Oct 4, 2026 6:34 PM
TCU holds BYU to only 216 yards but can't generate enough offense as the Horned Frogs fall 17-10 and drop to 0-2 in Big 12 play.
FORT WORTH, Texas - TCU football got the defensive performance it needed against BYU Saturday night. The Horned Frogs simply couldn't turn it into a win.
Playing through steady rain at Amon G. Carter Stadium, TCU limited the Cougars to just 216 total yards and 62 through the air but managed only one touchdown in a frustrating 17-10 loss.
The defeat dropped TCU to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play, leaving the Horned Frogs searching for answers offensively despite another competitive defensive effort.
“I think we wasted a really impressive defensive performance tonight,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said afterward. “We’ve got to be able to score points.”
That problem defined the night.
Quarterback Jaden Craig threw for 187 yards, while running back Jeremy Payne rushed for 77, but TCU repeatedly failed to finish promising possessions.
BYU created the game's first major break when Faletau Satuala intercepted Craig and returned it 59 yards. The Cougars turned the short field into a Bear Bachmeier touchdown run and a 7-0 advantage.
TCU responded before halftime.
Craig directed an eight-play, 76-yard drive and found tight end Kari Ashley for a 13-yard touchdown, sending the teams into halftime tied 7-7.
Ashley finished with 108 receiving yards, another productive performance for one of TCU's most dependable targets.
But the Horned Frogs never reached the end zone again.
BYU moved ahead 10-7 with a third-quarter field goal before Bachmeier effectively finished the game with a 21-yard touchdown run with 2:06 remaining.
TCU answered with a late 44-yard field goal but couldn't recover the ensuing onside kick.
The loss wasted a standout defensive performance. Hudson Hooper recorded eight tackles, Paul Oyewale added six, and TCU held BYU to its smallest passing output against the Frogs since Kansas managed fewer in 2017.
TCU has now scored only four touchdowns in three games against Power Four opponents this season.
That's the issue Dykes must solve during the upcoming bye week.
The Horned Frogs return Oct. 17 at Baylor. Their defense has given them chances. Now the offense has to start taking advantage of them.
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