Josh Hoover leads TCU to win despite loss of Kevorian Barnes

Field Level Media|published: Sat 13th September, 23:42 2025

NCAA Football: Texas Christian at North Carolina

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Josh Hoover tied a career high with four touchdown passes to lead TCU to a 42-21 victory over visiting Abilene Christian on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.

Hoover, who exited early in the fourth quarter after TCU went ahead 42-9, enjoyed a 21-for-27 night for 337 yards as coach Sonny Dykes celebrated his 100th victory. Aside from a one-play, kneel-down drive that ended the first half, the Horned Frogs (2-0) ended Hoover's other six drives in the end zone.

Joseph Manjack IV caught four passes for 114 yards and Jordan Dwyer finished with five receptions for 89 yards and a score.

After getting an early off week in the wake of their Sept. 1 trouncing of North Carolina on the road, the Horned Frogs showed no rust. They racked up 489 yards on offense, went 9-for-11 on third downs and gashed the Wildcats (1-2) for seven plays of at least 20 yards.

While the Wildcats could not contain TCU's offense, they showed they could move the ball on a Power 4 team. The FCS school finished with 453 yards of offense. They held the ball for 36:43 and converted 12 of 17 third downs. However, Abilene Christian could not overcome a 28-0 halftime deficit.

Stone Earle completed 22 of 29 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns, and Rovaughn Banks Jr. ran for 105 yards and a score on 19 carries to lead the Wildcats.

Hoover threw for 217 yards in the first half, at one point connecting on 13 of 14 passes. He threw three touchdowns in the half, with two going to freshman receiver Ed Small.

Horned Frogs starting running back Kevorian Barnes left the game after going down on a 7-yard carry with less than two minutes left in the first half. The UTSA transfer grabbed his left leg but walked off on his own. He went to the locker room before halftime, and the team announced he would not return for precautionary reasons.

Barnes, who amassed 113 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, on 11 carries against North Carolina on Sept. 1, finished Saturday with 43 yards on 10 attempts.

--Field Level Media