TCU back in action after bye, hosts Abilene Christian

Field Level Media|published: Thu 11th September, 16:07 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 first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

TCU will take the field for the first time in nearly two weeks when the Horned Frogs host Abilene Christian at Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday.

The Horned Frogs (1-0) haven't played since Sept. 1, when they rocked North Carolina 48-14.

TCU put up 542 yards of offense on Bill Belichick's Tar Heels in the season opener. Josh Hoover completed 27 of 36 pass attempts for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The defense also got in the act with safety Bud Clark returning an interception for a score and linebacker Devean Deal returning a fumble for a touchdown.

The Horned Frogs also got a couple of big performances from offseason transfers. Kevorian Barnes, who came from UTSA, opened the second half with a 75-yard touchdown run as part of an 11-carry, 113-yard performance. Jordan Dwyer, who previously played at Idaho, caught nine passes for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Coach Sonny Dykes said on his weekly radio show that the junior receiver's performance was huge, especially after he played at an FCS school for the past three seasons.

"I don't think that (North Carolina) really knew that much about Jordan, and, you know, quite frankly, we didn't either," Dykes said. "We saw him practice a bunch, but we weren't sure how he was going to perform when the lights came on at (the FBS) level."

Abilene Christian, ranked No. 13 in this week's FCS coaches' poll, beat Stephen F. Austin 28-20 last Saturday. Running back Jordon Vaughn gained 87 yards and scored twice on 23 carries.

This will be the second time the Wildcats play up a level this season. They lost 35-7 at Tulsa on Aug. 30.

Wildcats coach Keith Patterson told reporters Monday the team does not discuss its opponent heading into a game.

"Believe it or not, we're focusing on what's our identity as a football program and in what are the things that we got to do to get better," Patterson said. "I can't control our opponent. I can't control what they do. But I can control what we do, and we're just trying to get better."

--Field Level Media