on a sack in the final minute ended TCU‘s last-gasp drive and sent the Horned Frogs to a 24-20 loss at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday.
Craig had driven the Frogs from their 10 to inside the opposing red zone before the decisive fumble.
Yards don’t equal points
TCU outgained West Virginia 484-265 in the loss, but lost the turnover battle 3-1.
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The Horned Frogs had 29 first downs to the Mountaineers’ 17.
FORT WORTH, TX – OCTOBER 24: Texas Christian University Horned Frogs tight end Kari Ashley (81) leaps over West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Geimere Latimer II (1) after catching a pass during the game between the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 24, 2026 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Offense struggles to maintain early momentum
Quarterback Jaden Craig helped get the offense moving early, opening the game by completing his first 10 passes, including a 24-yard completion to Kari Ashley. He later connected with Ka’Morreun Pimpton for a touchdown, capping TCU’s longest touchdown drive of the season in both number plays and time consumed.
However, the Frogs struggled to maintain that momentum. Craig missed two passes intended for Ed Small in the first half, and a later pass intended for Pimpton was intercepted by West Virginia after Pimpton tipped the ball while trying to make the catch. The interception marked TCU’s second turnover of the game.
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TCU responded with Craig notching a touchdown in the third quarter with his feet to give the Frogs a 20-17 lead. But he continued to struggle at times with risky throws and delayed reactions, which limited the offense’s ability to sustain momentum.
Frogs defense lacked discipline
TCU knew heading into the game that West Virginia’s offense would be a tough test. The Frogs’ defense has helped keep the team competitive this season, and it held West Virginia to 265 yards on Saturday. But the defense was flagged for six defensive penalties totaling 61 yards.
The Frogs had a big moment when Kylin Jackson intercepted a pass, giving the offense another opportunity. However, TCU struggled to turn defensive stops into points. Following a touchdown by West Virginia in the fourth quarter, the Frogs were unable to bounce back.
Jeremy Payne’s absence tested RB depth
TCU was without key running back Jeremy Payne, who has averaged 4.9 yards per carry this season. His absence tested the Frogs’ running back depth, especially with third-string running back Landon Walker also out this week. That left Jon Denman to take on a larger role in the backfield for the Frogs.
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Denman made his presence felt late in the third quarter, breaking off a 21-yard run up the middle to pick up a first down and help set up TCU’s scoring drive. Denman finished with 58 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
Homecoming for the Horned Frogs
Homecoming weekend brought alumni back to Amon G. Carter Stadium to support the Horned Frogs. The student section showed up as TCU played one of its closest games of the season. TCU Spirit joined alumni for halftime performances, and the university recognized outstanding seniors. The Frogs, unfortunately, couldn’t cap off the weekend with a win in front of the home crowd.