FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 31: Texas Christian University Horned Frogs wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (7) catches a pass for a first down during the game between the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the Kansas Jayhawks on October 31, 2026 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 31: Texas Christian University Horned Frogs wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (7) catches a pass for a first down during the game between the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the Kansas Jayhawks on October 31, 2026 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images · Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Great defense. Inconsistent offense.

TCU’s up-and-down season continued Saturday afternoon, when the Horned Frogs converted a late fourth-quarter touchdown and made one final defensive stop in the closing seconds to earn a 22-16 win over Kansas and return to the .500 mark on the season. Defense continues to carry the day, as linebacker Max Carroll scored on a pick-six, defensive end Koron Hayward added another sack to his total of 5.5 for the season, defensive tackle Markis Deal recovered a fumble and safety Jamel Johnson racked up 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Offensively, however, TCU’s struggles continued. Jaden Craig posted his lowest passing total of the season with 141 yards and zero touchdowns. While Craig had his best rushing day as a Horned Frog, going for 87 yards and the game-clinching score late in the fourth quarter, TCU received minimal production from running backs Jon Denman (three carries, 10 yards) and Amante Martin (seven carries, 15 yards). The Jayhawks held top receiver Jordan Dwyer (six catches, 46 yards) in check and Craig completed only 13 of his 29 passes (44.1%).

Saturday’s game was TCU’s first since dismissing co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach AJ Ricker. The O-line allowed just one sack, an improvement from the 11 sacks it had allowed over the last three games. But without starting running back Jeremy Payne, who may miss this week’s game against Arizona, TCU has not found any rhythm on the ground. That could mean for carries for Craig, who led the team with 15 of them against KU.

It could also mean more Ace Theus. The young receiver showed some Derius Davis-like rushing ability with a 28-yard touchdown run in the second half. At 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Big 12, TCU enters November out of the conference title hunt but still fighting for a bowl game. The Horned Frogs will need to play their best football down the stretch, as ranked matchups against Arizona, Utah and Texas Tech still remain. TCU also still has to play Kansas State, which may not have Avery Johnson, but remains a tough opponent regardless.

Source: Yahoo Sports